Not only has CS2 changed the face of professional gaming, but it has also promoted in-game skins, which allow players to express their individuality and style through a wide range of weapon designs.
However, within the large pool of CS2 (CS:GO) skins, there is a hierarchical system that divides them according to rarity and popularity.
CS2 Skin Rarity System
In total, eight tiers classify the weapon skin rarity you can find on CS2 (CS:GO) case sites. Here is the list of rarity levels.
- Consumer Grade
The Consumer Grade category contains the most often encountered and least valuable CS2 (CS:GO) skins. A white tag distinguishes these skins and lack the elaborate motifs present in the upper layers. Consumer Grade is one of two skin types that appear as post-match rewards.
These skins are reasonably priced, often costing only a few cents each. Some players acquire low-value skins for CS2 trade-up contracts, focusing on quantity over quality. So, while Consumer Grade skins lack the prestige of their higher-tier counterparts, they nonetheless play an important role in the CS community.
- Industrial Grade
As we move up the CS2 rarity ladder, we come across Industrial Grade CS2 (CS:GO) skins. These skins, identified by a light blue tag, are slightly less common than those in the Consumer Grade class. They often have a higher level of visual complexity, with more nuanced aesthetics and bright color changes, providing players with a better visual experience.
Though rarer, Industrial Grade skins are still available to gamers and are simple to obtain. It is the only other type of skin you can get as a post-match reward. Their market value frequently ranges from cents to a few dollars, making them a cheap option for those wishing to replenish their inventory.
- Mil-Spec
When you peek inside any CS2 weapon case, you will find that Mil-Spec skins, which are blue, occupy the most space. These skins are rarer than the previous grades, making them more desirable due to refined design intricacy and complex patterns.
Mil-Spec’s CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity color is blue. The diverse selection of Mil-Spec skins gives players a plethora of options, guaranteeing there is something for everyone, regardless of aesthetic preferences or budget.
- Restricted
Restricted skins are identified with a purple CS2 skin rarity hue. It can be a more difficult achievement, reflecting their increased rarity and desirability. Regardless, the effort is worthwhile because these skins are known for their variety and intriguing designs, which provide a unique flair to players’ weaponry.
Prices for these skins can vary drastically, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred, depending on factors such as condition, demand, and the skin’s overall popularity among players. With the advent of the Restricted tier, the stakes increase, but so do the rewards.
- Classified
The Classified CS2 skin rarity, denoted by an attractive Pink label, features some of the game’s most wanted and valuable products, distinguishing them from the crowded market of all in-game cosmetics.
Classified skins are quite rare and difficult to obtain, but they require exceptional skill and attention to detail. While there are some moderately priced alternatives in this grade, their strong demand often means they sell out quickly.
- Covert
The Covert tier, distinguished by a bright red label, is the peak of CS2 skin rarity. These skins are the most rare, with less than a hundred weapons having this prized distinction. Each design in this category is a piece of art with distinctive color combinations and imaginative themes.
Covert skins are known for their breathtaking visuals, flesh-out patterns, and meticulous attention to detail. Prices for these skins might vary substantially, indicating their distinct standing in the game.
- Contraband
The ultra-rare Contraband tier features an orange CS2 skin rarity hue. This rarity tier was intended to reflect a distinct category of skins that have been removed from the game, but it is only given to one skin: M4A4 | Howl.
Given its historical and exclusive character, this skin is extremely uncommon and precious, and it deserves a place in the history of CS2 (CS:GO) skins.
In-game Case Drop Rates Based On Skin Rarity
Valve publicly published the exact drop rates for each rarity tier in 2017. The higher the CS2 skin rarity, the lower the drop rate. The extremely low likelihood of getting a high-rarity skin from a case drop is one of the many reasons why getting one from a container is so exciting. Here are the odds of getting CS2 skins from a weapon case by rarity tier:
- Mil-Spec – 79.92%
- Restricted – 15.98%
- Classified – 3.2%
- Covert – 0.64%
- Rare Special Item – 0.26%