Some may say that CS:GO skins do not boost your game and therefore are unnecessary. But getting your own preferred skins can add a stylistic flair. And even take your gaming experience to the next level.
What Makes a CS:GO Skin Valuable?
CS:GO skins and items first appeared with the Arms Deal update in 2013. Skins are defined as weapon finishes that vary in rarity and design. Players can obtain the Collection type of skins through operations while Case skins are found inside containers.
These containers or crates are mostly gotten through random drops. It is recommended that one play regularly and level up to access more drops. The drops contain a random case with a corresponding key. You have to purchase these in the Steam market or third-party sources.
Aside from leveling up in the game, there are also a few other ways that CS:GO players get skins. You can go to sites like CSGOPoints. Then you can participate in the challenges to win skins or trade with other players. You can also keep a close eye on online giveaway announcements by top CSGO players or Youtubers.
However, the in-game drops usually generate only low-tier skins and items. As skins began to be popular, demand for certain types also rose. This demand depended on a few factors. That includes being discontinued (as was the case of the StatTrak M4A4 | Howl CSGO skin). Or if it has the one-of-a-kind case hardened pattern (like pattern #661). Furthermore, the skin float value—or the amount of wear and tear a skin has—can also determine demand. Those with 0.0 – 0.07 skin float value are sought after for their sleek look.
Skin and item color, collection, rarity, pattern, and float value all determine the price a CS:GO skin fetches on the market. Low-tier skins can go for around $20 to $100, while the rarer ones can retail for upwards of $1,000. The most expensive skin ever purchased on CS:GO was the 4x IBP 0.003 ST Howl, reportedly sold for $100,000.
How Do CS:GO Skins Lose Value?
The rampant interest in CS:GO skins have resulted in a very dynamic economy built on trading, and investing in skins. There are variables involved in these interactions. And they can induce fluctuations in the skins market.
One of the more common reasons is when new cases or collections are dropped. The introduction of new and hot items can lower the value of earlier high-value skins. Likewise, when certain items are reintroduced in new collections, value tends to drop quickly.
Lastly, big holidays or sales can also cause price drops. The Winter Steam Sale and Black Friday Sale are particularly popular sales with massive flow of transactions. Not only do many sellers find it hard to match these prices. But a huge decrease in transactions also precedes the sales seasons.
Are CS:GO Skins & Items Good Investments?
The lucrative CS:GO skins market not only provides top-tier skins for avid players out there. But some extra cash too (or crypto)! Trade-up contracts involve a player collecting several low-tier skins from the free drops in the game. Then trading them for a more valuable item.
Dedicated collectors and traders employ more advanced strategies. And even study the CS:GO market closely to get the most bang for their buck. A key tip is never to fall for the hype when it comes to highly-anticipated cases with ballooning prices. They will eventually come crashing down. Instead, focus on items with stable prices and be patient for the opportune time.
Another important tip is always to pay attention to the numbers. A considerable increase in new CS:GO players means an increase in skins demands too. You can always check out the stats in the Steam Community Market or CS.Money’s comprehensive wiki.
Where Can I Trade Skins & Items?
Skins trading has been marred by widespread fraudulent transactions and inefficient payment methods. This has made players wary of conducting transactions. Fortunately, there are several trusted platforms where you can ply your trade. And you don’t always need to spend too much money to get nice items either.
The Steam Community Market is the official trading platform of CS:GO. While it is convenient and secure, the prices are steeper compared to other platforms. You’re also not allowed to withdraw or transfer your earnings as they go directly to your Steam Wallet.
Alternatives include the popular DMarket. This site boasts some of the lowest CS:GO skins prices across the board, an easy interface, and many payment methods. Meanwhile, csgo-skins.com offers a cool option for you to upgrade your skins. SkinCashier, on the other hand, has an instant payout method.
The introduction of skins to CS:GO has elevated the player experience. Your journey of collecting the best skins out there immerses you deeper into the games. And gives you a way to forge great connections too.
I think CS:GO skins are great, if that’s what people enjoy about the game. Personally, I feel like games focused primarily on gameplay, especially FPS gameplay, really don’t benefit as much on skins as games that are more social, like a handful MMORPGs. For both MMOFPS and FPS, I just prefer the gameplay, not so much skins, so it’s not something worth it from my point of view.