Top 10 Rarest and Most Expensive CS2 (CS:GO) Skins in 2024
Counter-Strike is a skill-based game that relies on teamwork and precision. But that’s not all that’s exciting about it. Several skins for different items also exist, costing real money that can exceed a million dollars. The developer has recently replaced CS:GO with CS2 but announced that all the skins from the previous version will be carried over to the new release.
This news has raised skin prices even higher. The most expensive CSGO skin, the Karambit Case Hardened “Blue Gem” #387, is estimated to be worth over $1.5 million. If you’re also looking for CS2 skins, here are the most valuable ones.
1. Karambit Case Hardened (Blue Gem 387 | Factory New)
As far as the most expensive CSGO skins go, the Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem ‘387’ pattern leads the way. It was introduced on August 14, 2013, as part of “The Arms Deal” update. There’s a meager 1 in 371 million chance of opening the weapon skin from a crate, which contributes to its incredible value.
The rarest CSGO skin, there is only one known piece in Factory New condition, purchased for over $100,000 in 2016. The owner reportedly turned down an offer of $1.5 million, making it worth around $2 million in 2024.
Variations of CSGO’s most expensive knife skin exist at considerably lower prices, particularly based on the pattern differences. A Battle-Scarred Karambit skin, for example, goes for less than $700 while a Minimal Wear can be taken for less than $1,000.
2. AK-47 Case Hardened (Pattern 661 | Factory New)
The most expensive AK 47 skin in CSGO and CS2 was launched in 2013 and quickly became a sought-after skin for its appearance and rarity. A Case Hardened item is valued based on its pattern. More common ones for the AK-47 can be bought for a few hundred dollars, but the Pattern 661 skin is estimated to be worth $50,000 to $60,000. A StatTrak version of the item with four holographic stickers was sold in 2021 for $530,000.
The rarest among CSGO expensive skins for the gun was opened in January 2024, becoming the first ever Factory New StatTrak 661 Case Hardened. With a rare Scar Pattern, this iteration is estimated to be worth $1 million. It makes sense since the chances of getting one are only around 0.000004755%.
3. AWP Dragon Lore (Souvenir | Factory New)
Released on July 1st, 2014 within the Cobblestone Souvenir Package, Dragon Lore became the most expensive AWP skin in Counter-Strike. It’s a rare weapon skin whose value depends on its condition and any stickers that come with it.
Only 114 Souvenir Dragon Lores exist, making them very rare. These are the most expensive variants of the skin as each features an eSports match with stickers showcasing teams and events.
A Factory New version of this CS2 skin may cost over $150,000 online, whereas Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred conditions have a price tag of $50,000 or more.
4. Sport Gloves | Pandora’s Box (Factory New)
Another valuable CSGO skin is designed for gloves. Launched in November 2016, the Pandora’s Box Sports Gloves are rare and can fetch a good price. A Factory New variant, for instance, goes for $50,000 to $60,000. Only 29 are available, so it’s quite the collector’s item.
If you want something cheaper, the Vice skin for the Sport Gloves has a similar pattern. With 117 available, it costs around $20,000, making it a good alternative for one of the rarest CSGO skins on the market.
5. Butterfly/ M9 Bayonet / Karambit (Sapphire | Factory New)
Doppler knives in CS2 have seen various skins launched for them over the years. The most valuable among these are the Sapphire ones well-loved for their striking appearance and rarity. The Butterfly Sapphire costs about $18,000 in Factory New condition, whereas the M9 Bayonet and Kamabit are around $16,000 and $12,000, respectively.
Among these, the Karambit Sapphire skin is the rarest, with 691 in circulation, followed by M9 Bayonet (762) and Butterfly knife (917).
6. AWP | Gungnir (Factory New)
The Gungnir is a rather new skin for CS2, having been added to the game in 2019. Included in the Norse Collection, this weapon design features Odin’s spear and has around 3,300 available online. The chances of getting this item in a drop are around 0.64%, making it a Covert design and one of the most expensive CS:GO skins.
The current price of a Factory New is over $12,000, while a Battle-Scarred variant may be found for around $10,000.
7. Butterfly Knife | Crimson Web (Factory New)
Introduced in 2014, the Crimson Web Butterfly Knife is among the rarest CS:GO skins for knives. It was launched as part of the Operation Blackout Weapon Case with a Covert rarity level. It’s an ultra-rare weapon design with a drop chance of just 0.26%. That said, around 12.8 thousand units are available, so it’s not hard to find.
A Factory New version of the CS2 skin costs around $5,000, while one with StatTrak goes for nearly $19,000. A Minimal Wear variant is significantly cheaper at a little over $1,500.
8. M4A4 Howl (Factory New | StatTrak™)
The only CS2 skin with a Contraband rarity, the M4A4 Howl soared in value after its artwork was found to be potentially plagiarized. It was released during The Hunt Begins update in May 2014 and has a drop chance of 0.26%. It has around 6700 units in circulation with hefty price tags.
A Factory New StatTrak version of the Howl can go up to $20,000. Add to it some stickers and you’re looking at $100,000 or more. That’s the value that one unit with iBuyPower Holo stickers sold for in 2020.
9. AK-47 | Wild Lotus (Factory New)
The Wild Lotus CS2 skin was launched in 2019 in the St. Marc collection. With less than 3,000 units available, it often gets categorized as the most expensive CSGO skin. It has a 0.64% chance of dropping, which contributes to its value.
As CSGO skins’ price tags go, the Wild Lotus can cost over $10,000 for a Factory New version. The cheapest Battle-Scarred version sells for nearly $3,000. A variation of the skin with 4 Reason Holo stickers was bought for more than $160,000 in 2023.
10. AWP | The Prince (Factory New)
Released in 2019 during the Operation Shattered Web update, The Prince skin for the AWP boasts a Covert rarity level. With just 2,700 units in circulation, it has a drop chance of 0.64%.
A Factory New version of The Prince will cost you around $4,000 these days with the cheapest Battle-Scarred version priced around $1,900. Like with other weapon skins on Counter-Strike, its price will go up if any stickers are attached.
Factors That Affect CS2 Skin Prices
- Drop Rate and Source: The rarity of a skin starts with its drop rate and the source, such as cases, promotions, or operations. Limited-time drops or drops from discontinued cases often lead to rarer skins.
- Exterior Quality: Skins are available in various conditions ranging from “Battle-Scarred” to “Factory New.” Higher quality skins are rarer, especially in “Factory New” condition, and thus command higher prices.
- StatTrak Feature: Skins equipped with StatTrak technology, which records the number of kills made with the weapon, are rarer and more valuable than their non-StatTrak counterparts.
- Patterns and Colors: Specific patterns, identified by numbers (like the “Blue Gem” pattern #387 on Case Hardened skins), significantly impact a skin’s rarity and value. The pattern’s placement, its visibility, and the distribution of colors like blue or red are crucial, especially in skins such as Case Hardened or Marble Fade. These unique characteristics can dramatically alter a skin’s desirability and market price.
- Stickers: The presence of rare stickers, especially if they are from significant esports events and are left unscratched, can exponentially increase a skins value. Souvenir skins, which come with pre-applied stickers from the matches they were dropped in, are particularly valuable.
- Rarity Grade: Skins are categorized into different rarity grades, from common to extraordinary. Higher rarity grades (like Covert or Contraband) are typically more valuable.
- Market Demand: The desirability of a skin in the community influences its price.
- Provenance: Skins with a known history, such as being owned by famous players or used in significant matches, can carry additional value due to their provenance.
How to get CS:GO&CS2 skins
In-Game Drops
Players can receive skins and cases within the game via drops that usually occur after a match. Skins are also awarded while special events are going on. These are usually exclusive designs that aren’t offered otherwise, making them more unique and highly sought-after, especially for collectors.
Trading
CS2(CS:GO) skins, cases, and other items can be traded on various sites. Many prefer to do this directly on Steam Marketplace, but there is much more variety elsewhere. Leading sites where CS2 skins are traded include DMarket, Tradeit.gg, SkinBaron, and SkinsMonkey.
Gambling CS:GO & CS2
CS:GO and CS2 gambling sites function like online casinos but with a smaller set of games such as betting, roulette, and cases. The bonus system is also similar to online casinos, but instead of a 100% casino bonus on real money, in CS2 gambling sites, your money or skins are converted into gaming coins, and the bonus is applied to these coins.
It’s important to note that CSGO gambling sites aren’t regulated and licensed like regular online casinos. This increases the presence of scammers and puts you at risk of getting cheated. Another issue to be wary of is that of gambling addiction. Many fall prey to it and lose much more than they can afford. This is why we don’t recommend this method of getting CS2 skins to anyone.
