The XM1014 is one of the most iconic automatic shotguns in Counter-Strike 2. Unlike traditional shotguns, which are often slow and demand precise timing, the XM1014 offers semi-automatic firepower, allowing for rapid consecutive shots. This key characteristic makes it an exceptional choice for close-quarters combat where speed matters just as much as damage.
Another reason players love the XM1014 is its versatility. Although primarily used on eco or anti-eco rounds, it can shine in full-buy rounds in specific scenarios, such as holding tight corridors or playing from cover. The gun's high price is offset by its high kill reward and potential to stop rushes effectively, especially on CT side.
In CS2, the XM1014 maintains its dominance, now enhanced by upgraded visuals, sharper sound design, and cleaner animations. It's a fan-favorite for players who want a mix of control, aggression, and chaos.
The XM1014 stands out in the shotgun category for multiple reasons, but its gameplay is very specific and rewards a certain type of player.
Key characteristics of the XM1014:
Semi-automatic firing mode – no need to pump after every shot
High fire rate for a shotgun
Moderate damage per shot, but lethal at close range
High price among shotguns
Fast reloads compared to other pump-actions
In practice, the XM1014 allows players to hold tight angles aggressively, spamming multiple shots with confidence. On maps like Inferno (banana), Overpass (bathrooms), or Nuke (hut), this shotgun can dominate early rounds.
Playstyle tips:
Use peeker’s advantage – surprise your enemy and shoot before they react.
Don't overextend – its low range makes it vulnerable in open areas.
Pair it with armor – XM1014 is expensive, but pairing it with Kevlar can keep you alive longer in fast trades.
This weapon is ideal for players who enjoy controlling choke points, punishing pushes, or getting up close and personal in chaotic rounds.
The XM1014 offers a surprisingly wide range of skins, from muted tactical designs to vibrant fantasy-themed art. Due to its large model and surface area, skins show beautifully on this shotgun, giving players an opportunity to flex their style even in unpredictable rounds.
Popular XM1014 CS2 skins include:
Tranquility – warm reds and yellows with a soft, stylized design
Seasons – leaf-themed artwork in natural tones
Ziggy – pop-art chaos with sharp contrast and bold lines
Entombed – ancient Egyptian-inspired with golden details
Frost Borre – icy Nordic aesthetics with frost blue tones
Bone Machine – bone-themed, industrial and intimidating
Quicksilver – sleek silver finish with a futuristic vibe
Whether you’re into elegant artwork or heavy, mechanical themes, the XM1014 has a skin to match your loadout. Many of these finishes retain their detail even in lower wear conditions, which adds value to budget-conscious players.
While the XM1014 is not the first weapon that comes to mind for skin collectors, it has some hidden gems that are both rare and visually stunning. Skins like Tranquility and Entombed are particularly desirable due to their unique textures and vivid design styles.
Top picks for collectors:
Tranquility (Factory New) – soft, clean patterns with high resale value
Seasons (Minimal Wear) – consistent earthy tones ideal for themed inventories
Ziggy (StatTrak) – excellent for players who want kill tracking with flair
Entombed (FN) – rich design, often part of Egyptian or desert-themed sets
Frost Borre (low float) – beautiful when paired with blue gloves or CT loadouts
Some of these skins also appear in limited collections, increasing their rarity and value on the marketplace. Enthusiasts often seek low-float or symmetric pattern versions, making XM1014 skins an interesting niche for skin trading and curation.
Buying XM1014 CS2 on FlashSkins is fast, secure, and intuitive. As a marketplace integrated with Steam, FlashSkins allows you to browse offers and complete your purchase in minutes—without the risks of peer-to-peer trading.
Why choose FlashSkins for XM1014 purchases?
Instant delivery – skins go straight to your Steam inventory
Secure transactions – powered by Steam’s API
Advanced filters – easily sort by condition, collection, float value
Price history – check if a deal is fair based on historical listings
Using FlashSkins is a smart way to get your perfect XM1014 skin at a competitive price—while avoiding hidden fees or delays.
If you're shopping on a budget, XM1014 has several low-cost skins that still offer unique looks. While often overlooked, these affordable options can pair well with gloves or other weapon finishes to complete your loadout.
Top 5 budget XM1014 skins:
Blue Spruce – minimalistic green tones
Quicksilver (Battle-Scarred) – futuristic silver even in worn condition
Heaven Guard – red and gray tactical theme
VariCamo Blue – military pattern with a hint of blue
CaliCamo – desert tones with a clean look
Tip: Even low-float Field-Tested or Well-Worn skins on XM1014 tend to retain visual appeal, especially in motion, thanks to the large surface area of the weapon.
If you want a strong style-to-price ratio, there are several skins that look great without breaking the bank.
Recommended affordable standouts:
Heaven Guard – a CS classic with wide availability and clean color separation
Black Tie – sleek and modern black-white contrast
Falling Leaves – earthy tones with autumn vibes
Oxide Blaze – rusty base with vibrant fire pattern
Watchdog – gritty, tactical feel with good wear tolerance
These skins are perfect for players who value design and performance but prefer to keep their spending minimal.
XM1014 isn’t for everyone, but in the right hands, it can change the course of a round. It's best suited for players who:
Prefer aggressive or close-range combat
Know the maps well and control angles
Use unexpected weapons for tactical advantage
Want a shotgun that rewards fast decision-making
This weapon thrives in tight spaces, fast rotations, and high-pressure engagements. If you're looking to break through a rush or hold a chokepoint with confidence, XM1014 fits the job.
Not all XM1014 skins are created equal. Some offer rare patterns or exceptional float combinations that make them more desirable to collectors and skin traders.
Key skins with notable rarity or pattern depth:
Tranquility (Factory New) – low float, soft warm tones
Entombed – symmetric gold-etched hieroglyphs stand out
Ziggy (StatTrak) – chaotic layouts with intense pop-art aesthetics
Seasons – variants with dominant seasonal shades
Bone Machine – unique transitions and battle-worn appeal
Collectors should always look for strong color saturation, centered details, and symmetry. Some float and wear combos make a huge difference in visual impact and resale value.
Conclusion: XM1014 isn’t just a high-reward shotgun for eco rounds—it’s a statement piece. With its bold design, fast fire rate, and wide variety of skins, this weapon can stand out in any loadout. Whether you're a tactical entry fragger or a dedicated collector, XM1014 CS2 is a worthy addition to your inventory.