Ultimate Guide on Float Value and Wear in CS

Wear, also known as exterior or condition, refers to the visual state of a CS:GO skin. It reflects how “worn down” the weapon appears, ranging from pristine in Factory New to heavily damaged in Battle Scarred. This level is determined by a hidden value called “float,” a number between 0 and 1. Generally, lower float values indicate a more pristine condition. Wear plays a significant role in a skin’s market price. Factory New skins are generally the most expensive, with the price dropping progressively through the wear levels. However, there are exceptions. Some skins, particularly those with unique wear patterns, might be more desirable in a Battle-Scarred condition such as the AWP | Asiimov in its “Blackiimov” variant fetching a higher price than a Well-Worn version.

Wear in CS is quite a unique part of the game’s cosmetics since it is a concept you wouldn’t find anywhere else. It gives the same skins an extra level of RNG where one would always pray for a lower float value, meaning the skin would look like it’s in more pristine condition. These values are automatically assigned upon opening a case and receiving the drop and will never change for perpetuity. Basically, once you own a skin it remains in your inventory indefinitely and does not degrade or wear out from use. Many people new to the wear concept in CS or simply new to the franchise itself tend to worry about their skins wearing off and needing to keep buying new ones to have custom finishes on their weapons, but that idea is completely false.

Factory New (FN)

With the exception of some unique situations like a Case Hardened or anything else that significantly depends on patterns, a skin that is classed as Factory New is the best possible and usually the most costly version of that skin. Skins that are in factory-new condition look the finest. They have no wear or scrapes that are noticeable. A Factory New weapon finish’s float value falls between 0 and 0.07.

Minimal Wear (MW)

Minimal Wear skins are a step down from Factory New, with very few noticeable flaws and an almost flawless weapon finish. Nevertheless, skins from Minimal Wear usually have a far better appearance than those from the other three categories and nevertheless command a high price. A Minimal Wear skin will have a float value between 0.07 and 0.15.

Field Tested (FT)

Field Tested weapon finishes are in the center of the range and are a popular choice among many who are buying new designs since they are affordable and of good quality. Compared to skins with minimal wear, field-tested skins exhibit intermediate wear, with more obvious flaws and scratches. They do, however, still have most of their original design and are in generally decent shape. A Field Tested skin’s float value will be between 0.15 and 0.38. 

Well Worn (WW)

This is the point at when the quality begins to noticeably decline. The largest difference is found for most skins between a weapon that has been field tested and one that has been worn extensively. However, Well Worn is often not too expensive compared to Field Tested, and depending on the skin type, it may even be more valuable. A well-worn skin will have a float value between 0.38 and 0.45.

Battle Scarred (BS)

The lowest float value and the largest range, Battle Scarred skins will typically look the worst of the bunch. They will have the most blemishes and appear the darkest compared to the four other categories. Still, they hold some value and owning a skin close to a float value of 1 will even drive up the price. Take the AWP | Asiimov, for example. The sniper rifle’s finish is not only valuable when close to 0, but when it’s close to 1 as well since the sought-after “Blackiimov” design will be more prominent then. The float value of a Battle Scarred skin will range from 0.45 to 1.

When buying CS2 skins, understanding float value is key. This value, ranging from 0 to 1, reflects the wear condition of the skin. A lower float value means the skin is in better condition, with minimal scratches and wear (Factory New or Minimal Wear). Conversely, a higher float value signifies a worn-out look (Field-Tested, Well-Worn, Battle-Scarred). Generally, lower float values translate to higher prices. Factory New and Minimal Wear skins with very low float values are the most expensive.

The trick lies in finding the right balance between price and desired look. Sometimes, a Minimal Wear with a good float value can appear almost identical to Factory New in-game, saving you money. Before you buy, many platforms allow you to inspect the skin in-game to assess the wear yourself. This helps you see if the scratches, faded colors, or missing patterns on high float skins are significant.

There can be exceptions, though. Some rare skin patterns might be more valuable in Battle-Scarred condition due to how the wear affects the design. It’s always a good idea to research specific skin collections to see if certain wear looks are more desirable.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference and budget. Prioritize the look you want while finding the best value for your money. By considering these tips, you can make informed decisions when purchasing CS2 skins.