Genuine Guardian Elite Pin

The Genuine Guardian Elite Pin was originally obtained by buying the physical Guardian Elite collectible pin from Valve or at official CS events and redeeming the included code. Redeeming that code added the digital pin to your account as a Genuine-quality collectible. Since the original supply was tied to physical pin distribution, most buyers now get it through marketplace trading rather than direct redemption.

In CS2, genuine pins come from redeeming codes included with official physical collectible pins. When the code is activated on a Steam account, the matching digital pin appears in your inventory with Genuine quality. This is different from standard display pins earned through in-game offers, because Genuine pins were linked to real merchandise.

Players usually mean the Guardian Elite Pin when they refer to the Guardian or Guardian 2 pin in CS2. The Genuine version came from a physical collectible pin redemption code, not from gameplay drops or case openings. If you want one now, the usual route is buying an existing digital item from a trusted CS2 marketplace.

A Genuine Guardian Elite Pin can still only be added through a valid unused redemption code from the original physical pin, but unused codes are far less common now than tradable digital pins. Most listings today are for the in-game pin itself rather than sealed physical stock. If you are buying for redemption, verify that the code is unused and the seller is reputable.