Weapon skins have always been one of the most important parts of the Counter Strike franchise. From handguns and Desert Eagle skins to the best AWP skin variants, gamers had a wide range of different visual upgrades to choose from, many of them costing significant amounts of money.
Because of this, it’s no surprise that so many Counter Strike players were worried about what will happen to CS:GO skins in CS2. Anyone who was genuinely worried, however, quickly go their worries dispelled, as it turned out that some of their favorite skins would only become more visually appealing.
So, what are the best skins that look better in CS2? Although it might be difficult to name all the winners that ended up looking better with the game’s upgrade, here are some of the winners. Welcome to our list of the best skins that look better in Counter Strike 2.
As always, if you like any of the skins on this list, make sure to head over to Skinsmonkey, where you can always trade CS2 (CS:GO) skins for te best prices possible!
M4A1-S | Hot Rod
The classic M4A1-S Hot Rod skin looks much better in the improved graphics engine of CS2. One of the best red skins in the game, M4A1-S Hot Rod is a good skin for anyone looking for something stylish in their loadout. While not as impressive visually as other skins on this list, it’s still a popular skin among players who want some style without sticking out too much. What it lacks in intricate patterns, M4A1-S Hot Rod makes up with bright red colors, that scream danger at anyone who sees you in a match.
- Flavor text: Automatic. Systematic. Hydromatic.
- Lowest Steam price: $866.34
- Available in collection: Chop Shop Collection
- First added: 26 May 2015
AUG | Carved Jade
Another skin that lacks detailed elements, AUG Carved Jade is another single-color skin, that really excels in the CS2 graphics engine. The monotone look is broken up by how great it looks like with the new light engine and effects. If you’re not going for a shocking appearance with your loadout, and prefer something simpler instead, AUG Carved Jade is the skin for you.
- Flavor text: The finest of the finer things
- Lowest Steam price: $5.74
- Available in collection: Ancient Collection
- First added: 3 December 2020
Five-SeveN | Copper Galaxy
Finally, taking a break from more boring skins, we got Five-SeveN Copper Galaxy, an awesome skin for this traditional CT pistol, that has received a serious visual upgrade with the release of CS2. The new version looks even more impressive, and the glittery gun body makes it one of the best skins that look better in CS2 when compared to the previous version of the game. It’s worth noting that although this weapon skin has copper in its name, it’s also a great fit for any loadout that needs some more gold skins.
- Flavor text: Stars are just pin pricks at the darkness
- Lowest Steam price: $9.56
- Drops from case: CS:GO Weapon Case 3
- First added: 12 February 2014
Karambit | Doppler
What more can be said about Karambit Skins in CS2? They are some of the rarest in the game, as well as the most visually impressive. Few other skins can measure up to the awesomeness of the Doppler skins, which were visually impressive already in the previous version of the game. If you’re a Karambit Doppler owner, you’ll be happy to learn that the Doppler family features skins that look better in CS2. If you aren’t, it can be difficult to obtain Karambit Doppler at a reasonable price, as many players wish to grab a knife like this for themselves.
- Flavor text: Getting lost in its color can prove fatal
- Lowest Steam price: $1720.97
- Drops from case: Chroma, Chroma 2, and Chroma 3 Weapon Case
- First added: 8 January 2015
AWP | Sun In Leo
AWP Sun in Leo has been one of the more popular AWP skins in the entire game, thanks to its intricate detailing, giving the weapon an awesome look. If you’re looking for skins that look better in CS2 and don’t ruin you financially, AWP Sun In Leo is a great pick. The updates that improved graphics and game models only make the detailed pattern look that much better in-game.
- Flavor text: It’s going to be a rough month for your enemies
- Lowest Steam price: $15.73
- Available in collection: Gods and Monsters Collection
- First added: February 10, 2025
Butterfly Knife | Fade
Closing off our list is possibly one of the best knives that CS2 has to offer, Butterfly Knife Fade. The Butterfly Knife skins are already among some of the best weapon skins in the game, and many players are willing to pay insane sums of money to enhance their looks with a Butterfly Knife. Possibly the best skins for this knife is the Fade variant Not only did it look great in the previous version of the game, it’s actually one of the best skins that look better in CS2. This weapon skin can be a great centerpiece of any CS2 inventory, provided you can afford it. Gamers who sell CS2 (CS:GO) skins often demand outrageous prices for this weapon.
Flavor text: This isn’t just a weapon, it’s a conversation piece – Imogen, Arms Dealer In Training
Lowest Steam price: $1751
Drops from case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
First added: 1 July 2014
In Conclusion
Here are our picks for the skins that came out on top during the CS2 transition. If you ever want to but CS2 skins on this list, or any other weapon skins of your choice, make sure to visit Skinsmonkey, for more guides, free CS2 (CS:GO) skins giveaways, and the best deals possible!
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.
