Counter Strike 2 is fast approaching, and while it’s not entirely clear when it will be released in its final version, players are already preparing their inventories to enter the new era of gaming anyway. If you, too, want to create your perfect loadout before CS2 officially comes online, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best skins you should have in your collection as you transition to Source 2.
Counter Strike 2
In late March 2023, Valve finally announced that their most popular game, Counter Strike, would be ported to Source 2, their state-of-the-art game engine. Although it didn’t come as a big surprise (since rumors of this had been circulating in the community for quite some time), everyone still squealed with joy when the news became official. All the more so because instead of a simple update, the developers decided to create a completely new title, Counter Strike 2.
The official game was scheduled for release in the summer of 2023, however from the moment of the announcement, selected players were able to take part in limited tests to gather feedback and implement improvements to the final version of CS2. Unfortunately, despite the fact that it’s already mid-October, we still don’t have an actual official release date, and testing is still ongoing. Nevertheless, everyone is eagerly awaiting news from Valve and any announcements regarding new features and gameplay.
What Will Happen to Skins in Counter Strike 2?
Of course, as soon as it was announced that the transition to Source 2 would take place in the form of an entirely new game rather than a simple update, many players began to stress about the fact that they would lose their precious weapon skins, in which they had put a lot of money over the past years. Fortunately, Valve was quick to respond to their concerns, and announced that all Global Offensive owners, will be automatically upgraded to Source 2, TOGETHER with their precious cosmetic items. What’s more, it was all going to happen completely free of charge.
Since that announcement was made, everyone started preparing their collections for the transition to the new game and looking for skins that would look best with the advanced capabilities of the high-tech engine.
Top 8 Best Counter Strike 2 Skins
In preparation for the transition to the new engine, we’ve compiled for you a list of the top 8 CS:GO skins that we think will be valuable additions to your inventory in Counter Strike 2. Of course, we’re not sure exactly what they’ll look like in the final version of the game, but given the previews, and footage from beta testing, we have a hunch that everyone will want to have THESE in their collection.
Also remember that if you like any of these CSGO skins, you can trade for them on SkinsMonkey, often at much better prices than on Steam Market.
AWP Sun in Leo
The AWP needs no introduction, as it is one of the most popular weapons in all of Counter Strike. As for the Sun in Leo skin, on the other hand, surprisingly, the same cannot be said about it. This item was added to the game over 8 years ago with “The Hunter and the Hunted” update. Nevertheless, it hasn’t gained huge popularity over the years. Yet we believe that CS2 will change that, because thanks to Source 2’s graphical capabilities, the constellations superimposed on this weapon will actually be visible. So far it has been known mainly as just another purple skin, however, the new game will give it a whole new meaning.
- Flavor Text: It’s going to be a rough month for your enemies
- Lowest Steam Price: $11.46
- Highest Steam Price: $26.99
Glock-18 Twilight Galaxy
Continuing the theme of stars and space, we present to you Glock-18 Galaxy, a skin that came to Counter Strike in the same update as Sun in Leo. Unfortunately, unlike the previous item on the list, this one is not exactly budget-friendly and only selected players can afford it. At the same time, we couldn’t resist putting it here. The upper part of the gun is covered with a metallic blue pattern, which looked OK in Global Offensive, but turned out to be a real hit during the Beta tests. The natural light falling on it in CS2 elevates this item to a whole new level.
- Flavor Text: Stars are just pin pricks at the darkness
- Lowest Steam Price: $164.91
- Highest Steam Price: $279.58
Desert Eagle Bronze Deco
This weapon skin may not be cosmic-themed, but it is still a valuable addition to virtually any collection in CS2 . Bronze Deco was added to Global Offensive in 2015 with the Chromatic Scale update. It is a unique finish that, although it refers by its name to the Art Deco style, does not necessarily actually reflect that in its appearance. Or at least not in CS:GO, however, the Beta testing has shown it in a whole new light. Literally. Its design is a combination of bronze, golden, and gray metallic paints that truly look gorgeous in Source 2, especially when they show up in the improved lighting provided by CS2 maps. If you want to impress everyone in Counter Strike 2, then you need to add this weapon finish to your inventory.
- Flavor Text: Everyone’s searching for silver and gold
- Lowest Steam Price: $0.21
- Highest Steam Price: $0.81
M4A1-S Blue Phosphor
The M4A1-S is the silenced little sister of the M4A4, which has already been loved by many players. Not only does everyone love its accuracy and the detachable silencer, but it also provides a large selection of skins to show off on CS:GO maps. A huge number of them look even better in CS2, with Blue Phosphor being a great example. This inconspicuous-looking blue skin may seem like just an interesting addition to a blue loadout, however, in Source 2 it is one of the very best weapon finishes. When you place this beautiful shade of blue under the natural light of the Counter Strike 2 maps, we assure you that no player will be able to take their eyes off you. Unfortunately, its price may be enough to discourage you from buying it.
- Flavor Text: Feeling blue?
- Lowest Steam Price: $695.63
- Highest Steam Price: $752.76
AK-47 Nightwish
The AK-47 is probably the most popular weapon in the history of gaming. What’s more, the Nightwish skin may be one of its most famous weapon finishes. In fact, its black base layer, combined with a stripped-down mix of neon colors, would have gamers dying for the chance to add it to their collection (well, maybe not literally). But what will happen when it appears in Counter Strike 2? We don’t even want to think about it. That’s why you should add it to your inventory today and be one step ahead of everyone else. Don’t be afraid to take part in the neon trend.
- Flavor Text: I’ve been saving this for a special occasion… – Booth, Arms Dealer
- Lowest Steam Price: $6.53
- Highest Steam Price: $119.99
Glock-18 Vogue
Vogue is a skin that has been available in Counter Strike for a relatively short time, as it was introduced to the game with the 2020 Fracture Case skin update. Nevertheless, it is a well-known item throughout the community due to its unique color scheme and beautiful design depicting female eyes. If you’re looking for a soothing vibe, this blend of warm colors is sure to give it to you. Many believe that it’s actually reminiscent of a summer sunset, and it is indeed hard to disagree. Not to mention that it was made one of the most popular pistols in the entire game, the Glock-18.
- Flavor Text: “Look at me while I’m shooting at you!”
- Lowest Steam Price: $2.52
- Highest Steam Price: $8.47
Five-SeveN Hyper Beast
Hyper Beast is one of the most original skins in Counter Strike, having appeared in the game in 2017 with Operation Hydra. Its mix of vivid colors makes every player want to have it in their inventory. In addition, if you take a closer look, you’ll see that there’s actually an unidentified beast painted on top, which is sure to impress any opponent. As for Counter Strike 2, we can already tell from the beta tests that this model will be one of the best looking in Source 2. Just imagine how the colors of the new version will turn out on the state-of-the-art engine!
- Flavor Text: We’re all monsters
- Lowest Steam Price: $19.83
- Highest Steam Price: $101.65
Desert Eagle Printstream
The Desert Eagle is a reliable weapon that every Counter Strike player can count on. On the other hand, the Printstream skin is probably one of the best-looking weapon finishes in the entire game. Its creator is community designer “JTPNZ,” and it was added to the game in 2020 with the Fracture Case skin update. As for its design, it’s quite minimalistic, as it’s a combination of a white base layer and some black accents. Nevertheless, we believe that Source 2 will give its metallic sheen a new meaning and it will become a valuable addition to the collection of not only white loadout fans, but also all other styles.
- Flavor Text: WHITE_1; BLACK_1; PEARLESCENT_1;
- Lowest Steam Price: $30.46
- Highest Steam Price: $98.79
Conclusions
Counter Strike 2 is just around the corner and all players should get ready for this new change. Of course, we expect Valve to add many new weapon finish models to the game, but it’s still worth stocking up on some of the items on our list so that you can show off your collection to other players right from the start. Remember, too, that with the arrival of a wave of new players to the CS:GO world, the demand for these items will be much higher, which means you’ll also be able to sell them at a higher price.
A true gaming enthusiast, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rust. At SkinsMonkey, he is involved in creating game guides based on his own experience.
