Counter Strike 2 was released more than two months ago, and people are still surprised by how good it looks. Source 2’s visual capabilities are light years away from what Global Offensive had to offer, so some of the most loved items are looking better than ever. Read this article and find out which skins got a whole new look in the new game!
Why Do CS2 Skins Look Better Than CS:GO Skins?
As we know, a few years ago Valve unveiled its new game engine, Source 2. It stood out not only for its speed, but above all for its new graphical capabilities, which gave well-known titles such as Dota and Half-Life a whole new expression. Therefore, it’s no surprise that since then everyone has been waiting for the porting of Counter Strike, which is unquestionably the developer’s most famous product. Eventually, it happened in 2023.
In March of that year, Valve announced plans to release Counter Strike 2, which was to represent the biggest technical leap in the game’s history. Better tick-rate, accelerated gameplay and, most importantly, huge graphical improvements such as more realistic grenade smoke and map lighting were all promised, which was quite expected. What came as a surprise, however, was how much the look of many weapon finishes had changed.
Do CS2 Skins Differ a Lot?
As early as in the beta testing phase, players pointed out that some of their favorite items looked completely different on the new engine. First of all, it was their color and the way the light reflected on them. However, there were even some cases where CS2 skins differed in the patterns applied.
Initially, people were unsure whether this metamorphosis was permanent. It’s important to point out that some were disappointed by such changes and hoped that Valve would restore everything when the final version of the game hit the market. However, this did not happen, and many items went through a permanent makeover. However, although the initial reactions were mixed, once the CS users recovered from the shock, everyone quickly realized that many of the new versions looked better than the originals. And today, we’re going to show you our favorite ones.
Top 5 CS2 Skins That Look Better Than CS:GO Skins
Here are the top 5 weapon finishes that we think look much better on Source 2 than in the Global Offensive version. Remember, if you wish to add any of them to your new inventory, you can trade old skins at the best possible prices on SkinsMonkey.
AWP Sun in Leo
Sun in Leo is a skin that has been featured in Counter Strike since 2015, when it appeared as part of “The Hunter and the Hunted” update. Its exterior has been painted with a beautiful purple paint that has been overlaid with star constellation patterns, making it a very unique item compared to others currently available in the game. Despite this, however, it has not enjoyed as much success in CS:GO, as it theoretically should have. Frankly speaking, its appearance did not wow in the previous game, as the colors were quite dim and the stars were hardly visible. Now, however, on Source 2, it looks completely different and finally gets the attention it deserved from the beginning. In fact, this is perfectly reflected in its price, which has been steadily rising since the release of the new game.
- Flavor Text: It’s going to be a rough month for your enemies
- Lowest Steam Price: $10.32
- Highest Steam Price: $29.70
M4A1-S Hot Rod
Hot Rod has been a staple of virtually every red loadout ever since it first appeared in the game in 2015 as part of the Chop Shop collection. However, Source 2’s new visual capabilities have given this skin a whole new look. It’s no longer just covered in red paint. Now its metallic coating is really visible thanks to the light reflections present on CS2 maps. What’s more, the black accents are distinct and create a beautiful contrast with the vibrant red paint that forms its base layer. It seems that anyone who hasn’t yet explored the idea of a full red inventory should do so as soon as possible. The time to take an interest in this color has never been better.
- Flavor Text: Automatic. Systematic. Hydromatic.
- Lowest Steam Price: $665.79
- Highest Steam Price: $726.00
P2000 Imperial Dragon
Imperial Dragon is a skin that, like Hot Rod, was already very famous in Counter Strike: Global Offensive. In fact, it was considered one of the best skins to ever appear in the game. But that doesn’t mean it can’t get even better, and apparently Valve thought exactly the same thing. And so, in Counter Strike 2, this beautiful fiery skin, which has been covered with a gold metallic dragon pattern, looks a hundred times better than its original version in CS:GO. And although there’s no big wow when you first look at it this time, if you analyze it more closely, you’ll see that its unique design features are greatly accentuated by the vivid contrast and subtle lighting on CS2 maps. We are sure that now every Counter Strike player will want to have this item in their collection.
- Flavor Text: Look to the West
- Lowest Steam Price: $3.27
- Highest Steam Price: $8.07
Desert Eagle Bronze Deco
Unlike the previously mentioned items, Desert Eagle Bronze Deco was a rather “meh” skin in Global Offensive. In theory, it could be great, but in reality, its metallic colors did not come through as much as they should have. As a result, it was mostly overlooked by players, and although it first appeared in the game back in 2015, it didn’t really gain any traction for years. Fortunately, Counter Strike 2 came into play, and Source 2 graphics gave the item a whole new chance to shine. Now it looks completely different and actually lives up to its name. We advise you to get it before anyone else, as there is a good chance that you will be able to sell it in the future for a big profit.
- Flavor Text: Look to the West
- Lowest Steam Price: $0.12
- Highest Steam Price: $0.74
Desert Eagle Emerald Jörmungandr
Continuing with the Desert Eagle theme, let’s talk about Emerald Jörmungandr. This beautiful weapon finish was released in Counter Strike just 4 years ago, along with the “Operation Shattered Web” update. And even though it hasn’t been available for too long, it still managed to become one of the most expensive skins in the game. Its unique design depicting Jörmungander, a.k.a. the World Serpent, really got players interested, and thus made it one of the best items to come from the Norse collection. However, its emerald color didn’t shine in the previous version of the game, and its popularity was mainly due to the pattern. Now, however, the tables have turned and the color is the star of the show. If you’re looking for pieces that will shimmer beautifully in natural sunlight on maps like Mirage or Dust II, this is what you need.
- Flavor Text: Wake the gods
- Lowest Steam Price: $281.52
- Highest Steam Price: $304.40
Conclusions
As you can see, many skins look much better in Counter Strike 2 than in Global Offensive. What we have presented today is just a handful, and we can guarantee you that the game offers many more revamped weapon finishes and knives to see. So, if you are planning to refresh your inventory and are on the search for interesting pieces, be sure to visit the SkinsMonkey blog for some inspiration for the ultimate loadout.
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.
