In the Game

How Rare Patterns and Float Values Impact CS2 Skin Prices

In the Game May 23, 2025 89Views 0Likes

Two players opened identical cases and received identical skins — for example, AK-47 | Case Hardened. One costs $250, the other – $800. What’s the catch? It’s all about the hidden details: pattern, wear level, and the presence of StatTrak. These parameters can dramatically change the perception and price of a skin, even if the difference is not noticeable at first glance. If you want to understand the features of skin, then you will get closer to it.

What Are Patterns And Floats in CS2?

Before analyzing how different characteristics affect the pricing of a skin, you need to understand the basic terms.

Pattern

Each skin in CS2 is generated based on a specific template. However, within one template, there can be up to several hundred (sometimes thousands) unique patterns. This is a kind of image shift on the weapon texture. Most of these variations are minor and visually almost indistinguishable. However, there are rare patterns that are visually unique, very different from the majority, and in demand by collectors.

Float Value

Each skin in the game has a float value. It can vary from 0.00 to 1.00. This number determines the appearance of the skin, namely the state of wear:

  • 0.00–0.07 — Factory New. These are skins that look flawless. They have no scratches, color fading, etc.
  • 0.07–0.15 — Minimal Wear. These are skins with small, barely noticeable scratches. Visually, Minimal Wear skins are almost indistinguishable from Factory New skins.
  • 0.15–0.38 — Field-Tested. These are skins with noticeable scratches but are still in excellent condition. The pattern is usually well-preserved.
  • 0.38–0.45 — Well-Worn. These are skins with significant scratches. They may have patina and rust. They are less desirable in the community but more affordable.
  • 0.45–1.00 — Battle-Scarred. These skins have significant damage to the design. As a rule, the pattern is barely visible on such skins.

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However, even within the same range, two skins can differ greatly visually, and especially in price.

What Is The Role of The StatTrak Counter in Skins?

The StatTrak™ feature adds special value to a skin. It helps the player track the number of kills made with this weapon. The frag counter is displayed on the body of the weapon, which makes such skins not only visually distinguishable but also more expensive. StatTrak versions of the same skin usually cost 30-100% more than their regular counterparts, especially if we are talking about popular or rare skins. At the same time, StatTrak affects the price even more than minimal wear: some players are willing to overpay for the counter, even if the skin already looks worn.

Rare Patterns: Are They Worth Hunting For?

Chasing rare patterns only makes sense in two cases: if you are a collector or a trader. For collectors, valuable patterns are a great way to stand out in the community, highlight the uniqueness of your inventory, and perhaps collect an exemplary set of weapons. For traders, it is a way to profit from investments: find an undervalued skin with a rare pattern at a low price and sell it for more. However, you need to understand that such deals require deep knowledge, constant market analysis, and patience. Popular patterns, such as Blue Gem on Case Hardened or Sapphire on Doppler knives, have long been under close attention, and most of them have long settled in the hands of experienced players.

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By the way, some of the CS2 skins with unique patterns can be found in the Recoil case, Chroma 3 Case, Fracture Case, Shattered Web Case, etc. Of course, the chance to get a rare pattern when opening a case is very small, but it still exists.

How Patterns and Float Value Affect Skin Liquidity

It’s one thing to have rare skin and quite another to sell it at a good price. Not all rare patterns and low float values ​​are equally liquid. Some, although considered rare, may be unpopular in the mass market simply because they look controversial or are incomprehensible to the general audience. However, truly “viral” CS2 skins are not only valued higher but also sell much faster. For example, Blue Gem or 100% Fade. The liquidity of skin directly depends on the recognition of its visuals and demand in the community, and this is important to consider when chasing rare skins.

Conclusion

CS2 (CS:GO) skin prices are not formed just like that. They are influenced by many factors, including the pattern, float value, and the presence of StatTrak. Players who understand these parameters can find profitable deals, assemble unique collections, or even make money on trades. Before investing in very valuable skins, players are advised to study the characteristics of the CS2 skin and evaluate its prospects.