Most people think the cleaner the skin, the higher the price – but that is not always true in CS2. Sometimes Minimal Wear skins cost more than Factory New, and it surprises many players. This quick guide explains why it happens, when it makes sense, and what you should know before you pay extra.
You might also like: Why Are Well-Worn Skins More Expensive Than Field-Tested?
Why Minimal Wear is worth more than Factory New?
Most players think Factory New skins are always the most expensive because they look the cleanest. In most cases, that is true – but sometimes you will see a Minimal Wear skin selling for more than a Factory New one. This is not a bug or mistake. There are a few good reasons why it happens:
- First, some skins simply look better in Minimal Wear. For example, tiny scratches or slightly faded colors can give a more balanced look, especially on older skins or unique finishes like Case Hardened or Fade. Some players prefer this look over the too-shiny Factory New version.
- Second, supply matters. Some skins have a very small float range for Minimal Wear, so they drop less often than Factory New. For example, some old skins or special collections were mostly opened when the game was new, so many players kept only Factory New. Good Minimal Wear skins stayed in use and became rare over time.
Because there are sometimes fewer Minimal Wear skins on the market, but some collectors still want them (for trade-ups, pattern hunts, or just to complete a set), the price can go above Factory New. It has nothing to do with the skin wearing out – the float never changes – it’s all about how many are left for sale today. Read also: Skin Float – What Is It and How Does It Work?
When Minimal Wear is worth less than Factory New?
In most cases, Minimal Wear skins are cheaper than Factory New – just like you would expect. If there is no special reason for the price to be higher, players usually pay more for the cleanest possible condition. For most common skins, there is a bigger supply of Minimal Wear than Factory New, so the price stays lower. Also, if the skin does not have any rare pattern or special reason to choose Minimal Wear, collectors will pick Factory New every time. So if a skin has a normal float range and enough Factory New versions on the market, then Minimal Wear will almost always be cheaper. This is true for basic camos, simple color finishes, or mass-opened cases where supply is huge.
Should You Pay More for Minimal Wear?
In most cases, you should not pay extra for a Minimal Wear skin if a clean Factory New version is easy to find. For most skins, Factory New will always look a bit better and hold value more safely. But if you see a Minimal Wear version that costs more, check why. Sometimes it is about very low supply – maybe there are only a few Minimal Wear floats left on the market, while Factory New is more common. Or maybe the skin is old and good Minimal Wear copies are rare because people used them in-game. If you want to buy Minimal Wear for more than Factory New, always check if there is a real reason. Look at float range, pattern, and price history. Sometimes it makes sense – but only if you know what you are buying. Read also: What Determines the Price of Skins in CS2 / CS:GO?
Where Can I Sell Unwanted Minimal Wear and Factory New Skins?
If you have Minimal Wear or Factory New skins that you do not want anymore, SellYourSkins is an easy way to turn them into real money. You just connect your Steam account, pick the skins you want to sell, and get an instant price offer. There is no need to wait for a buyer like on the Steam Market – you get cash, not just wallet credit. After you accept the offer, the money goes straight to your PayPal, bank account, or crypto wallet. It is fast, safe, and works well for clearing out extra skins you do not use. For many players, SellYourSkins is the best option if you want quick cash instead of just trading skins for more skins.
