You do not strictly need a public inventory to receive a trade offer: the offer goes to your trade URL. Still, the colony recommends switching it to public before you order. It is a small setting that makes deliveries easier to confirm and much easier to sort out if anything looks off.
Why public helps
- You can confirm the arrival at a glance. After you accept the offer, the skin shows up in your inventory and anyone you trade with later can see it there too.
- Support can check with you. If you write to us about an order, a public inventory lets us look at your side of the delivery together with you instead of asking for screenshots.
- Many CS2 tools and communities expect it. Float checkers, inventory trackers and trading partners usually need a visible inventory.
Think of it as leaving the porch light on at the outpost. The supply sled finds the door either way; it is just easier for everyone to see that the crate arrived.
How to make your inventory public
- Open your Steam profile and click Edit Profile.
- Go to Privacy Settings.
- Set My profile to Public.
- Set Inventory to Public.
The inventory setting cannot be more open than the profile setting: if your profile is private, your inventory is treated as private as well, whatever the inventory option says. Under the inventory option there is also a checkbox to keep your Steam Gifts private. You can leave it as it is; it is about Steam Gifts, not your CS2 items.
It can take a little while before other services see the change, so switch it before you order rather than after the trade offer is due.
What public shows, and what it does not
| A public inventory shows | It does not give anyone |
|---|---|
| The items in your inventory | The ability to take or move your items |
| Item details such as names and wear | Your login, password or email address |
| Your public profile page | Your Steam Guard codes or access to your settings |
A public inventory lets people look; it does not let anyone touch. Every trade still needs your acceptance and, with the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, your confirmation in the Steam app.
Can I switch it back afterwards?
Yes. Once your order shows Delivered in Base camp → Orders, you can set your inventory back to private if you prefer. Just remember to make it public again before your next order. A frozen door is fine for storage, less so for deliveries.
Quick checklist before ordering
- Profile set to Public.
- Inventory set to Public.
- Trade URL saved and current in Base camp → Trade URL, so it is pre-filled at checkout.
- Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator active, which helps you avoid trade holds.
- Remember that the store only needs your trade URL. We never ask for your password, Steam Guard codes or API key.
If you have checked all of the above and an order still is not moving, write to support@penguinskins.com through the Contacts page and include your order number.
