CS2 IEM Cologne 2026 Update: Stickers, Viewer Pass & New Trade-Up System

Once again, Valve decided to change entirely (almost) the skin market. As you may already know, the reason lies in the new CS2 update. While the main topic is the upcoming major tournament, it is no less important to mention the trade-up system. But let’s explore everything step by step, without unnecessary rushing. Just grab a drink and begin to discover what you should expect to see in the game today. Spoilers: You can choose which stickers you want.

IEM Cologne 2026

The IEM Cologne 2026 Major is upcoming. We will see the first matches as early as June 5, 2026. But you can get Autograph Stickers already today! Well, in truth, there is the IEM Cologne 2026 Major Hub in the game, available to all players. It allows you to get any sticker you want (goodbye, capsules) and play the Pick’Em Challenge.

No less important to mention is the availability of purchasing a Cologne 2026 Viewer Pass. While it has two kinds of value levels, you can receive an upgradable Cologne 2026 Coin with both of them. The only difference is that the more expensive version of Viewer Pass gives you 900 tokens to redeem for the item you want. Also, players can upgrade Coin from Bronze to Silver, Gold, or Diamond. Each upgrade gives you an additional 300 tokens.

The only thing you need to do is to activate the Pass, play the Pick’Em Challenge, and earn rewards. In the end, Valve also added a new feature that allows players to obtain Souvenir weapon skins. Now, you need to choose the weapon skin in your inventory, select the match and a player from it, and obtain the same skin with gold stickers. If your weapon skin had stickers before the process, they will be removed.

New Trade-Up System

The CS2 update also introduced a new trade-up system. As you know, we couldn’t use Souvenir skins in contracts for years. Now, it’s more than possible. In fact, it works similarly to the classic way with standard weapon skins. Choose 10 finishes, confirm the trade-up contract, and receive a random higher-quality item.

At the same time, Valve made it in a more interesting way. In truth, you can combine both Souvenir and standard skins without an issue. The item you receive under the contract is the standard weapon finish from the collections used for it. While it looks like a nice opportunity to use tens of cheap Souvenirs in your inventory, it’s worth noting that their prices instantly increased after the CS2 update. In other words, it might be a new way to invest.

Other changes

There are also several minor fixes. For a better understanding, let’s check them in the list below:

• The incorrect scoreboard timeline presentation in overtime was fixed.
• Valve fixed cases where you may notice the pickup weapon hint when it can’t be picked up.
• The flash effect in spectator mode has been increased.
• Advanced video now shows tire fire particles correctly, without flickering.
• The finger animation on the Bayoner model was also fixed.

Wrapping Up!

We got a new exciting CS2 update that could be discussed for weeks. Of course, the main reason for that is the upcoming IEM Cologne 2026 Major. At the same time, we shouldn’t ignore the new trade-up system. In fact, it’s already the second huge update for contracts. And while we continue to explore the details of this one, Valve could add even more exceptional items, such as StatTrak Gloves or grenade skins. Sounds implausible, but the same thing we thought about using Covert and Souvenir skins in trade-up contracts.

For more information about the latest CS2 updates, skin market changes, stickers, and trade-up systems, make sure to check out our blog regularly.