Cosmetic customization was always intended to be a huge part of the CS:GO experience, and over the years this came to fruition via a multitude of various features such as stickers, characters, and most notably, weapon skins and gloves.
Today there is a plethora of cosmetic items for players to show off and express themselves, however, some of the skins are rarer than others and therefore can be worth a lot of money. So much so, many players out there see skins as a form of investment. To figure out just how much some of the skins can be worth, let’s take a look at some of the most expensive CS:GO skins out there.
Why Are CS:GO Skins So Expensive?
When talking about the prices of CS:GO skins, they can range from as little as a few cents to tens, hundreds, and even millions of dollars. So the question naturally arises: what makes a single CS:GO skin worth so much money? The answer to that question is somewhat complicated. To help you determine the value of each skin, we have provided a list of criteria that affect the prices of skins.
- Rarity
- Float Value
- Pattern
- Condition
- Stickers
- StatTrak™
- Souvenir
The Most Expensive CS:GO Skins
With so many things to consider and so many skins out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed when trying to find some of the most expensive skins. Fortunately, we have done everything in our power to narrow things down. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most expensive CS:GO skins on the market.
1. Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem) — $1.2 Million- $2 Million+
This skin itself was introduced to the game in 2013 with the Arms Deal update and according to its description, its case was hardened by applying wood and charcoal at extremely high temperatures. Depending on the pattern, the price of the Karambit | Case Hardened can vary, but the most expensive СS:GO skin nowadays is Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem). The Blue Gem features a blue hue across its entire blade and is so rare that it can be worth upwards of 2 million dollars.
Buy Karambit | Case Hardened
2. Souvenir AWP | Dragon Lore — $3,300 – $150,000+
The AWP | Dragon Lore is an iconic CS:GO skin that was added to the game with the Operation Breakout update in July 2014. The skin features a fire-breathing dragon painted on its side and is part of the Cobblestone Collection. The Dragon Lore skin is so rare that it’s difficult to determine its price, however the Souvenir version in excellent condition can sell for more than $150,000.
Buy AWP | Dragon Lore
3. AK-47 | Case Hardened (#661) — $30,000 – $150,000
This classified rifle is obtainable by opening the CS:GO Weapon Case and features the same color scheme as the Karambit that we mentioned above. The skin was added to the game back in 2013 and its price can differ drastically depending on its pattern. The most expensive version of this skin known as the #661 or “Scar Pattern” can be valued at more than $150,000.
Buy AK-47 | Case Hardened
4. M4A4 | Howl — $3,200 – $35,000
The M4A4 | Howl is probably the most controversial and expensive skin on this list. The skin was introduced to the game back in 2014 and features a red pattern over a black base with an image of a snarling wolf painted on its side. Due to copyright issues, the skin was removed from the game, however players who were already in possession of it were allowed to keep it. This made the skin extremely rare and therefore very sought after which is certainly reflected in its price.
Buy M4A4 | Howl
5. Sport Gloves | Pandora’s Box — $1,300 – $20,000
These purple and black synthetic gloves made their first appearance back in November 2016 and are one of the most expensive glove skins out there. Sport Gloves | Pandora’s Box can be obtained from either the Glove or the Operation Hydra Case, and depending on several factors can be worth upwards of $20,000.
Buy Sport Gloves | Pandora’s Box
Many players choose to customize their in-game settings such as crosshairs in order to maximize their performance, especially within the competitive scene. If you want to learn how to customize your crosshair settings like your favorite professional CS:GO players then check out our pro crosshair settings article.
6. Karambit, M9 Bayonet (Sapphire) – $1,100 - $22,000
This phase is extremely popular among connoisseurs of knives. Even the simplest knife with such a skin looks incredibly beautiful, expensive and stylish. A knife with such a phase will be expensive, be prepared for the fact that you will have to pay for it from 1 thousand dollars to 20, depending on the exterior, knife and marketplace.
Buy CS:GO Knives (Sapphire)
7. M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web — $670 – $15,000
Since we are on the topic of Crimson Web skins, we can’t help but mention the M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web. This knife was introduced to CS:GO back in 2013 with the Arms Deal update and just like our previous entry, it features a black spider web pattern painted over a red base. The knife can be obtained from 11 different cases and can widely range in terms of value depending on multiple factors.
Buy M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web
8. AWP | Gungnir — $6,000 – $18,000
This covert sniper rifle debuted in the game in November 2019 as part of the Norse Collection. It was added to the game during the Operation Shattered Web update and appropriately features Odin’s traveling spear painted in pearlescent blue on its side.
Buy AWP | Gungnir
9. AK-47 | Wild Lotus — $2,600 – $16,000
The AK-47 | Wild Lotus skin is a relatively new addition to CS:GO, added to the game in November 2019 as part of the Operation Shattered Web update. The skin features a green spray painted base with a large orange lotus flower painted on its side surrounded by vines and smaller flowers of various colors. . In March 2023, this skin with 4 Reason Holo stickers sold for over $160,000.
Buy AK-47 | Wild Lotus
When it comes to the most expensive CS:GO skins, there are many out there to choose from, however some CS:GO stickers can also fetch a hefty price on the market. To find out more, check out our article with some of the most expensive stickers in CS:GO.
10. AK-47 | Gold Arabesque — $2,100 – $12,000
AK-47 | Gold Arabesque is an exquisite CS:GO skin known for its stunning design and intricate details. The skin features a gold-colored geometric pattern with intricate Arabesque motifs that create an elegant and luxurious appearance. If the price for the skin itself starts at $2,000, then the price for the souvenir version can exceed $12,000.
Buy AK-47 | Gold Arabesque
11. Butterfly Knife | Lore — $1,000 – $10,000
This skin for the Butterfly Knife is one of the newest skins on this list, being added to the game as recently as September 2021 as part of the Operation Riptide update. The skin itself appears to have been gold plated featuring a beautiful engraving across its blade. If you are feeling lucky, you can try to obtain this skin by opening either the Operation Riptide or the Dreams & Nightmares Case.
Buy Butterfly Knife | Lore
12. Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono — $1,000 – $10,000
Like all other gloves, the Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono was added to the game in the Arms Deal update of November 2016. This beautiful pair of black gloves has been accented with a red diamond pattern and can be contained in both the Glove and the Operation Hydra Case.
Buy Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono
13. AK-47 | Fire Serpent — $500 – $5,500
Starting things off we have the AK-47 | Fire Serpent skin which was added to the game back in September 2013. The skin was part of the Operation Bravo update and as such can be obtained by opening the Operation Bravo Case. The skin features a green serpent with huge fangs depicted on the side of the weapon alongside what appear to be clouds.
Buy AK-47 | Fire Serpent
CS:GO is a team-based game and performing better on an individual level is crucial to performing better as a team. This is where CS:GO 1v1 maps come in handy. If you wish to increase your personal skills by playing against a single opponent, then take a look at our guide on how to 1v1 in CS:GO.
14. Souvenir M4A1-S | Welcome to the Jungle — $700 – $5,000
M4A1-S | Welcome to the Jungle depicts a golden pit viper painted over a thick jungle background and is one of the favorite CS:GO skins among players. The skin was put into the game in December 2020 along with the Operation Broken Fang update and usually sells for around $1,000. However, a Souvenir version in good condition can fetch significantly more.
Buy M4A1-S | Welcome to the Jungle
NFTs have been around for almost a decade now, and in recent years they have skyrocketed in popularity. Just like some of the most expensive CS:GO skins on this list, many people view NFTs as a form of investment. If this is something you are interested in, consider checking out our article on NFT investing.
This wraps up our article on some of the most expensive CS:GO skins that you can buy. We are sure that each of the skins on this list will add some flair to both your inventory and in-game character. Follow us on our social media for more interesting and exciting CS:GO content.
Check out other popular skin lists:
- The Best Souvenir CS2 Skins
- CS2 Skins for Fans of the Harry Potter Universe
- The Best Weapon Skins in CS:GO
- Popular CS:GO Skins Among Professional Players
- The Most Purchased Skins on DMarket in 2022
- The Best Cheap CS2 Stickers
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