Valve to Introduce "X-Ray Scanner" to CS2 in Germany

In their latest bid to circumvent modern EU regulations, Valve are introducing Germany to a tried and tested mechanic, the “X-Ray Scanner”. Previously only utilized in France, its introduction in Germany will see case openings only be enabled via the scanner, with the key system done away with. The implementation is set to start on March 16^th with no current news of further rollouts in other countries and regions for now.

Valve Has Been Preparing

While the news may come as a shock or surprise to players, Valve is certainly not a part of that list. The X-Ray Scanner mechanic was first introduced in France back in 2019 as a way to circumvent regulations regarding online gambling, with case openings seen as a prime example. A clever idea of Valve’s, the X-Ray Scanner eliminates the ‘mystery’ of case openings, thereby eliminating its association with gambling but still force the exact price of a key anyways.

The rising attempts to regulate online gambling have seen many game publishers shift away from the “loot box” concept, with CS2 one of the last massive vestiges of that old system. And even Valve foresaw the system’s time was nearly up with measures already coming into place as early as 2019.

In their stead, we have seen new mechanisms such as the Terminal and Armory Pass introduced, neither of which clash with the potential legal troubles of online gambling.

The Armory Pass, introduced all the way back in September 2024, has offered Valve a powerful revenue stream, costing roughly $16 USD per pass. Players can have up to 5 passes equipped at a time, amounting to roughly $80 USD to maximise credit earning.

The Terminal, introduced in September 2025, offers the skin and set price to players prior to any purchases, again, circumventing online gambling regulations but places the power with Valve to charge much higher prices for the skins in the collection.

A Legal Push May Be the Final Domino

On February 25^ththis year, it was announced that New York Attorney General Letitia James was suing Valve Corporation. The basis of the case was that Valve, primarily through their three massive titles: Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2, have been illegally promoting gambling through their video games.

While the result of the sue are still being awaited, it appears Valve is the first to bend, signalled with this update. Starting from March 17^th, players is Germany will only be allowed to open cases via the X-Ray Scanner, and it is not unlikely more countries might follow suit.

*It has been reported that the X-Ray Scanner will come preloaded with a one-time exclusive non-tradeable “Genuine P250 | X-Ray” skin, which must be claimed prior to using the X-Ray Scanner for the first time.

No Mystery, No Gambles, Same Price

The X-Ray Scanner documentation can now be found on the Steam FAQ website. In it, it outlines how the item will function for affected players.

"Scanned" containers are considered "consumed". Consumed cases will no longer appear in your CS2 or Steam inventory and can no longer be traded or sold on the Steam Community Market.
Only one container can be scanned at a time. In order to scan a second case, the previous revealed skin will need to be purchased. Different container types have no bearing on this limitation (Weapon Case, Sticker Capsule, Souvenir Package, etc).
Containers cannot be "reset". Once scanned, the revealed skin is "locked" and cannot be changed.

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Featured Image Credit: Valve

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