The economy rounds in CS2—specifically the rounds following a pistol win or a loss—are critical for swinging momentum. For a long time, the choices for anti-eco weapons felt too risky or unreliable. However, recent, surgical buffs to the MP9 (Counter-Terrorist exclusive) and the MP7 (shared) have instantly elevated them to the top of the Submachine Gun (SMG) tier list, establishing them as the definitive anti-eco tools.

These weapons are no longer just for fast money; they are now potent threats capable of reliably dismantling a partially armored opponent, fundamentally changing the risk profile of crucial economy rounds.

The Buffs: Damage and Accuracy Efficiency

The key to the MP9 and MP7’s resurgence lies in the targeted improvements that addressed their primary weakness against armor:

  • Increased Damage Multiplier: Both SMGs received a slight increase to their armor penetration and base damage. This is critical because it means they require fewer bullets to secure a kill against opponents who can only afford a helmet or partial armor, significantly improving their time-to-kill (TTK).
  • Improved Accuracy Curve: The accuracy of both weapons during sustained fire was slightly tightened. This allows players to hold angles more reliably and spray down targets at mid-range without the excessive bullet spread that plagued them in previous versions.

This combination of reliable damage and better control makes them vastly superior to riskier, cheaper alternatives like the P90 or the static MP5-SD.

Meta Impact: Control and Economy

The improved performance of these SMGs has immediate strategic consequences for both sides:

  1. CT Economy Dominance: The MP9 is now the default anti-eco choice for the Counter-Terrorist side. Its low cost, high mobility, and guaranteed damage output against eco-buying Terrorists ensure that CTs can secure an easy win while simultaneously building a large cash surplus for the next full buy.
  2. Forced Full Buys: The threat posed by the buffed SMGs forces the losing team to commit to a more expensive full buy (rifles and full utility) sooner, rather than attempting a risky, cheap buy-round. This accelerates the economic spiral for the disadvantaged team.
  3. Map Control: Both the MP9 and MP7 reward aggressive, fast-paced play. Their high mobility speed means players can rotate faster and challenge angles more quickly than with a heavy rifle, making them excellent tools for pressuring map control points like Catwalk or Mid.

The MP9 and MP7 buffs have successfully introduced reliable, rewarding options for economy rounds, demanding strategic adjustment from all players entering a crucial anti-buy scenario.