CS2 Fade Patterns: Best Skins, Values, and Trade Strategies

What Is a Fade Pattern in CS2?

The fade pattern in CS2 is a unique skin design that features a gradient color transition, typically blending purple, pink, orange, and yellow hues. This pattern is most often found on knives and pistols, creating an attractive iridescent effect that varies depending on the degree of fading. The blade is determined by the floating value and the index of the pattern, and this allows two identical skins to look completely different. Unlike other skins with a regular design, its faded patterns can have significant visual and market differences, making them highly sought after by collectors and merchants.

How Fade Percentage Affects Skin Value

In the CSGO fade market, the fade percentage plays a crucial role in determining a skin’s value and desirability. Fade percentage refers to how much of the skin’s surface is covered by the golden, pink, and purple gradient, with higher percentages generally being rarer and more expensive. The full fade (100%) version is the most valuable since it features almost no dark areas, giving the skin a cleaner, brighter, and more visually appealing look. On the other hand, skins with a lower fade percentage (e.g., 80-85%) have more dark purple coverage, making them less desirable to most collectors and traders.

The difference between high fade and low fade is easy to spot, especially on a CSGO fade knife. A high fade (90%-100%) will have a strong gold-to-pink transition, while a low fade (80%-85%) will show more purple and dark patches near the handle or edges. In terms of market demand, Full Fade knives like the Karambit Fade and Butterfly Knife Fade are the ultimate goal for traders due to their limited availability and stunning appearance. The most desirable fade percentages for collectors and high-tier traders are typically 100% (Full Fade) and 95%-99% fades, as they hold the highest value in the CSGO fade market. If you’re looking to invest in fade pattern skins, always check the fade percentage before making a purchase—it can be the difference between a high-value trade and a missed opportunity.

Best CS2 Skins with Fade Patterns

Fade pattern skins are some of the most visually stunning and sought-after items in CS2, with their iridescent blend of purple, pink, and gold. The fade percentage and seed pattern play a significant role in determining the rarity, price, and overall desirability of these skins. Below, we break down the best CS2 fade skins, focusing on knives and pistols with high-value fade patterns.

Knives with Fade Patterns

The Bayonet Fade is one of the most iconic CSGO fade knife skins, with its blade fully covered in the trademark purple-pink-gold gradient. The fade percentage varies from 80% to 100%, with Full Fade (100%) being the most valuable version. Traders use fade percentage calculators to determine a knife’s true fade percentage and seed ranking, as some 99% fades appear identical to Full Fade but sell for significantly less.

• Top-Tier Seed Patterns: The best seed for a Bayonet Fade is #763, offering the clearest Full Fade coverage with no dark spots.
• Float Range: The Bayonet Fade is only available in Factory New (0.00-0.07) and Minimal Wear (0.07-0.15), making low-float versions much more desirable.
• Market Value: Full Fade Bayonets can fetch a significant overpay compared to lower fade percentages.

The Karambit Fade is one of the most legendary fade pattern knives in CS2, with some seed patterns commanding extreme overpay due to their unique color distribution. Unlike other knives, the Karambit Fade has special variations, such as the Fake Full Fade (99%), which closely resembles the 100% fade but lacks its market value.

• Best Seed Patterns: The most valuable Karambit Fade has 100% fade coverage with minimal yellow, making it highly desirable. The 80% Fade (Seed #763) is an exception—it lacks yellow but is still highly sought after due to its strong purple-pink saturation.
• Market Price: Prices for a Full Fade Karambit can reach over $2,500, with Factory New versions commanding even higher values.

The Butterfly Knife Fade is unique in that even lower fade percentages still cover the entire blade, but the color ratio changes depending on the seed pattern. At 80% fade, the knife is often called a Full Yellow Fade, while at 100% fade, it is known as the Fullest Fade, where purple and pink dominate the blade with minimal yellow visibility.

• Most Valuable Patterns: 100% Fade Butterfly Knives are the most desirable due to their strong color balance, while Fake Full Fades (99%) are less expensive but visually similar.
• Price Impact: A 1% fade difference can change the knife’s value by 50%, making it critical for traders to verify fade percentage before purchasing.

Pistols with Fade Patterns

The Glock-18 Fade is one of the most famous fade skins in CS2, known for its striking color transitions and limited availability. The fade percentage determines the amount of gold, pink, and purple on the slide, with Full Fade (100%) being the most sought-after version.

• Rarity & Availability: Originally part of the Assault Collection, the Glock-18 Fade is no longer obtainable via drops, making it a high-value trade-up target.
• Best Trade-Up Strategy: Players often use skins like Negev Anodized Navy and AUG Hot Rod in CSGO trade ups to try and acquire a Glock Fade.
• Market Price: Factory New Full Fade Glock-18s start at $1,365, while lower fade versions are significantly cheaper.

Other Weapons Featuring Fade Designs

While fade patterns are mostly found on knives and pistols, some other weapons also feature fade-style finishes:

• Desert Eagle | Fade – Rare and expensive, only available in Factory New and Minimal Wear.
• MP7 | Fade – A more affordable option, but with a similar fade design.
• MAC-10 | Fade – Offers a vibrant fade effect at a lower price than premium knives and pistols.

How to Check and Identify Fade Patterns in CS2

If you want to get the most out of your CSGO fade skins, knowing how to accurately check and identify fade patterns is essential. The fade percentage determines the skin’s market value and desirability, so being able to verify whether you’re looking at a Full Fade (100%) or a lower fade version can save you from overpaying or missing out on a good deal.

How to Check Fade Percentage In-Game

The easiest way to inspect a fade pattern in CS2 is through the in-game inspect feature. Follow these steps to check the fade percentage manually:

1. Inspect the Skin in Your Inventory – Open CS2 and right-click the skin to bring up the Inspect Window.
2. Rotate the Skin to Examine the Fade – Look for the transition between gold, pink, and purple. The more gold present, the higher the fade percentage.
3. Compare to a Known Full Fade – If you own or have seen a Full Fade version of the skin, use it as a reference. Lower fade percentages will have more purple and darker shades, especially near the handle or grip.
4. Use a Known Seed Pattern List – Some fade skins, like CSGO fade knives, have seed patterns that determine their fade distribution. Checking a fade pattern seed list can confirm whether the skin you’re inspecting is a 100% Full Fade or a lower-tier version.

Third-Party Tools for Analyzing Fade Patterns

For a more accurate fade percentage calculation, experienced traders use third-party tools that scan the skin’s pattern and assign a fade value. Some of the most reliable tools include:

• CSGO Fade Percentage Calculators – Websites like Trade Up Spy, CSGO Float, and Buff have built-in fade percentage detectors.
• Seed Pattern Databases – Online tools that list knife seed patterns and their corresponding fade percentages help determine if a skin is a true Full Fade or a Fake Full Fade (99%).
• Float Inspect Websites – Checking the float value alongside the fade percentage helps ensure you get the best condition and pattern combination.

Differences Between Fade Types (Full Fade, 90% Fade, 80% Fade, etc.)

Not all CSGO fade knives or weapons have the same fade pattern, and small differences in fade percentage greatly affect market value. Here’s a breakdown of the most common fade variations:

• Full Fade (100%) – The most desirable and valuable version. Covers the entire surface with gold, pink, and minimal purple.
• 99% Fade (Fake Full Fade) – Looks almost identical to Full Fade but has a slight purple tint near the handle. Traders often overpay for this mistakenly, so always verify before purchasing.
• 90%-95% Fade – Shows more purple in the transition, reducing value compared to a Full Fade.
• 80%-85% Fade – The least expensive version, with a significant amount of dark purple dominating the skin.

Being able to distinguish between these fade types ensures you never overpay for a fake Full Fade and helps you spot underpriced skins that might be worth investing in.

FAQ: 

1. How can I check if my CS2 fade skin is Full Fade (100%)?

To check if your CS2 fade skin is a Full Fade (100%), inspect the skin in-game and look at the gold-to-purple ratio. A Full Fade will have little to no purple and will be dominated by gold and pink hues. You can also use third-party tools like CSGO Float, Buff, or Trade Up Spy to check the exact fade percentage. Additionally, checking the seed pattern database can confirm if your skin matches a top-tier Full Fade seed.

2. Why are Full Fade skins more expensive than lower fade percentages?

Full Fade skins are the most desirable fade patterns due to their cleaner, brighter appearance, making them more attractive to collectors and traders. Because fewer Full Fade versions exist, their rarity drives up demand and price. In contrast, lower fade percentages (80%-90%) have more purple coverage, making them less valuable in the CSGO fade market.

3. What are the best fade pattern skins to invest in?

If you’re looking for CSGO fade knives or pistols that hold or increase in value, the best investments are Full Fade Karambit, Bayonet, and Butterfly Knife Fade. These knives are highly sought-after, and Factory New, Full Fade versions often receive significant overpay in trades. Additionally, the Glock-18 Fade is a great long-term investment due to its limited availability and strong demand among collectors. Always verify fade percentage and float value before investing in a fade-patterned skin.