Counter-Strike Doppler Phases Guide

“Doppler” is a reference to some extremely sought-after Counter-Strike finishes. These finishes, which are classified as “Covert” (the rarest tier), have a unique look that is reminiscent of the Doppler effect, a real-world phenomena in which the frequency of light waves varies due to relative motion.

Unlike standard skins with a single color scheme, Doppler finishes boast a mesmerizing characteristic: phases.

These stages show many color combinations that cover the blade, giving it a distinctive and appealing appearance. Doppler finishes are extremely rare and valuable because of their vivid patterns. They debuted in CS:GO with the January 8, 2015 update, which also marked the debut of the Chroma Case. The only weapons with a Doppler weapon finish at the time were the Bayonet, M9 Bayonet, Karambit, Flip Knife, and Gut Knife. The Huntsman, Bowie, Falchion, Butterfly, and Shadow Daggers all had Doppler finishes included in the Spectrum Case, bringing the total to ten.

Though they are not the same, Doppler Skins and the Gamma Doppler series share similarities in style, with both having phases and appearing on almost all of the same blades. While the standard Doppler emphasizes a darker look, the Gamma Doppler glows with its multitude of green colors.

The appearance and pattern of a Doppler skin can vary in four ways, which are called phases. For the trained eye, each phase is easily recognized due to its unique color scheme. The remaining three, named Sapphire, Ruby, and Black Pearl, are categorized into independent groups and are not considered phases. Approximately 90% of individuals will receive a Phase 1-4 Doppler, making the Ruby, Sapphire, or Black Pearl even more desirable. Only 10% of individuals will receive a Ruby, Sapphire, or Black Pearl Doppler. 

Doppler Phase 1 – Around 80% Indigo/Black, 20% Red

One of the darker skin variations, the Doppler Phase 1 has a primarily black or indigo blade with just a few tiny red bits that are either dispersed or trapped in one spot, usually close to the margins of the blade. This combination gives the weapon an intriguing, even enigmatic air. Phase 1 patterns are still valuable to collectors who desire a more subdued elegance, even if they are not the most stunning of the phases.

Since the Doppler Phase 1 has the lowest amount of color shown on the knife itself, the prices for this specific variation tend to stay around the market price with little to no allowance in terms of overpaying, except if the float value is incredibly rare in itself. This is a fairly common drop when pulling a Doppler skin from a case and it is one of the least desirable of the bunch.

Doppler Phase 2 – Around 80% Red, 20% Indigo/Black

Phase 2 is the exact opposite of Phase 1 and is more favored by collectors and skin fans while searching for a Doppler knife because of its abundance of the color red. Since it mimics the full red Doppler finish with only subtle accents of indigo and black, it is also referred to as a pseudo-Ruby phase. The pricing for this particular phase are also quite close to the going rate, but some patterns command a little higher price because of their demand and popularity—particularly from those who are hesitant to pay as much for the Ruby version.

Doppler Phase 3 – Around 60% Blue, 20% Indigo/Black, 10% Green

Doppler Phase 3 is one of the more colorful ones out there, even if the colors are not complete in terms of ratio compared to the others. It features a predominantly blue base with hints of Indigo/Black and even fewer spots of Green on the blade. 

Doppler Phase 4 – Around 80% Blue, 20% Indigo/Black

Second to Phase 2, the Doppler Phase 4 is one of the more desirable finishes in terms of Phases since it is predominantly blue and as close as one can get to a pure Sapphire finish from a normal pattern. 

Doppler Sapphire – Pure Blue

Even more so than a Blue Gem Case Hardened, a knife with the Doppler Sapphire finish is the one blade that has more blue than anything else money can buy. It features a perfect, shiny blue all across the knife and looks even better on knives with big blades such as the Talon Knife and Karambit. A Sapphire is considered to be one of the holy grails of Doppler knives, with prices going up to the five or even six-digit range.

Doppler Ruby – Pure Red

The direct counterpart of the Sapphire, the Doppler Ruby also shines in all its red-colored glory. It has a beautiful dark red finish with no blemishes or spots of any other color. Though it is also incredibly expensive, it tends to go for a bit less than the Sapphire.

Doppler Black Pearl – The Grail

Eclipsing the Sapphire and the Ruby, the Doppler Black Pearl is the defining finish for any Doppler skin. It is an extremely rare pull and only a number have been seen up for sale even on third-party websites. It fetches a massive amount of overpay compared to its market price because of the allure and the rarity behind it. It comes in a striking dark yet glossy finish, making it flashy while still being classy.