A Counter-Strike 2 patch has led to a significant downturn in the game’s economy, wiping out more than $2 billion in real-world value. This steep drop is attributed to unforeseen modifications that simplify the process of obtaining rare in-game cosmetics.

Valve, the studio behind the game, issued a “minor update” for Counter-Strike 2, which featured slight tweaks such as enhanced stability and performance improvements for the free-to-play first-person shooter. Nevertheless, the update also brought about crucial changes in how players can acquire in-game cosmetic items, referred to as “skins.” Specifically, Counter-Strike 2 now permits users to exchange five common skins for one rare skin.

Counter-Strike 2 skins are digital items that modify the appearance of a player’s character. Players can obtain these cosmetics by using in-game Keys to open Cases. Cases can be earned through gameplay, while Keys must be purchased with real money. The skins obtained from Cases are random, making it challenging to obtain rare cosmetics.

Rare items are greatly desired by Counter-Strike 2 players and can fetch hundreds or even thousands of real-world dollars on external cosmetic marketplaces, significantly surpassing the official Steam Community Market’s $1,800 price limit. Last year, an AK-47 skin was sold for more than $1 million. Consequently, some players view Counter-Strike 2 skins as an investment, buying the in-game items with the anticipation of reselling them for a profit in the future.

Unfortunately for these Counter-Strike 2 investors, the October 22 update has gravely affected their investments. The patch facilitates the acquisition of skins for in-game knives and gloves, which were previously amongst the game’s rarest cosmetics. Now, players can easily trade their other items for these skins, markedly diminishing their rarity and leading to a sharp decline in the value of existing knife and glove cosmetics.

According to the third-party Counter-Strike 2 market tracker Pricempire.com, the game’s economy has fallen from a peak of over $6 billion to roughly $4.25 billion following the update, declining by $1.75 billion in less than 24 hours. The economy has continued its downward trend, with Pricempire.com reporting a further $2.4 billion drop merely 29 hours after the patch.

Some Counter-Strike 2 players report that the value of their inventories has plummeted by thousands, leaving many unsettled. Professional player Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson livestreamed his realization that his collection of cosmetics had decreased in value from $58,000 to $18,000, a staggering loss of $40,000.

On the Counter-Strike 2 market subreddit r/csgomarketforum, the top post since the update features a link to an international directory of suicide hotlines.

“Guys, all money is temporary, things come and they go,” wrote u/HEY_beenTrying2meetU. “Don’t look at your portfolio for a few weeks. Take a walk outside. Hug your loved ones…. Don’t dwell on this. It wasn’t your fault, and we’re all in this together.”

Others are attempting to maintain a positive outlook, pointing out that the adjustment has finally made knife skins obtainable for the average Counter-Strike 2 player. Now, those who simply wish to play with an attractive virtual knife can do so without spending a month’s wages.

“As a trader this sucks (lost like ~2k), but as a player this is better for the game & casuals,” wrote u/DirtSchlurpy.

“I see it from both sides tbh,” u/MyOhMyPancakes commented in the Counter-Strike subreddit r/GlobalOffensive. “I’m sad that my OG knife dropped 50% but I also recognize that the high price was inflated by traders and the CS boom escalating the cost. I’m happy to see my friends be able to get a knife/gloves they want more easily.”

If you’re feeling suicidal or facing a mental health crisis, please reach out to someone. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can contact the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text “START” to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Reach the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email [email protected]. If you prefer not to use the phone, consider utilizing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.