Getting skins in CS2 is one of the main attractions of the game. Some players want flashy designs to stand out in matches, others see skins as an investment, and many combine both. There are multiple ways to obtain skins—some free, some paid, some risky, and some stable. Below you’ll find every method explained clearly, with pros and cons, so you can decide which approach works best for you.
1. Opening Cases
- How it works: Buy a case and a key, then open it for a random item.
- Cost: Keys cost about $2.50, case prices range from a few cents to several dollars depending on rarity.
- Odds: Knife/glove ~0.26% (1 in 385), Covert skin ~0.64% (1 in 156).
Pros: Fun, chance of very rare skins.
Cons: Worst value for money, extremely low odds of profit.
2. Weekly Drops
- How it works: By playing CS2 you receive free weekly drops (cases, skins, graffiti).
- Case drops: Once per week you get one case, which could be common or discontinued. Some older cases can be worth several dollars on the market.
- Skin drops: Lower-tier skins in random wear conditions.
Pros: Completely free.
Cons: Limited to a few items per week, most drops are low value.
3. Trade-Ups
- How it works: Exchange 10 skins of the same rarity for 1 skin of a higher rarity.
- Example: 10 Mil-Spec (blue) → 1 Restricted (purple).
- Use: Can be used to target rare collections (e.g. trying for expensive AK or AWP skins).
Pros: Chance of upgrading cheap skins into expensive ones.
Cons: Risky—often results in loss if unlucky.
4. Trading With Other Players
- How it works: Trade directly through Steam’s trading system.
- Strategy: Swap unwanted skins for ones you prefer, or negotiate fair trades for profit.
Pros: Safe if done through official Steam trade window.
Cons: Risk of scams outside Steam, requires knowledge of prices.
5. Buying From the Steam Community Market
- How it works: Directly buy skins from Steam listings.
- Advantage: Instant access, safe, no risk of scams.
- Drawback: Steam takes a 15% fee, and money cannot be withdrawn from your wallet.
Pros: 100% safe, wide selection.
Cons: Expensive due to fees, not suitable for selling.
6. Using Skin Valuation & Selling Platforms
- How it works: Platforms like sellyourskins.com scan your inventory and give instant pricing. You can sell skins directly for cash.
- Advantage: Quick, reliable way to see value and convert skins to money.
- Use: Also practical if you want to free up funds to rebuy better or more desirable skins.
Pros: Instant valuation + option to sell.
Cons: Selling prices are lower than Steam listings (because you get instant liquidity).
7. Investing in Discontinued Cases and Skins
- How it works: Buy old cases or discontinued skins and hold them.
- Reason: Once a case is removed from active drops, its supply is fixed and value usually rises.
- Examples: Operation Breakout Case (Butterfly Knife), Cobblestone Collection (Dragon Lore).
Pros: Proven long-term growth.
Cons: Requires patience and larger starting capital.
8. Watching for Events and Majors
- How it works: During CS2 Majors, players can buy viewer passes and receive Souvenir Packages.
- Value: Souvenir skins with Major stickers can become highly valuable collectibles.
Pros: Exciting, tied to CS2 esports history.
Cons: Dependent on luck with Souvenir drops.
Remember:
- Free methods: Weekly drops, souvenir packages.
- Fun but risky: Case openings and trade-ups.
- Stable and reliable: Steam Market and direct trading.
- Best balance of practicality: Use sellyourskins.com for instant valuation and selling if you want to reinvest or cash out.
