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In simple terms, Counter-Strike skins are cosmetic upgrades that let players customize the appearance of their weapons and gear, showcasing their unique style in the game. But at the same time, the skins hold an intrinsic value on the trading marketplace.

Skins can be acquired in several ways, whether it's through random drops, purchasing them on the Steam Marketplace or via a third-party market. While some skins are more common, others are highly sought after and considered incredibly rare. In the economy, you have players who value the rarer skins as a status symbol, whilst for others, they’re seen as a great way to expand their portfolio.

The rarity of the skins is dependant on many factors. Each Counter Strike skin has a degree of rarity, which greatly influences not only the price, but the availability. The common skins are known as 'Consumer Grade’, whilst the extremely rare are the 'Covert' and 'Contraband', which can only be obtained through rare drops or limited events. The full rarity list features eight tiers.

  • Common - Consumer Grade, Base Grade
  • Uncommon - Industrial Grade
  • Rare - Mil-Spec, High Grade
  • Mythical - Restricted, Remarkable
  • Legendary - Classified, Exotic
  • Ancient - Covert, Extraordinary
  • Exceedingly Rare - Rare Special, Gloves, Knives
  • Immortal - Contraband
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Whilst most skins fall under the 'Common' category, there are some that have adopted a legendary status within the community, such as the Dragon Lore from the 'Cobblestone Collection'.

What also affects the value of skins is their condition. Known as the 'Float Values', it shows how worn the skin is. Counter Strike skins can range from anywhere between a pristine 'Factory New' to a used 'Battle Scarred' condition. The full list features five conditions.

  • Factory New (0.00 - 0.07 Float Values)
  • Minimal Wear (0.07 - 0.15 Float Values)
  • Field-Tested (0.15 - 0.38 Float Values)
  • Well-Worn (0.38 - 0.45 Float Values)
  • Battle-Scarred (0.45-1.00 Float Values)

Remember, to get the best value when trading your skins, focus on collecting ones that are not only Factory New but also highly rare. Plus, always take your time and research before making a trade to avoid giving away skins at a steep discount.