In addition to the addictive gameplay, CS2 gives players access to greater customization options for weapons and characters through skins, which create a whole market of in-game items. Skins can vary in rarity and condition, which directly affects their value and desirability among players. Let’s look at how these factors determine trading dynamics and why rarity and condition become key aspects when buying and selling skins in CS2.
In CS2, each skin has its own rarity level, which determines its in-game value, demand among players and collectors, and its value on the market. Each skin belongs to one of the following rarity categories (the highest is Contraband):
Whether a skin belongs to a certain rarity category determines the likelihood of getting it through in-game drops or when opening cases. For example, the Desert Eagle | Printstream skin with Covert rarity has a drop chance of 0.64%, and the Desert Eagle | Oxide Blaze skin with Mil-Spec rarity has a drop chance of 79.92%. Obviously, when opening the case, the player is more likely to receive a Desert Eagle | Oxide Blaze skin.Â
Since each case includes a specific set of skins with different rarities and different drop chances, each opening of a case is exciting and unpredictable for players. The difference in the availability of skins directly affects the development of activity in the CS2 economy.Â
The condition of a skin determines its appearance and value in the CS2 in-game item market. The condition of the skin is determined by the float value. When purchasing a skin, the player can take this fact into account.
Knowing the float value of a skin, we can determine its wear level. There are five skin wear levels in total:
The better the condition of the skin, the more expensive it is. “Factory New” skins are usually the most expensive, as the weapon design looks bright, without scratches or darkening, “Battle-Scarred” skins are the cheapest, as their design looks already worn out.
Skins with less wear and tear are popular among collectors and players who value the appearance of a weapon. However, there are players and collectors who prefer skins with higher wear rates due to their combative appearance. For example, the category of such skins includes AWP | Asiimov, MAC-10 | Disco Tech, P90 | Off World, and others.
In the CS2 skins market, the value of a particular skin is determined by a combination of its characteristics such as rarity and wear. Thus, a popular Factory New skin in unworn condition may cost slightly more than the same skin but with scuffs in the Battle-Scarred version. For example, the cost of an AK-47 | Inheritance in Battle-Scarred condition is about $37, and the cost of the skin in Factory new condition is about $141.
This creates a variety of strategies for trading and investing in the CS2 community:
To trade skins, traders typically choose popular, rare skins that are in demand among players and collectors. Skins in the Factory New or Minimal Wear condition are obviously preferable due to their better appearance and lower wear level. Skins with unique patterns may be in high demand due to their originality and style (Blue Gem, Sapphire, Ruby, etc).Â
Many CS2 players see trading skins as an opportunity to gain financial benefits. Skins can increase in value over time, especially if they are rare or highly sought after items. You can also buy and sell CS2 skins for real money, enjoying an additional source of income. To start trading skins, it is enough to have a good understanding of the factors that shape their value, as well as have experience in using the CS2 (CS:GO) inventory checker, and charts of price changes in a historical period.
Trading skins is an interesting process that for some players can be more than just an exchange of items, but a strategic move for financial gain. Studying the factors that influence the value of skins, as well as monitoring events in the gaming space, significantly increases the chances of successfully trading skins. The opportunity to gain this experience is available to every CS2 player, with different backgrounds and goals.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
