Counter Strike 2 is one of the most popular online shooters in the world, and one of the reasons for its popularity is a wide arsenal of weapons that players can choose from to use in their matches. While there are many pistols, knives or assault rifles to choose from, none of them come close to the popularity and notoriety of the legendary AWP sniper rifle.
Capable of killing any player with a single shot, the AWP is a risky weapon, but in the hands of a skilled CS2 sniper it can wreck absolute havoc on the battlefield. And just like with other popular guns, there is a wide selection of the best AWP skins CS2 has to offer.
If you’re one of the CS2 snipers looking to upgrade your inventory, you’re in the right place! Today we’ll be looking at the best AWP skins currently available in CS2!
As always, if you want some new AWP skins, be sure to check out SkinsMonkey, where you can trade CS2 skins for the best prices.
Key takeaways:
- The AWP is one of the most popular weapons in the game, and has many rare and expensive AWP skins
- AWP is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, capable of killing other players with a single shot
- The best AWP skins are:
- AWP | Asiimov
- AWP | Medusa
- AWP | Dragon Lore
- AWP | Atheris
- AWP | Mortis
- AWP | Gungnir
- AWP | Neo-Noir
- AWP | Containment Breach
- AWP | Hyper Beast
- AWP | Wildfire
What is the AWP?
The accuracy of the AWP contributes significantly to its effectiveness as one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It’s the only gun capable of killing an armored player in a single hit. A powerful sniper rifle, the AWP can be effectively used only at long range, and with the smallest fire rate in the game (the AWP has to be reloaded after each shot) it’s a high-risk-high-reward weapon, but a skilled CS2 sniper can completely turn the tide of any match.
With a cost of $4750, the CS2 AWP is one of the more expensive weapons in the game, and you can’t really get it early on without risking ruining your team’s CS2 economy. Even worse, if you die and the enemies pick up your AWP, you’ve effectively given them a powerful weapon, while putting your team behind almost five thousand.
If you’re looking to get the AWP, make sure you always consider if your team can afford it. Purchasing the CS2 AWP sniper rifle at a wrong moment can quite literally ruin your team’s chances at winning the match. Also, never get an AWP without a trusty sidearm that can help you in close combat. Finally, make sure you learn the CS2 maps well to find out about all the best sniping spots.
If you want to learn more, check out this AWP CS2 guide by Kneel:
Also check out: How to buy CS2 skins?
Why are AWP skins so expensive?
If you’ve been checking out the price tags on some of the AWP skins on this list, you might be shocked looking at the price tags. Some of the most expensive AWP skins in the game can be easily worth over $10 000. This isn’t without any reason, though. AWP skins are so expensive, because it’s one of the most popular weapons in the game. Virtually every player in CS2 wishes to have a rare AWP skin of his own.
In addition, the instant kill potential of the AWP makes it easy to score big plays with this weapon, which is why it’s often showcased by pros during tournament matches. Some of the most expensive skins for these weapons were used in iconic eSports moments, only raising their trade value.
Read also: How to buy CS2 skins with PayPal
1. AWP | Asiimov
The AWP Asiimov is a covert sniper rifle. For the majority of CS2 players it needs no introduction. Asiimov AWP is a very popular skin among the community, just like the other skins from the ASiimov family. It’s a perfect choice for the AWP if you’re looking for best white skins.
Added to the game back in February 2014, the Asiimov AWP features a custom futuristic sci-fi design inspired by science fiction themes. You can get it by opening the Operation Phoenix Weapon Case. Moreover, it is available in three exteriors: field-tested, battle scarred, and well-worn. All of them can have StatTrak attached. If you’re looking for the best AWP skins, this one is an absolute must-have.
Check out also: What is Steam trade hold?
- Flavor Text: Anyone can predict the future… a visionary shapes it
- Lowest Steam price: $61.21
- Drops From Case: Operation Phoenix Weapon Case
- First Added: 14 February 2014
2. AWP | Medusa
The AWP Medusa is a covert rifle skin that was put in the game in May 2015 during the Operation Bloodhound update. It is a part of the Gods and Monsters Collection. The price tag might be shocking, but that’s because it’s one of the best AWP skins in the game.
This CS2 AWP skin itself depicts a Gorgon on the side of the weapon, giving it a captivating look reminiscing of ancient artifacts. What is more, it is available in all five exteriors, including expansive AWP Medusa factory new, which can reach five thousand dollars on the Steam community market. While it can seem very expensive, it’s worth coughing up the money, if you want to own one of the best blue skins in CS2. Unfortunately, StatTrak can’t be attached to AWP Medusa case.
- Flavor Text: If you can see me, you’re already dead
- Lowest Steam price: $1107.17
- Drops From Case: The Gods and Monsters Collection
- First Added: 26 May 2015
Got some expensive AWP skins you don’t need? Head over to SkinsMonkey, where you can sell CS2 skins for best prices, always!
3. AWP | Dragon Lore
We can’t talk about the best CS2 skins for AWP and not mention the AWP Dragon Lore. This Covert sniper rifle was added to the game back in July 2014 as a part of the Cobblestone Collection, and today remains one of the most popular CS2 skins in the entire game’s history.
The Dragon Lore skin is known for its association with the renowned player Kenny ‘kennyS’ Schrub. It is a very popular CS2 skin choice for both casual and professional players. The skin features a red fire-breathing dragon painted over the yellow background and is one of the best AWP skins if you want to keep it flashy.
While it is available in all exteriors, as well as their Souvenir variants, it is extremely rare. In particular, the Dragon Lore StatTrak variant is super expensive, and is often used by CS2 collectors to measure the worth of their inventory.
- Flavor Text: 200 keys could never unlock its secrets
- Lowest Steam price: $5099
- Drops From Case: The Cobblestone Collection
- First Added: 1 July 2014
RELATED: Can You Still Download CS:GO?
4. AWP | Atheris
The AWP Atheris is a Restricted sniper rifle. It was put into the game in March 2019 during the Seeing the Light update.
Atheris AWP custom paint job features a design based on a green and blue bush viper painted over a black base. It is a part of the Prisma Case and comes available in all five exteriors as well as their StatTrak variants.
In terms of value, it is considered to be one of the best cheap AWP skins on our list. AWP Atheris price starts from around $2.
- Flavor Text: As deadly as it is beautiful
- Lowest Steam price: $1.89
- Drops From Case: Prisma Case
- First Added: 14 March 2019
Read also: How to make money playing CS2?
5. AWP | Mortis
The AWP Mortis is a Classified Sniper Rifle. It was introduced to CS2 in 2018 and to this day remains one of the most popular AWP skins, mainly due to its low price. Currently the Steam official market includes thousands of available listings for the AWP Mortis. While most players opt to buy this cheap AWP skin you can also get it by opening the Clutch Case.
Fortunately, this skin is available in all wear levels, with each condition affecting its price, and with StatTrak technology. If you’re on a budget, you can buy the AWP Mortis for as low as $1.20. However, if you want a higher quality version of the skin, it still only goes as high as $15, even for a StatTrak Factory New AWP Mortis. It’s easily one of the best AWP skins you can get in this price range.
- Flavor Text: Every end is a new beginning
- Lowest Steam price: $1.26
- Drops From Case: Clutch Case
- First Added: 16 February 2018
Read also: How to buy Steam games cheaper?
6. AWP | Gungnir
The AWP Gungnir is a unique Covert Sniper Rifle, as well as one of the rarest CS2 AWP skins out there. It’s quite difficult to determine a price for this skin since the listings for it are so few and far between, but most markets currently clock its price at around $7500.
In addition, the Gungnir AWP does not come with StatTrak technology, but it is available in all wear levels. In terms of design, it’s safe to say that this is one of the best AWP skins, that rarely goes unnoticed in-game.
- Flavor Text: A weapon for the Allfather
- Lowest Steam price: $7500
- Drops From Case: The Norse Collection
- First Added: 19 November 2019
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7. AWP | Neo-Noir
The AWP Neo-Noir skin is another popular choice when it comes to AWP skins. It is a Covert sniper rifle. The developers made it an in-game item in 2018, and it remains one of the best purple skins to this day.
This skin is a part of the Danger Zone Collection. The AWP Neo-Noir can be obtained by opening the Danger Zone case. The skin features an impressive design with two stylized blue-magenta women over a grayscale background. The AWP Neo-Noir is available in all exteriors as well as their StatTrak versions. If you do not have a big budget, you can get it just for $20, making it one of the best AWP skins for a budget player.
- Flavor Text: They took comfort in each other’s despair
- Lowest Steam price: $22.95
- Drops From Case: Danger Zone Case
- First Added: 6 December 2018
8. AWP | Containment Breach
The AWP Containment Breach is a Covert sniper rifle. As an in-game item it is available since Operation Shattered Web update. The Containment Breach skin deserves to be included to best AWP skins CS2 list.
This weapon skin depicts a bunch of mutated rats trying to escape a radioactive neon green forest, making it a visually striking and unique design. While it’s not the cheapest, it’s definitely one of the best green skins in CS2. If you are interested to get it, hunt for some the Shattered Web Cases.
The AWP Containment Breach comes in all five exteriors. Every of them can have StatTrak equipt. As far as the value goes, it can usually fetch anywhere between $30 and $600 on the Community Market.
- Flavor Text: Who knows what radioactive diseases they carry…
- Lowest Steam price: $34.27
- Drops From Case: Shattered Web Case
- First Added: 19 November 2019
Also check out: All Hyper Beast Skins
9. AWP | Hyper Beast
The AWP Hyper Beast skin was put into CS:GO as a part of the Operation Bloodhound update. It is a part of the Falchion Collection, and is also considered one of the best AWP skins in CS2. AWP Hyper Beast’s design is noticeable due to a beastly creature with a psychedelic look, adding a terrifying touch to your gameplay.
This skin is available in all five exteriors and their StatTrak counterparts. While the AWP Hyper Beast is one of the best skins for AWP, it is also considered to be one of the cheaper CS2 skins.
The lowest AWP Hyper Beast price is around $20 on the Steam Community Market. However, some versions of the Hyper Beast AWP skin can fetch upwards of $300.
- Flavor Text: You really want to impress me Booth? Make this black light sensitive – Rona Sabri, Rising Star
- Lowest Steam price: $20.17
- Drops From Case: Falchion Case
- First Added: 26 May 2015
Also check out: How to adjust Slam plugin in CS2
10. AWP | Wildfire
The AWP Wildfire appeared in the shooter during the Cache and Release update. Moreover, it is a part of the CS20 Collection. The Wildfire AWP skin features the Operation Wildfire Logo, hence its name and fiery design. It’s also one of the best red skins, as well as one of the best AWP skins in the game.
Regarding the design, the skin has unique and interesting patterns of flame painted on the black and red base, making it perfect for players looking for unique and interesting flame patterns on their AWP. If you’re building a fiery loadout, this skin is a must-have.
The AWP Wildfire is available in all five exteriors and their StatTrak variants. And its prices generally oscilate between $30 and $300.
- Flavor Text:The nail that sticks out gets the hammer
- Lowest Steam price: $29.52
- Drops From Case: CS20 Case
- First Added: 18 October 2019
Check out also: Is CS2 Free to Play?
11. AWP | Lightning Strike
The AWP Lightning Strike is a covert sniper rifle that was added to CSGO during the Arms Deal update and has a lightning motif painted over a metallic purple base coat. Its design is simple, yet it brings out some of the best from the CS2 graphics.
The Lightning Strike skin is a part of the Arms Deal Collection and can be obtained by opening the CS:GO Weapon Case. This covert sniper rifle is available in only two exteriors, factory new and minimal wear, and both of them can have StatTrak technology attached.
In terms of value, the Lightning Strike is one of the more expensive skins and can be worth as much as $900. It’s worth paying the price, however, considering that it’s one of the best AWP skins in the game.
- Flavor Text: Sometimes you don’t need to strike the same place twice
- Lowest Steam price: $473.35
- Drops From Case: Clutch Case
- First Added: 14 August 2013
RELATED: NiKo CSGO Settings: Play Like A Pro
12. AWP | Redline
Introduced into CSGO way back in December 2013 as a part of the Winter Offensive update, AWP Redline was painted using a carbon fiber hydrographic and a decal of a red pinstripe which gives it a simple yet very elegant look. It’s one of the best AWP skins, if you want a visual upgrade that won’t make you stand out oo much.
The Redline skin is available in three exteriors excluding factory new and battle-scarred, as well as their respective StatTrak versions and can be obtained by opening the Winter Offensive Weapon Case.
Depending on the exterior, the AWP Redline can be valued anywhere between $30 and 130$. The price of the Redline skin depends on various factors such as its exterior and StatTrak version.
- Flavor Text: Never be afraid to push it to the limit
- Lowest Steam price: $33.46
- Drops From Case: Winter Offensive Weapon Case
- First Added: 18 December 2013
Check out also: How to mute in CS2
13. AWP | Oni Taiji
The AWP Oni Taiji was put in the game during the Operation Hydra update. It was custom painted to depict a colorful samurai and Oni imagery, inspired by Japanese culture. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for some anime skins in CS2.
This covert sniper rifle belongs to the Operation Hydra Collection and as such can be obtained by opening the Operation Hydra Case.
The Oni Taiji skin is available in all five exterior as well as their StatTrak variants and can be worth anywhere between $140 and $1200 depending on the skin quality. While it’s certainly expensive, the Oni Taiji is easily one of the best AWP skins in the game.
- Flavor Text: Face your demons
- Lowest Steam price: $139.80
- Drops From Case: Operation Hydra Case
- First Added: 24 May 2017
Read also: What are the prices of the best CS2 weapons?
How to get the best AWP skins in CS2?
If you want to get your hands on some of the best AWP skins in the game, your best choice is always to use a dedicated trading website, like SkinsMonkey. It’s the best way to ensure you’ll get the best deals on any skins you want.
While trying to open one of the best AWP skins in a CS2 weapon case might sound interesting, keep in mind that it’s a complete gamble. While we don’t know the exact CS2 case odds, most AWP skins tend to be on the rare side, meaning that you’re likely to spend a lot of money on CS2 cases before you manage to open any of the best AWP skins. This approach is completely luck-based, and your chances of scoring the best AWP skins are quite low.
Steam also features an integrated trading platform, where gamers can buy, trade, and sell CS2 skins. While its technically quick and convenient, using the Steam community market comes with some serious limitations. For one, if you plan to trade on the Steam community market, keep in mind, that you won’t be able to get real money for your skins. Although you can cash out your Steam wallet, it’s a lengthy and often tedious process.
In addition, Valve gets a cut of every transaction made on the Steam community market, and the costs are always offset on the buyers. This can be particularly painful in case of the best AWP skins, which often cost quite a lot. Even a small percentage of price of an expensive skin like the AWP Dragon Lore can be a lot of money, meaning that you won’t get the best prices possible.
When you trade skins at SkinsMonkey, you can easily perform instant trades at any time and date with our integrated bot trading feature. With no hidden fees, you can make sure you always get the best deals on any of the best AWP skins on this list!
In Conclusion
As you can see, the AWP is quite popular, and the best AWP skins are some serious business. Remember, check out our bot trading if you want to get your hands on any of the skins from this list. Also, if you ever need to refresh your inventory, remember you can get free CS2 skins at SkinsMonkey!
Make sure you also check out our other articles, including:
- CS2 Overwatch Tutorial: 2025 Edition
- How to add Funds to Steam Wallet in Russia?
- How to Inspect CS2 Skins?
- How to sort your CS2 inventory?
- Best Cyan CS2 Skins
FAQ
What makes AWP skins so popular in CS2?
The AWP is one of the most powerful and iconic weapons in CS2, capable of one-shot kills. Its popularity among players and pros makes its skins highly desirable and collectible.
Why are some AWP skins so expensive?
Rare drops, limited availability, and historical value from iconic pro plays make certain AWP skins like Dragon Lore and Medusa worth thousands of dollars on the market.
What are the cheapest AWP skins?
Skins like AWP | Atheris and AWP | Mortis are excellent low-cost options, starting at under $2 while still offering strong visual appeal. They are perfect for players who are looking for cheap AWP skins.
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A true gaming enthusiast, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS2) and Rust. At SkinsMonkey, he is involved in creating game guides based on his own experience.