Nova vs Sawed-Off
The Sawed-Off leads in 4 of 13 stats, giving it an overall advantage over the Nova.
Side-by-Side Stat Comparison
| Stat | Nova | Sawed-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,050 | $1,100 |
| Kill Reward | $900 | $900 |
| Damage | 26 | 32 |
| Armor Penetration | 50% | 75% |
| Fire Rate (RPM) | 68 | 68 |
| Magazine Size | 8 | 7 |
| Reserve Ammo | 32 | 32 |
| Reload Time | 0.55s | 0.50s |
| Move Speed | 220 u/s | 210 u/s |
| Range Modifier | 0.70 | 0.70 |
| Wall Penetration | 1 | 1 |
| Headshot Multiplier | 4.00x | 4.00x |
| DPS (Raw) | 29 | 36 |
DPS & Time to Kill
DPS is calculated as damage x RPM / 60. TTK assumes consecutive body shots against armored targets.
Time to Kill (Armored Body Shots)
| Target HP | Nova Shots | Nova TTK | Sawed-Off Shots | Sawed-Off TTK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 HP | 8 | 6176ms | 5 | 3529ms |
| 125 HP | 10 | 7941ms | 6 | 4412ms |
| 150 HP | 12 | 9706ms | 7 | 5294ms |
Key Differences
When to Use Each Weapon
Nova
- Choose the Nova on eco or semi-buy rounds when your team has limited funds.
- Use the Nova for aggressive play or rotations — its higher move speed lets you reposition quickly.
- The Nova's larger magazine is ideal for holding rushes or clearing multiple enemies without reloading.
Sawed-Off
- Buy the Sawed-Off on full-buy rounds when economy allows, since it costs more.
- The Sawed-Off excels at holding long angles where each shot counts due to its higher per-bullet damage.
- The Sawed-Off is the better pick against fully-armored opponents due to its superior armor penetration.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nova better than the Sawed-Off in CS2?
It depends on the situation. The Nova has a lower price point, while the Sawed-Off offers different strengths. The Sawed-Off leads in 4 of 13 stats, giving it an overall advantage over the Nova.
When should I buy the Nova over the Sawed-Off?
Buy the Nova when your economy is tight — it saves you $50. Consider the Sawed-Off when the round calls for a different approach.
Which has more DPS: Nova or Sawed-Off?
The Sawed-Off has higher raw DPS. Sawed-Off: 36 DPS vs Nova: 29 DPS. Keep in mind raw DPS doesn't account for accuracy or recoil.
What is the TTK for Nova vs Sawed-Off?
Against a 100 HP armored target, the Nova needs 8 shots (6176ms) while the Sawed-Off needs 5 shots (3529ms). Real TTK varies with accuracy, headshots, and distance.