{"id":7059,"date":"2026-05-22T13:12:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T13:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shadowpay.com\/blog\/?p=7059"},"modified":"2026-05-22T13:12:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T13:12:55","slug":"cs2-iem-cologne-2026-update-stickers-viewer-pass-new-trade-up-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shadowpay.com\/blog\/news\/cs2-iem-cologne-2026-update-stickers-viewer-pass-new-trade-up-system\/","title":{"rendered":"CS2 IEM Cologne 2026 Update: Stickers, Viewer Pass & New Trade-Up System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IEM Cologne 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Trade-Up System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The CS2 update also introduced a new trade-up system. As you know, we couldn\u2019t use Souvenir skins in contracts for years. Now, it\u2019s more than possible. In fact, it works similarly to the classic way with standard weapon skins. Choose 10 finishes, confirm the trade-up contract<\/a>, and receive a random higher-quality item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other changes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are also several minor fixes. For a better understanding, let\u2019s check them in the list below:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n