Valve has released one of the most significant updates yet for Counter-Strike 2, introducing a groundbreaking change to the in-game Trade Ups Contract system. For the first time in the series, players can now trade up Covert (red) skins to receive Knives or Gloves.
This addition fundamentally alters the CS2 economy and reshapes how players approach trading, collection building, and market speculation.
A New Tier of Trade Ups
The updated Trade Up Contract now allows players to exchange five Covert-quality items for a Knife or Gloves, depending on the type of skins submitted. Five StatTrak Covert items can be exchanged for one StatTrak Knife from one of the collections represented by the provided items. Five regular Covert items can now yield either a regular Knife or a pair of Gloves, also drawn from the applicable collections.
Until now, Covert skins marked the end of the line for Trade Ups. Players could only go as far as red-tier items, with Knives and Gloves remaining exclusive to case openings or third-party trading. This change opens an entirely new layer of progression within the in-game economy, allowing high-tier collectors and casual players alike to pursue ultra-rare cosmetics through official means.
The Economic Impact
The new functionality is already reshaping the in-game marketplace. Covert skins, particularly those from sought-after collections, are expected to rise in value as players rush to gather enough items to attempt their own Knife or Glove Trade Ups. Market trends suggest that collections with popular Knife or Glove options—such as those featuring Doppler, Fade, or Crimson Web patterns—will see increased demand.
As with all Trade Ups, the outcome is determined by the collections of the items submitted. Mixing items from different collections expands the potential results, preserving the element of chance that has defined Trade Ups since their introduction. Players seeking specific outcomes will need to plan their combinations carefully to maximize their odds.
The separation between regular and StatTrak items also remains strict. Only StatTrak Covert skins can produce StatTrak Knives, and regular items cannot be mixed with StatTrak ones. This maintains the existing rarity and value structure across both categories.
Other Changes in the Update
While the expanded Trade Up system is the headline feature, the update also brings several gameplay and map adjustments. Retakes mode has been officially added to matchmaking, supporting Defusal Group Alpha and Delta maps. The maps Golden, Palacio, and Rooftop have been updated to their latest Steam Workshop versions, while Inferno received visibility improvements and performance optimizations. Valve also implemented fixes for inventory rendering, main menu performance, and stability issues affecting certain sound events.
A New Era for CS2 Traders and Collectors
This update marks a turning point for Counter-Strike’s in-game economy. The ability to trade up Covert skins for Knives and Gloves introduces a new level of accessibility to some of the game’s most coveted items. It bridges the gap between red-tier collectors and high-end traders, offering a new path toward the rarest gear in the game.
What was once a final destination in the Trade Up ladder has now become a gateway to the top. For players, this means renewed excitement, fresh market dynamics, and a compelling reason to dive back into their inventories.
