What Are CS2 Skin Rarity Tiers: Full Guide

Not only CS2 (CS:GO) has revolutionized the world of competitive gaming, but it has also popularized in-game skins, allowing players to showcase their individuality and style with a vast array of weapon designs.

However, within the diverse pool of CS2 (CS:GO) skins lies a hierarchical system that categorizes them based on their rarity and desirability. In this comprehensive Hellcase CS guide, we will delve into the details of CS:GO skin rarity, tiers, and their criteria. Also, we will learn if skins of different rarities can impact your gameplay experience.

What Does Skin Rarity Mean in CS2 (CS:GO)?

In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, each weapon skin has a different rarity level, which can directly affect its value, desirability, and, at some point, the average cost in the marketplace.

The CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity signifies the likelihood of acquiring skins of each rarity level from in-game drops or unboxing weapon cases. This variance in accessibility fuels the game’s thriving economy, adding another level of excitement to the game, especially when opening CS cases or trading skins.

CS2 (CS:GO) Skin Rarity System

In total, eight tiers classify the weapon skin rarity in CS2 (CS:GO). Here is the list of rarity levels and the amount of CS2 (CS:GO) weapon skins assigned to each of them by Valve. The number of skins in each category is actualized for 2023.

• Consumer Grade (150)
• Industrial Grade (134)
• Mil-Spec (363)
• Restricted (256)
• Classified (149)
• Covert (88)
• Contraband (1)

While Consumer Grade and Industrial Grade skins are presented in Valve’s made Collections and are only available in Souvenir Packages, while cosmetics in other rarities are presented in both Major containers and regular weapon cases. Now, let’s break down the CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity chart and learn more about each tier.

Consumer Grade

The most frequently encountered and the least valuable CS2 (CS:GO) skins fall under the Consumer Grade tier. Identified by a white tag, these skins generally lack the intricate designs found in the upper tiers. Consumer Grade is one of the two types of skins that drop as a post-match reward.

These skins are quite affordable, only costing a handful of cents in some cases. While their worth might be low, some players purchase these skins to use in CS2 trade-up contracts, banking on quantity rather than the quality of each individual skin. So, while Consumer Grade skins lack the prestige of their higher-tier counterparts, they still serve an essential function in the CS ecosystem.

Industrial Grade

Ascending the CS2 (CS:GO) rarity ladder, we encounter Industrial Grade CS2 (CS:GO) skins. Distinguished by a light blue tag, these skins are somewhat less prevalent than those of the Consumer Grade tier. They typically feature a step up in visual complexity, boasting more nuanced aesthetics and vibrant color variations, offering players a bit of a richer visual experience.

Though rarer, Industrial Grade skins are still accessible for players and are easy to come by. It is the only other category of skins that you can acquire as post-match rewards. Their worth in the marketplace often ranges from mere cents to a few dollars, providing an affordable option for those looking to freshen up their inventory.

Mil-Spec

When you take a look inside any CS2 (CS:GO) weapon case, you can notice that Mil-Spec skins, which are Blue, take the most space. These skins are a cut above the previous tiers in terms of rarity, making them more sought-after due to refined design detailing and intricate patterns.

Mil-Spec’s CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity color is blue. The broad array of Mil-Spec skins provides a plethora of choices for players, ensuring that there is something for everyone, regardless of their aesthetic preferences or budget.

Check out our Mil-Spec Case containing skins like AWP | Acheron, P250 | White Out, and Galil AR | Rocket Pop.

Restricted

Acquiring Restricted skins, which are labeled with a purple CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity color, can be a more challenging feat, aligning with their escalated rarity and desirability. Despite that, the payoff is worth the effort, as these skins are renowned for their diverse and captivating designs that bring a distinctive flair to players’ arsenals.

Prices for these skins can range dramatically, from just a few dollars to several hundred, based on factors such as condition, demand, and the skin’s overall popularity among the player base. With the introduction of the Restricted tier, the stakes get higher, but so do the rewards.

Unbox Desert Eagle | Crimson Web, MP9 | Bulldozer, or AWP | Pink DDPAT from the Restricted Case for $2 only.

Classified

Marked with an eye-catching Pink label, the Classified CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity showcases some of the most coveted and high-value items within the game, setting them apart in the bustling market of all in-game cosmetics.

Prestige Classified skins are rare to drop and come by, boasting remarkable craftsmanship and an impressive level of detail. While it’s possible to discover reasonably priced options within this tier, their high demand often means they’re snapped up quickly.

In our Classified Case, you will find M4A4 | Hellfire, AWP | Graphite, and many other vibrant CS2 (CS:GO) weapon skins.

Covert

Marked by a striking red label, we reach the pinnacle of CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity rating – the Covert tier. These skins are the rarest of them all, with less than a hundred weapons bearing this coveted distinction. Each design in this category is a work of art, showcasing unique color combinations and inventive concepts.

Covert skins are renowned for their stunning visuals, intricate patterns, and exquisite attention to detail. Prices for these skins can vary greatly, reflecting their unique status in the game. Collectors and players who wish to make a bold statement with their loadout often covet these skins.

One of the most popular containers on Hellcase, the Covert Case, has AWP | Wildfire, M4A1-S | Hyper Beast, and AK-47 | Fire Serpent.

Contraband

The ultra-rare Contraband tier has an orange CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity color. This rarity tier was supposed to represent a unique category of skins that have been discontinued from the game, but it is assigned to one skin only – M4A4 | Howl.

This skin is extraordinarily rare and valuable, given its historic and exclusive nature, making it a notable mention in the history of CS2 (CS:GO) skins. Try claiming this unique piece from the Fucanlong Case!

Rare Special Items

Rare Special Item is not exactly a part of the CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity chart, but it is used to represent a range of knives or gloves you can obtain from CS weapon cases. All knives, however, bear the Covert rarity, and all gloves are classified as Extraordinary items.

Rarity Charts of Other Cosmetic Items

While weapon skins are a significant part of the CS cosmetic economy, they are not the only elements that contribute to its diversity and depth. Other cosmetic items, such as Agents and Stickers, also come with their own rarity charts and significantly contribute to the player’s individuality and game experience.

CS2 (CS:GO) Agents

Introduced in Operation Shattered Web, Agents are character models that players can use instead of the default Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist models.

Like skins, they also have their own rarity tiers, which affect their value and desirability:

• Distinguished Agents (Blue): These are the most common agents that players can obtain. They typically represent lower-ranked characters from the various factions in the game.
• Exceptional Agents (Purple): A step up from Distinguished, these agents are a bit more unique, representing more specialized characters from the factions.
• Superior Agents (Pink): Superior Agents represent the high-ranking members of the factions and come with more detailed models.
• Master Agents (Red): These are the rarest and most desirable agents in CS. They represent unique characters with their own names and backstories, and some even have unique voice lines.

Upgrade your looks and become a new person in-game with a new character model from our Agent Case!

CS2 (CS:GO)Stickers

Stickers in CS serve as another form of cosmetic customization, allowing players to decorate their weapons with various designs, including stickers inspired by other games like DOTA 2 and Half-Life series. They can be obtained from sticker capsules or purchased directly from the Steam marketplace.

CS2 (CS:GO) stickers also have their own rarity tiers:

• High Grade (Blue): High-grade stickers are the most common and affordable ones you can get. They feature basic designs and logos from the game’s various factions.
• Remarkable (Purple): Remarkable stickers are a bit more special and unique. They often feature more complex designs and can include logos of professional esports teams.
• Exotic (Pink): These are even rarer stickers, often featuring unique designs or representing special events in the CS2 (CS:GO)or esports community.
• Extraordinary (Red): Red CS2 (CS:GO) stickers are lenticular stickers and Gold Player Autograph stickers, which are the rarest compared to other Tournament Stickers.
• Contraband (Orange): This rarity was assigned to a single sticker, “Howling Dawn”, after it was removed from the game due to a copyright dispute. It is not obtainable anymore and is considered extremely rare and valuable.

If you want to decorate your guns with stylish stickers, check out our Foil Pack Case.

In-game Case Drop Rates Based On Skin Rarity

The exact drop rates for each rarity tier were officially disclosed by Valve in 2017. Basically, the higher the CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity is, the lower the drop rate is. That’s part of what makes getting a high-rarity skin from a container so thrilling, as the chances of receiving one from a case drop are incredibly low. Here are the odds of obtaining CS2 (CS:GO) skins from a weapon case by rarity tiers:

• Mil-Spec – 79.92%
• Restricted – 15.98%
• Classified – 3.2%
• Covert – 0.64%
• Rare Special Item – 0.26%

As you can see, the rarer the item is, the lower are the odds of obtaining it from a weapon case. The element of luck is one of the things that keeps players opening cases and investing in the in-game skin market.

The Impact of CS2 (CS:GO) Skin Rarity on Gameplay

Despite their appeal and value, CS2 (CS:GO) skins do not affect gameplay or provide any competitive advantage and gains, no matter how rare and valuable they are. Their primary function is aesthetics, allowing players to personalize their gaming experience and showcase their unique style.

However, owning and using rare CS2 (CS:GO) skins can be seen as a status symbol within the CS2 (CS:GO) community, marking a player’s dedication to the game and their luck or financial investments in obtaining these rare items.

After all, it is almost statistically proven that vibrant and valuable skins boost your confidence in-game, no matter what playstyle you have.

Wrapping Up!

Now that you understand everything about the CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity chart, you can make informed decisions about your in-game purchases and trades. Whether it’s decking out your favorite weapon with a rare skin and stickers or stepping into the shoes of a unique CS2 (CS:GO) agent, every cosmetic item offers a fun way to personalize your time in the game.

Check out Hellcase Blog for more content about Counter-Strike skins and other cosmetics, in-depth game guides, and esports news.

Stay tuned!

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