What Determines the Price of Skins in CS2 / CS:GO?

The price of skins in CS2 / CS:GO is not random, and the rise and fall in their value can be predicted (with a margin of error). Why do some skins cost pennies while others reach the prices of sports cars?

First – Rarity

The first factor to consider is the rarity of the skin. The difference is visible at first glance – just look at the color that accompanies the name / thumbnail of the skin. Intuition suggests that a skin with a gold “frame” is more valuable than one in gray. Currently, there are 7 rarity levels:

• gray / white – most common, usually valued at a few cents;
• light blue – somewhat rarer, but still very low priced;
• dark blue – popular, but noticeably more expensive;
• purple – rarer and often sought after by players;
• pink – quite valuable, often costing several tens of dollars;
• red – very rare, prices can reach hundreds of dollars;
• gold – extremely rare, mainly skins for knives and gloves, often worth several thousand dollars.

Read: Skin Rarity – What Does It Mean?

Did you know, that… limited editions, such as skins available only during events, often increase in value after their sale ends?

Float, or Wear Level

Secondly, we look at the wear level of the skin. Like a real weapon, items in CS2 / CS:GO bear scratches and other signs of wear. Naturally, the fewer there are, the higher the market value of the skin typically is. Float is divided into 5 categories, but more experienced players use a numerical range from 0.00 to 1.00 (the higher the number, the greater the wear):

• 0.00 – 0.07 – “Factory New,” virtually no scratches;
• 0.07 – 0.15 – “Minimal Wear,” a few less visible scratches;
• 0.15 – 0.37 – “Field-Tested,” noticeable wear on the skin;
• 0.37 – 0.45 – “Well-Worn,” many strong scratches;
• 0.45 – 1.00 – “Battle-Scarred,” a skin that has seen a lot of action.

The issue with float is that some scratches are more visible than others, which obviously affects the skin’s value. There are also skins that do not operate within the full 0.00 – 1.00 range (e.g., AWP “Asiimov” only comes in “Field-Tested,” “Well-Worn,” and “Battle-Scarred” versions). There are also exceptions where “Battle-Scarred” skins look better than “Factory New,” as is the case with the M4A4 “Etch Lord.”

Read: Skin Float – What Is It and How Does It Work?

Pattern, or Design

That’s not all – some skins have random patterns, which makes certain combinations more valuable than others. For example:

• Case Hardened (AK-47, Karambit, etc.) – the more blue color on the skin (known as “Blue Gem”), the higher the price;
• Doppler (knives) – Ruby, Sapphire, and Black Pearl are the most expensive because they look unique;
• Fade (including Glock-18, Bayonet) – the greater the coverage with pink color, the higher the value.

Some skins may look almost identical at first glance but differ in price due to their pattern. This makes skin valuation complicated and leaves room for undervaluation. You must also consider stickers and additions (e.g., Katowice 2014 or StatTrak™), which can significantly increase the value of a skin, as well as keep up with market hype and speculations. And if that wasn’t enough, completely random factors come into play, such as if a well-known player starts using a specific skin, its price usually increases.

If you’re not familiar with skin valuation, but still want to sell your CS2 / CS:GO inventory for cash – use our platform, which automatically appraises and buys skins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the float increase when I play with a skin?

No, skins do not “wear out” while playing. The float is assigned from the start and cannot be changed.

Does the pattern affect the price of every skin?

No, only for certain skins, such as Case Hardened, Doppler, or Fade. Most skins have a fixed appearance without the influence of a pattern.

Why do skin prices increase over time?

Some skins become rarer as players collect them or when the cases they come from are no longer available.

Are skins with stickers more expensive?

Yes, if the stickers are rare (e.g., Katowice 2014), the value can increase significantly.

Can a skin lose value?

Yes, if its popularity decreases or a new case with a similar, cheaper skin appears. The market is dynamic.