How to get CS2 skins through Valve's weekly Care Package
How the weekly Care Package in CS2 works: what you can choose, which collections joined the drop list and how Dead Hand Terminals fit in.
In its release notes for Sept. 27, 2023, Valve wrote that Counter-Strike 2 was now available and free to play. The same notes introduced the weekly Care Package, which replaced weekly drops.
How the weekly Care Package works
In the Sept. 27, 2023 release notes, Valve wrote: “Replaced weekly drops with a weekly Care Package. Choose from weapon cases, weapon finishes, and graffiti.”
The same notes say all interactions with inventory items were enabled.
Collections added to the drop list
Valve has changed which weapon collections can come from the Care Package. The table lists what was added and removed at each update.
| Update | Added to the drop list | Removed from the drop list |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2025 | Ascent, Boreal, Radiant | Bank, Italy, Lake, the original Train collection |
| Jan. 21, 2026 | Harlequin, Achroma | Safehouse, Dust 2, 2018 Nuke Collection, 2018 Inferno Collection |
March 31, 2025: Ascent, Boreal and Radiant
Valve wrote that the three new collections bring over 70 new finishes. It described styles including solid colors, gold reliefs, camo patterns and custom paint jobs.
Jan. 21, 2026: Harlequin and Achroma
In the Season Four post, Valve wrote: “One has color and the other one does not.” It left readers to work out which collection is which.
Dead Hand Terminals
On March 11, 2026, Valve introduced the Dead Hand Collection. It features 17 finishes from community contributors and 22 all-new gloves as rare special items.
Valve wrote: “You can purchase Dead Hand Collection items from Dead Hand Terminals, which are available now as a possible weekly drop.”
FAQ
Is Counter-Strike 2 free to play?
Valve wrote in its Sept. 27, 2023 release notes that Counter-Strike 2 was now available and free to play.
What replaced weekly drops in CS2?
The weekly Care Package. Valve wrote in the Sept. 27, 2023 release notes that it replaced weekly drops.
What can you choose from the weekly Care Package?
At launch, Valve’s notes said you can choose from weapon cases, weapon finishes and graffiti.
Which collections were added to the Care Package drop list in 2025 and 2026?
Valve added Ascent, Boreal and Radiant on March 31, 2025, and Harlequin and Achroma on Jan. 21, 2026.
What are Dead Hand Terminals?
Valve wrote that Dead Hand Collection items can be purchased from Dead Hand Terminals, which are available as a possible weekly drop.