How CS2 Trade-Up Contracts Work: 2026 Guide

CS2 skins are one of the most sought-after in-game cosmetics in the gaming industry. The virtual cosmetics that decorate the weapons aren’t cheap either, with some of them demanding upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, most of these expensive skins are locked behind low-probability drop rates from a weapon case in CS2. Thus, getting your hands on these high-quality skins is extremely difficult and requires significant investment.

There is, however, another way to get these sought-after skins — Trade Up contracts. They allow you to exchange 10 low-quality skins for higher-quality skins.

Let’s take a look at this mechanic and how it can help you get these amazing in-game cosmetics.

*Last updated: 05/08/2026

What is CS2 Trade Up?

As the name suggests, the CS2 Trade Up Contract allows players to exchange 10 skins of the same quality for one skin of a next-higher quality. 

For example:

• 10 Mil-Spec > 1 Restricted
• 10 Restricted > 1 Classified

The Knife/Glove Trade Up contract is an exception to this rule as it uses only 5 Coverts; we will cover them in a separate guide. 

The pattern, wear rating, and collection of the traded-up skin are determined by the following:

• The traded-up skin will belong to the same collection as the skins used in the contract.
• The probability of hitting a particular collection is based on the number of skins used in the contract that belong to the said collection.
• The probability of hitting a particular skin is: Probability of hitting the collection/Number of skins in that collection of that quality.
• The Wear Rating or float value of the traded-up skin will be the average float of the 10 skins used in the contract.
• The Pattern ID of the traded-up skin is randomised.
• Only collections that have a next higher-quality skin can be used in the trade up contract; e.g., SG 553 | Integrale cannot be used since the Inferno Collection does not have a skin with a higher quality than Classified.

To better understand this, consider the following example:

If you use 10 Classified skins (Pink) in a trade up contract: 5 Gamma, 3 Prisma, and 2 Chroma collection skins.

The probability of hitting each collection would be:

• 50% for Gamma
• 30% for Prisma
• 20% for Chroma.

Whereas the probability of hitting a specific covert will be:

• 25% for Gamma Coverts (50/2)
• 15% for Prisma Coverts (30/2)
• 10% for Chroma Coverts (20/2)

The Wear Rating will be the average of the float of the 10 skins used, and the pattern ID will be randomised. CSFloat’s Trade Up calculator is one helpful tool that shows the possible skins and their probabilities for the contract.

Now that we understand how contracts work, let’s find out how one can trade up skins in CS2.

How to Trade Up in CS2?

The prerequisites for trading up in CS2 are simple: You need 10 skins of the same quality that have a higher-quality skin available.

Once the requirement is met, you follow the steps to trade up those 10 skins:

• Navigate to Inventory > Trade Up
• Choose the 10 skins you want to trade up
• Confirm the exchange by checking “Ready for Trade Up”
• Click Proceed to get your traded-up item. 

As mentioned earlier, the collection and wear rating of the skin will be based on the contract inputs, whilst the pattern ID will be randomized.

With this, you know everything there is to know about CS2 Trade Up contracts up to Covert skins. We will have another guide for Knife/Glove trade-up and how they work. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to Trade Up skins?

You do not have to trade up skins; it's a functionality and not an obligation.

Can I reverse a Trade Up Contract?

You cannot reverse the Trade Up Contract at this moment in-game.

Can I use Souvenir Items for Trade Up contracts?

As of the May 22 Update, Souvenir skins can be used for trade-ups, but you can only get non-souvenir skins from it, i.e., they lose their souvenir status, sticker, and charm (if attached).

Can I get a Factory New Skin from a 10 Field-tested skin contract

Not in most cases, but if the higher quality/traded-up skin is float-capped, you can get an FN skin from an FT contract. Usually, the float value is the average float value of the 10 skins used.

Can I use different float value skins in a Trade Up contract?

Yes, you can use skins with different float values as long as they belong to the same quality.

Can I get a skin from any collection after a trade up?

No, you can only get the skins from the collection used in the contract.

How to buy a Trade Up Contract?

Trade Up contracts are free and available in-game for everyone.

How many skins do I need for a Trade Up contract? 

You need 10 skins of the same quality for a Trade Up contract. 5 for a Knife/Glove trade-up. 

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Featured Image Credits: Valve