What is The X-Ray Scanner in CS2?
The X-Ray Scanner is a specialized in-game tool in CS 2 that reveals the contents of a weapon case or container before it is opened. Originally introduced to comply with specific regional gambling regulations, the system removes the "blind" element of case openings by allowing you to peer inside and see the exact skin you would receive. However, there is a catch: once you scan a container, the scanner becomes "occupied" by that specific item. To scan a new case, you must first purchase a key to claim the revealed skin, ensuring the process is one-way for every container you inspect.
How to get an X-Ray Scanner in CS2?
You can’t get the X-Ray Scanner unless you’re a citizen of France or Germany. In any other country, this system isn’t working.
If you are playing from an affected region (Germany or France), the scanner is not something you "find" as a drop. It is a built-in inventory feature you must activate.
Open your CS2 Inventory and look for a new tab labeled "X-Ray Scanner."
To use the scanner for the first time, you must claim the Genuine P250 | X-Ray. This is a one-time purchase that costs the same as a standard case key ($2.50 or €2.35).
Once you purchase and claim the P250, the scanner is permanently unlocked for your account.
You can now select any container (case, sticker capsule, or souvenir package) in your inventory and place it in the scanner to reveal the item inside.
How to Use and Bind X-Ray Scanner in CS2?
Using the X-Ray Scanner in CS2 is straightforward, though it differs significantly from the standard "Right-Click > Open Case" workflow. If you are playing from Germany (following the March 16th update) or France, the interface is built directly into your inventory.
Select a Container: Open your inventory and click on any weapon case, sticker capsule, or souvenir package.
Enter the Scanner: Select the option "Use X-Ray Scanner" from the item's menu.
Confirm the Scan: A warning will appear informing you that the case will become non-tradable and non-marketable once scanned. Confirm to proceed.
Reveal the Item: The scanner will play an animation, revealing exactly which skin is inside the container.
Claim or Wait: To get the skin, you must click "Claim Item" and purchase a key (if required). You cannot scan a second case until you have claimed the item from the first one.
X-Ray Scanner vs. Traditional Case Opening
The X-Ray Scanner essentially turns a "game of chance" into a "delayed purchase." While you save money by not opening "blue" skins you don't want, you are effectively blocked from scanning your next case until you "clear" the scanner by purchasing the current item.
Feature | Traditional Case Opening | X-Ray Scanner (Germany/France) |
Reveal Timing | After purchasing and using a key. | Before purchasing a key. |
Transparency | Content is a mystery until opened. | Content is visible immediately upon scanning. |
Tradeability | Cases are tradeable until opened. | Cases become non-tradeable once scanned. |
Market Access | Items can be sold on the Steam Market. | Items can be sold only after being claimed. |
Sequence | Open as many cases as you have keys for. | Must claim the current item before scanning another. |
Cost to See | One Case Key ($2.50 / €2.35). | Free (after the initial P250 purchase). |
X-Ray Scanner in Germany and Other Countries
As of March 16, 2026, Germany joins France as the only major region where the X-Ray Scanner is the mandatory method for inspecting containers. While France has used this system since late 2019 to navigate local gambling regulations, the expansion into the German market marks a significant shift in how Valve addresses evolving European legislation, including the Digital Fairness Act. In most other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and the rest of the EU, the traditional "blind" opening system remains the standard. This creates a distinct regional divide: while the global player base can trade and sell unopened cases freely, players in Germany and France must manage a more restricted inventory where scanning a case immediately renders it non-tradable, reflecting a broader trend of localized "loot box" mechanics in the gaming industry.
If you don’t want to open cases, check out the Skin.Land. It’s the best third-party marketplace, where you can safely buy skins for the best price.
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