by in
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive skins, which change the look of weapons, are one of the best features in the game. However, only a few among the several deserve true praise.
Whether they are shiny, minimalist or even seductive, many skins carry huge prices that a CS:GO casual may not want to pay. Some are in the range of a few dozen, others shoot for thousands of dollars.
Skins were, until recently, a force that drove the economy from a huge parallel betting market. If on the one hand this is a moment in history that we want to forget, it is important to remember that these skins have established the economic basis of what Counter-Strike is as a sport today.
By returning sales revenue to organizations, players and content creators who make skins, Valve is able to bring a sport to life by funding millionaire tournaments every year. Honoring skins is not idolizing an object, it is a way of expressing recognition for what was once an important factor in the growth of Counter-Strike.
The featured skins below are organized without a special order of intrinsic or extrinsic value. The rarities, methods of obtaining and approximate prices are also listed on each weapon. The approximate prices are in dollars and are based on the sales figures found on the Steam Community Market, opskins.com and bitskins.com. Skins on sale for non-standard prices due to stickers or rare conditions were not taken into account (such as the M4A4 Howl in opskins).
- AWP | Dragon Wisdom (Dragon Lore)
The Cobblestone Collection – Sniper Rifle (Hidden)
Approximate Price Range: $600- $30,000
“This weapon was painted with the design of a Celtic dragon. Not even 200 keys would unlock your secrets.”
- AWP | Jellyfish
The Gods and Monsters Collection – Sniper Rifle (Hidden)
Approximate Price Range: $400- $1,500
“This weapon was painted with the image of a gorgon. If you can see me, then you’re already dead.”
- M4A4 | Howl
Hunter’s Old Collection – Rifle (Smuggled)
Approximate Price Range: $600- $6,000
“This weapon was painted with the design of a ferocious wolf.”
- M4A4 | Poseidon
The Gods and Monsters Collection – Rifle (Secret)
Approximate Price Range: $150- $600
“This weapon was painted with a portrait of a battle between Pisces and Poseidon. Three know how to keep a secret if two are dead.”
- M4A1-S | Decimator
The Spectral Collection – Rifle (Secret)
Approximate Price Range: $20- $160
- M4A1-S | Chantico’s Fire
The III Chromatic Collection – Rifle (Hidden)
Approximate Price Range: $20- $1,500
“This weapon was hand painted in vibrant colors and accented with a smiley stamp on the stock. Protect what is yours.”
- AK-47 | Fire Serpent
The Bravo Collection – Rifle (Hidden)
Approximate Price Range: $100- $7,000
- AK-47 | Sponsorships (Bloodsport)
The Spectral Collection – Rifle (Hidden)
Approximate Price Range: $60- $450
- AUG | Akihabara’s Attendant (Akihabara Accept)
The Rising Sun Collection – Rifle (Hidden)
Approximate Price Range: $40- $600
“This weapon was decorated with a thermal transfer vinyl from an anime magazine cover. Yatta!”
- UMP-45 | Primitive Saber (Primal Saber)
The III Chromatic Collection – Submachine Gun (Secret)
Approximate Price Range: $3- $70
