The Best AWP Skins (Top 10)

Like any collectible, rarity is a major factor. Some skins are much harder to come by, either due to limited release methods or simply how rarely they drop from loot boxes. On top of that, not all rare skins are equally desired. Some have unique designs or features that make them highly attractive to players, driving the price up even more.  For some, these skins become potential investments. With a limited number in circulation and continued demand, the value of certain ones can rise over time. Online marketplaces where players can trade skins create a fluid market where prices can be influenced by trends and speculation. Finally, the recent update of CSGO’s engine upgrade to Source 2, becoming CS2, has even increased the value of said skins due to assurance about the game’s future and their overall design under the new engine  It’s important to remember that the worth of a CS skin ultimately depends on what someone is willing to pay. While some can be incredibly expensive, there are also many affordable options for players who simply want to customize their weapons. The ones in this list, however, are the true holy grails for any serious collector.

This list is not in any order since skins are based on preference, however each skin’s popularity and overall allure was taken into consideration.

1. AWP | Dragon Lore

There is simply no world wherein the Dragon Lore is not a timeless classic in Counter-Strike. Often regarded as the greatest skin in the game and the most desirable one, its golden finish with a dragon drawn right from the edge of the body all the way to the barrel make it an incredibly one of a kind piece.

2. AWP | Gungnir

One of the most legendary skins in recent memory and among the very best “newer” skins in Counter-Strike, the AWP Gungnir takes a lot of inspiration from Norse mythology as the finish itself is named after the spear of Odin, also known as the Spear of Heaven. It is colored in a shiny blue with mythology-inspired textures and said spear on the body of the AWP.

3. AWP | Medusa

A sometimes-forgotten skin in the modern age of CS, the AWP Medusa is one of the most iconic finishes from Global Offensive’s early days. Released in 2015 as part of the Gods and Monsters Collection, the AWP Medusa features a striking black and dark blue color with a drawing of the mythological creature Medusa at the back of the weapon. Due to its age and rarity, prices for this said skin are always high which make budget-friendly collectors opt to create their own “fake” versions of the Medusa using cheaper weapons and stickers.

4. AWP | The Prince

A unique piece that is often not mentioned with the likes of the Dragon Lore or Gungnir, the AWP The Prince still deserves its flowers for being one of the most impressive-looking finishes in the entire game. Taking its name to heart, it has a royal red and gold design with Latin inscriptions and patterns all throughout the weapon.

5. AWP | Asiimov

One of the cheapest on the entire list but undoubtedly also one of the most recognizable, the AWP Asiimov has been around ever since the early days of CS:GO and it doesn’t seem like the popularity is going to disappear just yet. In the same family as the AK-47 and M4A4 Asiimov, the AWP variant is one of the most popular in the entire line and is widely used even in the professional scene. Mostly recognized as Kenny “kennyS” Schrub’s “Magic Stick”, the Asiimov is undoubtedly one of the best AWP skins ever released.

6. AWP | Fade

A newer release on this list but a very popular one amongst the community nonetheless, the AWP Fade comes with a unique gradient finish that has the colors purple, pink, red, and orange. The value of this certain skin depends on the item’s pattern, which in turn determines how much of each color is visible. Typically, the AWP Fades with the most even distribution are the most valuable and sought-after, although even the simplest or dullest-looking ones fetch a high price.

7. AWP | Wildfire

Another new release that became an instant classic, the AWP Wildfire is one of the best skins for said sniper rifle in the mid-tier budget. With a dark red background and a design of a flaming dragon on the body of the AWP, it’s not surprising as to why the Wildfire is a popular choice among players.

8. AWP | Containment Breach

The AWP Containment Breach is another classic CS:GO skins that doesn’t get much love these days, however it becomes an instant source of nostalgia for the more veteran players out there. As the name suggests, its design features a green biohazard theme resembling that of a radioactive explosion or spill, making it impossible to miss or even mistake for another AWP skin.

9. AWP | Atheris

The most popular budget AWP in the game and, despite its absolutely cheap nature, one of the best in all of Counter-Strike. The Atheris can be seen as a budget Dragon Lore in a different color combination or even as a nice, way cheaper option to the Medusa. With a green snake over a black and dark blue background, the Atheris is very simple but also very appealing to many people.

10. AWP | Mortis

Also in the same realm as the Atheris is the AWP Mortis. Yet another budget-friendly skin that is commonly found in many CS players’ inventories, the Mortis has a dark red and brown design featuring creative elements that take the Death tarot card sa an inspiration.