One of the most important parts of Counter Strike is the various cosmetic skins that players can use to upgrade their looks. Over a decade since they were introduced in the Arms Deal update, there are hundreds of different weapon skins available for players to choose from.
With so much to choose from, it can be difficult to make up your mind when you plan to invest in CS skins. Luckily, we’re here to help you! Here’s the selection of best CS2 skins you can add to any inventory today!
Remember, if you want to get your hands on any items on this list, there’s no better way than skin trading. Check out the rest of our website, where you can trade skins for the best deals, anytime, anywhere!
What Are The Best CS2 Skins?
Ultimately, which skins are the best is up to your personal aesthetic choices. However, we’ve compiled some of the most popular skin choices from the CS2 community.
AWP | Dragon Lore
Probably one of the most legendary Counter Strike skins to ever grace the Steam Community market, the AWP Dragon Lore is a thing of legend. One of the most expensive AWP skins in the game, it features a beautiful design, with a flaming dragon on the backdrop of ivory white, with golden details. It’s one of the first really expensive CS skins, and remains at a high price tag to this day, even at the Battle-Scarred wear level. If you plan to collect some of the best CSGO skins in the game, this one is an absolute must-have.
- Flavor text: 200 keys could never unlock its secrets
- Lowest Steam price: $3592.52
- Available in collection: Cobblestone Collection
- First added: 1 July 2014
M4A4 | Neo-Noir
If you want to get your hands on a cheap neo-noir skin, the M4A4 is a perfect choice. It gives your CS2 assault rifle a complete visual overhaul, with darker tones and neon details. Like other skins from the Neo-Noir family, this one also features a detailed graphic design of a cyber-punk warrior, all in pink and blueish hues. While it’s one of the cheapest skins on this list at lower float value, you definitely want to have at least the Minimal Wear version to get the most out of its awesome looks.
- Flavor text: “She grabbed what she could and disappeared into a decaying dystopia”
- Lowest Steam price: $6.52
- Drops from Case: Clutch Case
- First added: 14 February 2018
Karambit | Case Hardened
Case Hardened Karambit is one of the rarest skins in the entire game. Added all the way back in Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Karambit is already impressive by itself with its deadly curved blade, however, the Case Hardened finish takes it to a completely new level. And while it’s quite expensive, with low drop probability and rare special slot, some Case Hardened Karambits, known as Blue Gem, take it to a completely new level. A knife that has its skin pattern in a specific range features a touch of blue on the handle, making it look like it includes a literal blue gem at the tip. These rare blue gem skins are some of the most expensive in the game, and the highest trade offer for one so far was 1.5 million dollars (yes, you’ve read that right). While it’s the most expensive CS2 knife in the game, if you want to own one of the best skins in the game, it’s a good idea to cough up some extra dough for this investment.
- Flavor text: A little color never hurt anyone
- Lowest Steam price: $915.18
- Drops from Case: CS:GO Weapon Case
- First added: 14 August 2013
Falchion Knife | Marble Fade
For those who find themself slightly short on cash but still want to own an awesome CS2 knife, Falchion Knife Marble Fade will be a great alternative. It features awesome aesthetics in the classic Marble Fade look, without costing too much. While it might not be the best CS2 knife, it’s one of the popular choices for those who want to upgrade their looks without breaking the bank.
- Flavor text: The blade is made of many colors, but soon it all looks red
- Lowest Steam price: $308.30
- Drops from Case: Spectrum & Spectrum 2 case
- First added: 15 March 2017
Need to upgrade your inventory but are short on funds? Check out our guide on how to sell CS2 skins!
AK-47 | Fire Serpent
We included an M4A4 skin, but the AK-47 has its own awesome counterparts. Some of the best AK-47 skins can cost literal fortune, and while this one isn’t as extensive as the popular Blue Gem AK, it still commands a hefty price at the Steam Community market. AK-47 Fire Serpent features a Mayan design of a fiery dragon, breathing flames on the side of the weapon. While the fire serpent itself looks stunning, the rest of this skin maintains the standard AK-47 color scheme, making it a great pick for those who want to upgrade their looks, while maintaining the traditional Counter-Strike aesthetic.
- Flavor text: If you want to survive in the streets, learn to spit fire
- Lowest Steam price: $503.80
- Drops from Case: Operation Bravo Case
- First added: 19 September 2013
USP-S | The Traitor
USP-S is one of the most popular CS2 pistols, mainly because it’s the starting CT gun in the game. Since you see it very often, many USP-S skins can cost a significant amount of money. If you’re looking to expand your collection with the best CS2 skins on a budget, USP-S Traitor is a great choice. One of the best red skins in the game, it features a detailed drawing of a hangman, the titular traitor, being executed against a beautiful backdrop. Might be macabre, but it definitely looks awesome as well!
- Flavor text: Past failures are the blueprints for future success
- Lowest Steam price: $11.73
- Drops from Case: Snakebite Case
- First added: 3 May 2021
Glock-18 Water Elemental
For the Terrorist pistol we got a classic budget choice, which to this day remains one of the best CS2 skins you can get for this weapon. It’s design is simple and straightforward, featuring the titular water elemental against a red background. While it looks pretty, it’s also cheap for a skin with such an impressive look, with a price tag of less than $3 for a Battle-Scarred variant.
- Flavor text: None
- Lowest Steam price: $5.46
- Drops from Case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
- First added: 1 July 2014
Butterfly Knife | Fade
We know we’ve already included more than one knife on this list, but we can’t create a top list of the best CS2 skins and omit the absolute classic that is the Butterfly Knife fade. One of the best Butterfly Knife skins in the game, it’s the perfect example of the beauty created with the Fade variant. Its rich look, featuring hues of red orange and yellow creates an aesthetic reminiscent of summer sunsets, while still maintaining a deadly look. It’s easily one of the best CS2 skins in the game to this day.
- Flavor text: This isn’t just a weapon, it’s a conversation piece – Imogen, Arms Dealer In Training
- Lowest Steam price: $3,336.17
- Drops from Case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
- First added: 1 July 2014
In Conclusion
Here are all the best CS2 skins in the game, according to us. Hope we’ve helped you make up your mind.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out the rest of our blog, where we regularly post more CS2 tips, tricks and guides, and even offer free CS2 skins giveaways!
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.
