CS2 skins are worth their weight in gold, especially the rare ones that have become scarce over time. Here are the most valuable skins in CS2.
Players worldwide have different views on skins in video games. For many, they are a way to add a personalized touch to their characters and in-game weapons, while others turn in-game items into collectibles or use them online to make money.
Skin prices can range anywhere from cents to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, depending on the rarity or the quality they bring. Counter-Strike introduced skins in August 2013 as part of the Arms Deal release. Since then, we have seen a seemingly endless variety of available in-game items, including weapon skins, gloves, knives, stickers, and much more. Here are some of the most valuable skins in CS2 in 2024.
The Karambit knife is the most decorated skin in all popular games online, not only CS2. In 2016, this knife was purchased for just over $100,000 and has continued to gain value in the subsequent years. The last time the owner of this skin put it up for sale, he turned down a bid of $1,500,000, which quickly made the Karambit Case Hardened the most expensive skin Counter-Strike has ever seen.
The thing that makes this skin so unique and desirable is that it is the only Karambit in blue gem, Case Hardened, and still in factory-new quality. The odds of getting your hands on this skin are very low, with the chances sitting at 1 in 371,000,000. It is estimated that in 2024, this blue gem weapon skin will bring in over two million, making it the most expensive Counter-Strike skin.
Unsurprisingly, an AWP or Souvenir skin was one of the most expensive skins ever in CS2. AWPers are some of the best players to play the game, showing great skill in each match. The most expensive skin ever sold is the Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore, released during the ESL One Cologne 2018 tournament.
The skin’s aesthetic is similar to the standard AWP Dragon Lore with its fire-breathing dragon painting. Still, this skin has additional inscriptions and embellishments that feature information about the tournament and the participating teams.
Souvenir skins released as part of a tournament often become collector’s items for the most hardcore CS2 fans, with the Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore skin being considered one of the most expensive and rare in the game. In total, 114 skins like this show why the Souvenir Factory’s new version is such a worthy copy for many players.
Added to the game as part of Operation Phoenix case 2014, say hello to the M4A4 Howl. Developed by Wolfpack, it features features designed to depict a wolf’s face on top of a dark background.
There is a direct correlation between the cost of this skin and its rarity, as well as StatTrak and sticker availability. A copyright scandal involving the M4A4 Howl has engulfed the product. Valve’s developers said the skin was removed from sale in June 2014.
As a result, the company worked with the artist who provided the artwork used to design the skin and decided to compensate him for the unauthorized use of his work. While M4A4 Howl became one of the best CS2 skins, it remains one of the most knowledgeable.
Knife skins have taken some severe interest throughout the CS landscape, with one of the most popular and expensive skin types, and the Emerald Butterfly Knife Gamma Doppler is the only cold weapon in CS2.
Coated with metallic paints, the blade is adorned with a translucent wavy line pattern resembling smoke. Alternative patterns add further value and status to this already impressive knife. The most common version of the butterfly knife will set you back close to $17,000, rising to a much more inflated price.
As iconic weapons go in CS2 and nearly every first-person shooter, the AK-47 is a quintessential piece of gear. With such popularity, it is no surprise that the AK-47 has one of the most expensive skins in CS2. Like other case-hardened skins, the AK-47 Case Hardened (661) comes from the Arms Deals drops.
The rarity of the AK-47 skin comes with the more blue it shows. The more blue, the more it is directly linked to the value and how rare it is. The rare version of this case-hardened skin has over 90% blue coloring, while the cheaper alternatives will only feature around 10%.
Virtual items can change from being a cosmetic decision to becoming more luxurious with a much higher value in the resale market. All the skins mentioned above are prime examples of what can be bought and sold throughout the Counter-Strike landscape, with some players earning thousands of dollars. It could be your lucky day next, getting your hands on one of these luxurious and expensive skins.
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