Economy Masterclass: Buy, Save & Force-Buy Decision Trees

The difference between Radiant players and everyone else isn't just aim—it's economic intelligence. Every credit you spend (or save) determines whether your team can sustain pressure across multiple rounds or crumbles under eco strain.

The Episode 9 Economy Foundation

Understanding current economy mechanics is crucial for optimal decision-making. Episode 9 brought subtle but important changes to loss bonus scaling and utility costs that affect your buying patterns.

Core Economy Principles:

• Loss bonus caps at +500 credits (rounds 1-2), then scales to +2900 maximum
• Winning pistol round generates ~2400 credits for round 3
• Plant/defuse bonuses provide 300 credits regardless of round outcome
• Kills award 200 credits each, with additional weapon-specific bonuses

The key insight most players miss: your economy decisions must account for the next 3 rounds minimum, not just the current buy phase.

The Three-Decision Framework

Every buy phase boils down to three strategic choices, each with specific trigger conditions and team coordination requirements.

Full Buy Situations

Execute full buys when your team can sustain weapon purchases for at least two consecutive rounds, even if you lose the current one.

Full Buy Triggers:

• Team average ≥4000 credits with positive round differential
• Post-pistol round wins (automatic full buy round 3)
• After successful force-buy victories (capitalize on momentum)
• When enemy team is on eco/save rounds (maximize round-win probability)

Full Buy Coordination:

• Primary AWPer gets priority on credits (4700+ minimum)
• Support players prioritize utility over weapon upgrades
• Entry fraggers need full shields + rifles for consistent trades
• IGL reserves credits for mid-round utility calls

Save Round Strategy

Save rounds aren't about hiding in spawn—they're about intelligent credit preservation while gathering maximum information for future rounds.

Save Round Triggers:

• Team average below 2000 credits with negative momentum
• Enemy team on full buy streak (3+ consecutive rounds)
• Strategic reset needed before crucial rounds (11-11, overtime)
• Force-buy attempt failed and reset is mandatory

Optimal Save Execution:

• Buy minimal utility for information gathering (smokes, flashes)
• Force enemy utility usage through calculated aggression
• Focus on weapon collection rather than round wins
• Coordinate stack sites to maximize survival chances

Force-Buy Decision Trees

Force-buying is the highest-risk, highest-reward economic decision. Success hinges on precise timing and team synchronization.

Force-Buy Scenarios:

• Enemy team on low credits after narrow round wins
• Your team needs immediate momentum shift (losing 3+ consecutive)
• Map control advantages favor cheaper weapon compositions
• Enemy economy suggests they're saving next round

Force-Buy Compositions:

• Light Force: Spectres + light shields, maximum utility investment
• Heavy Force: Mixed rifles + Spectres, prioritize trades over survival
• Anti-Eco Force: Shotguns + Judge for close-range map control

Advanced Economic Reads

Reading enemy economy patterns gives you massive strategic advantages. Episode 9's spectator changes make this skill even more valuable in competitive play.

Economy Tell Recognition:

• Enemy utility usage patterns indicate available credits
• Weapon pickup priorities reveal individual player economies
• Round timing suggests force-buy vs. save intentions
• Agent selection can hint at economic constraints

The best IGLs track enemy spending patterns across entire halves, predicting force-buy timings 2-3 rounds in advance.

Team Coordination Protocols

Economic decisions require seamless team communication. Establish these protocols before matches begin.

Pre-Round Communication:

• Call individual credit counts during freeze time
• Designate economic decision-maker (usually IGL)
• Establish force-buy triggers based on scoreline
• Plan utility distribution for different buy scenarios

Mid-Round Adjustments:

• Communicate weapon drops immediately after picks
• Coordinate utility usage to preserve team economy
• Plan post-round positioning for weapon collection
• Adapt next-round strategy based on economic gains/losses

Common Economic Mistakes

Even experienced players make critical errors that compound across multiple rounds.

Avoid These Economy Killers:

• Individual force-buying without team coordination
• Over-investing in utilities during save rounds
• Failing to capitalize on enemy eco rounds with full buys
• Ignoring weapon collection opportunities during lost rounds

The most devastating mistake? Emotional buying after tilting losses. Stick to your economic framework regardless of scoreline pressure.

Practical Application

Start implementing this framework immediately. Track your team's credit efficiency across matches—teams with better economic discipline win 23% more rounds in close games.

Focus on one decision tree per session until it becomes automatic. Master full-buy timing first, then incorporate save round optimization, and finally add force-buy reads to your arsenal.

Your economic intelligence directly translates to rank progression. While opponents stress about aim mechanics, you'll control match tempo through superior credit management and strategic foresight.