CS2 Skin Quality Guide

The rarity of Counter-Strike skins are divided into categories which are also assigned colors for easier identification. There are eight rarity types in total, however only seven kinds are available to be unlocked through natural ways such as in-game drops or opening cases. The rarity types are Consumer Grade, Industrial Grade, Mil-Spec, Restricted, Classified, Covert, Exceedingly Rare, and Contraband.

Consumer Grade (White)

In CS2, Consumer Grade skins are the most prevalent and accessible. When you check them in your inventory or throughout the game, their border is colored white. These skins typically have simple, uncomplicated designs. They can be acquired through weapon cases or are frequently discarded in-game following bouts. When listed on the Steam community market, they bring in the least amount of money and are the most common drops in weapon cases. Consumer Grade skins are usually the least expensive available; nonetheless, the values of some skins in this category can vary by as much as 1000%, depending on the weapon.

Industrial Grade (Light Blue)

Compared to Consumer Grade skins, Industrial Grade skins are a little less common. They are denoted by a pale blue hue. Industrial Grade skins are still rather prevalent, however they frequently have more intricate designs than Consumer Grade skins. Since they are just marginally better than Consumer Grade skins, their pricing is only marginally higher; some even remain in the same ballpark as the lower tier finishes. Certain outliers, like the AWP | Sun in Leo, deviate significantly from the normal pricing range because of their widespread appeal and unusual overall design for an industrial grade skin.

Mil-Spec (Blue)

Mil-Spec skins are regarded as being about average in terms of quality. A fair amount of money for a skin tone that is more distinctive than the color shift or basic toned-down appearance that a White or Industrial Grade skin will provide. Skins from Mil-Spec are moderately rare. The hue medium blue serves as an indicator of them. These skins are highly sought for by people who desire something more aesthetically pleasing without shelling out a substantial sum of money because they frequently have more intricate designs. Certain skins, like as the AK-47 Laminate finishes, are categorized as Mil-Spec skins yet can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, depending upon the float value.

Restricted (Purple)

People truly start getting thrilled about what they unbox in the Restricted category. A purple skin will almost always feature some lovely designs with a clear theme. Most of these skins fall into the mid-range price category, but some inexpensive finds are truly undervalued, especially when you take into account the higher quality that other designs provide.

Classified (Pink)

Even more uncommon than restricted skins are classified skins. They are denoted by the color pink. Because of its distinctive and eye-catching patterns, the Classified category produces a large number of “play skins” that are used by both casual gamers and experts. AK-47 | Case Hardened, Frontside Misty, and Phantom Disruptors, M4A4 | Dragon King, Cyber Security, and Desolate Space, and AWP | Mortis and Duality are a few examples of notable finishes. 

Covert (Red)

The most precious and sought-after weapon finishes to have in a case or collection are Covert skins. When you open one, you nearly always get your money back and may even make a profit from the cost of the key to open the case. While some Covert skins remain in the $20 level, the real gems in the game can be found for quadruple or even quintuple that amount. The Covert category includes iconic skins like the AK-47 | Fire Serpent and the AWP | Dragon Lore. 

Exceedingly Rare (Gold)

The rarest items that one can unbox and sell for significantly more than the key cost are knives and gloves that arrive in a case. Every finish on a glove or knife is classified as Exceedingly Rare.

Contraband (Orange)

The Contraband category is reserved for one skin and one skin only: the M4A4 | Howl. The most notorious and infamous skin in the game was placed in the Contraband category by Valve after reports of copyright infringement and plagiarism arose from the design’s true creator. Since then, the M4A4 | Howl was removed from all cases and will not be placed into any future cases or in-game drops, making its current amount in circulation the maximum it will ever be moving forward. The value of this skin rises as time goes by with inventories getting banned and players quitting the game, leaving their M4A4 | Howl in almost permanent storage. In short, if you don’t already own a Howl the only way to get it is by trading with someone that already does since there will never ever be more created by Valve.