Armor and helmet in CS2: when to buy and what they do
How armor works in CS2, why you need a helmet, when to buy vest only, and how armor affects damage and slowdown.
Armor is the most important buy after your weapon. Without it you take full damage and slow down a lot when hit.
🛡️ What armor does
Kevlar reduces damage to the body, arms and stomach.
Helmet reduces damage from headshots.
With armor you are slowed less when hit ("tagging"), so you can escape fire.
📌 When to buy vest only
In the pistol round you usually cannot afford a helmet, so players buy kevlar only and keep money for a grenade or pistol.
When the enemy mostly has AK-47s — it one-shots the head through a helmet, so the helmet will not save you.
🎯 When a helmet is a must
Against CTs with M4s and against pistols on the enemy's eco.
Against SMGs — a helmet greatly increases the number of hits needed to kill you.
💰 Buying tips
If you cannot afford everything, armor beats grenades and a better pistol.
⚠️ Important
Armor wears down. If it is nearly broken at the start of a round, buy new armor — otherwise it barely protects you.