Top 10 Most Expensive CS:GO/CS2 Skins

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Cosmetic customization was always intended to be a huge part of the CS experience, and over the years this came to fruition via a multitude of various features such as stickers, characters, and most notably, weapon skins and gloves.

Today there is a plethora of cosmetic items for players to show off and express themselves, however, some of the skins are rarer than others and therefore can be worth a lot of money. So much so, many players out there see skins as a form of investment. To figure out just how much some of the skins can be worth, let’s take a look at some of the most expensive CS2 skins out there.

Why Are CS2 Skins So Expensive?

When talking about the prices of CS2 skins, they can range from as little as a few cents to tens, hundreds, and even millions of dollars. So the question naturally arises: what makes a single skin worth so much money? The answer to that question is somewhat complicated.

To help you determine the value of each skin, we have provided a list of criteria that affect the prices of skins.

💎 Rarity

Rarity plays a fundamental role in determining a skin’s price in CS2, as it directly impacts its availability in the game’s loot system. Skins are categorized into ascending tiers of rarity, from Consumer Grade to Contraband, with each jump in rarity exponentially decreasing the chance of obtaining the skin from cases or trade-ups.

🌟 Float Value

Float value is a numerical attribute ranging from 0.00 (Factory New) to 1.00 (Battle-Scarred), determines the skin’s wear level, affecting its visual condition. While FN and MW skins typically hold the highest value due to their appearance, certain skins can defy conventional pricing trends.

🎨 Pattern

Pattern introduces an additional layer of uniqueness, as it dictates the specific texture placement on a skin. For randomly generated designs like Case Hardened or Fade, certain pattern seeds create exceptionally rare variations, inflating their market worth.

🏷️ Stickers

Stickers applied to skins can significantly influence their market value, but this effect largely depends on the rarity, age, and demand for the stickers themselves. Stickers from early tournaments, such as those from the Katowice 2014 Major, are highly coveted due to their historical significance.

🔢 StatTrak™

StatTrak variants introduce a functional appeal by tracking confirmed kills, making them inherently more desirable for players who seek personalization and prestige.

✨ Souvenir

Souvenir skins are exclusive items obtained during Major tournaments, featuring unique gold stickers commemorating the event, teams, and MVP players from specific matches. These skins are often tied to memorable esports moments, adding a layer of historical value.

The Most Expensive CS2 Skins

With so many things to consider and so many skins out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed when trying to find some of the most expensive skins.

Fortunately, we have done everything in our power to narrow things down. So let’s take a look at some of the most expensive CS2 skins on the market.

Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem) — $1.5 Million+

The most expensive CS2 skin nowadays is Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem). It’s the pattern 387. The Blue Gem features a blue hue across its entire blade and is so rare that it can be worth upwards of 2 million dollars.

This skin itself was introduced to the game in 2013 with the Arms Deal update and according to its description, its case was hardened by applying wood and charcoal at extremely high temperatures.

Buy Karambit | Case Hardened on DMarket

AK-47 | Case Hardened (#661) — $30,000 – Over $1 Million

AK-47 | Case Hardened is obtainable by opening the CS:GO Weapon Case and features the same color scheme as the Karambit that we mentioned above.

The skin was added to the game back in 2013 and its price can differ drastically depending on its pattern. The most expensive version of AK-47 | Case Hardened known as the #661 or “Scar Pattern” can be valued at more than $150,000.

One specific AK-47 | Case Hardened was sold publicly for over $1 million on June 5, 2024. The deal is remarkable by its open nature. Not only did the community get the info about the purchase, but people also could see the skin on video.

Buy AK-47 | Case Hardened on DMarket

Souvenir AWP | Dragon Lore — $37,000 – $250,000+

The AWP | Dragon Lore is an iconic CS2 skin that was added to the game with the Operation Breakout update in July 2014. The skin features a fire-breathing dragon painted on its side and is part of the Cobblestone Collection.

The Dragon Lore skin is so rare that it’s difficult to determine its price, however the Souvenir version in excellent condition can sell for more than $150,000.

Buy AWP | Dragon Lore on DMarket

Karambit, M9 Bayonet Doppler (Sapphire) – $8,500 - $20,000

Karambit and M9 Bayonet Doppler (Sapphire)

This phase is extremely popular among connoisseurs of knives. Even the simplest knife with such a skin looks incredibly beautiful, expensive and stylish. A knife with such a phase will be expensive, be prepared for the fact that you will have to pay for it from 1 thousand dollars to 20, depending on the exterior, knife and marketplace.

Buy CS2 Knives (Sapphire) on DMarket

AWP | Gungnir — $8,400 – $18,000

AWP | Gungnir debuted in the game in November 2019 as part of the Norse Collection. It was added to the game during the Operation Shattered Web update and appropriately features Odin’s traveling spear painted in pearlescent blue on its side.

Buy AWP | Gungnir on DMarket

M4A4 | Howl — $4,600 – $35,000

The M4A4 | Howl is probably the most controversial on this list. The skin was introduced to the game back in 2014 and features a red pattern over a black base with an image of a snarling wolf painted on its side.

Due to copyright issues, the skin was removed from the game, however players who were already in possession of it were allowed to keep it. This made the skin extremely rare and therefore very sought after which is certainly reflected in its price.

Buy M4A4 | Howl on DMarket

AK-47 | Wild Lotus — $4,100 – $16,000

The AK-47 | Wild Lotus skin is a relatively new addition to Counter-Strike, added to the game in November 2019 as part of the Operation Shattered Web update. The skin features a green spray painted base with a large orange lotus flower painted on its side surrounded by vines and smaller flowers of various colors. . In March 2023, this skin with 4 Reason Holo stickers sold for over $160,000.

Buy AK-47 | Wild Lotus on DMarket

When it comes to the most expensive CS2 skins, there are many out there to choose from, however some CS2 stickers can also fetch a hefty price on the market. To find out more, check out our article with some of the most expensive stickers in CS.

AK-47 | Gold Arabesque — $1,500 – $12,000

AK-47 | Gold Arabesque is an exquisite CS2 skin known for its stunning design and intricate details. The skin features a gold-colored geometric pattern with intricate Arabesque motifs that create an elegant and luxurious appearance. If the price for the skin itself starts at $1,500 for the Battle-Scarred version, then the price for the souvenir version can exceed $12,000.

Buy AK-47 | Gold Arabesque on DMarket

Butterfly Knife | Lore — $1,100 – $7,000

This skin for the Butterfly Knife is one of the newest skins on this list, being added to the game as recently as September 2021 as part of the Operation Riptide update. The skin itself appears to have been gold plated featuring a beautiful engraving across its blade. If you are feeling lucky, you can try to obtain this skin by opening either the Operation Riptide or the Dreams & Nightmares Case.

Buy Butterfly Knife | Lore on DMarket

AK-47 | Fire Serpent — $560 – $4,800

Starting things off we have the AK-47 | Fire Serpent skin which was added to the game back in September 2013. The skin was part of the Operation Bravo update and as such can be obtained by opening the Operation Bravo Case. The skin features a green serpent with huge fangs depicted on the side of the weapon alongside what appear to be clouds.

Buy AK-47 | Fire Serpent on DMarket

FAQ

What is the most expensive skin in CS2 right now?

The most expensive CS2 skin nowadays is Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem)

Can anyone actually use the most expensive CS2 skins in matches?

Absolutely. Even the most expensive skins can be equipped and played with—but most owners prefer to keep them safe.

Are expensive CS2 skins a good investment?

Some treat skins like digital assets, and prices have risen over time. But the market is unpredictable, so it’s always a risky investment.

This wraps up our article on some of the most expensive CS2 skins that you can buy. We are sure that each of the skins on this list will add some flair to both your inventory and in-game character.

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