CS2 Skin Float Value: A Complete Guide
Skins in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) are a key part of the game’s visual customization system. They do not change gameplay, but they are valuable to players for personalization, trading, and investment. Since their release in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) in 2013, skins have shaped the game’s economy, esports scene, and player experience.
Players who buy, sell, or trade skins need to understand float values and wear levels. Whether someone is a collector, trader, or casual player, knowing how float values affect a skin’s look and market price helps them make better decisions.
CS2 Float Values
In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), every weapon skin falls into one of five wear categories based on its float value (0.00 to 1.00). These categories help players understand how much wear a skin has and how much it might be worth.
1. Factory New (0.00 – 0.07)
- Condition: Looks almost brand new with little to no wear.
- Appearance: Bright colors, sharp details, and no visible scratches.
- Value: Since they are rare and in excellent condition, Factory New skins usually have the highest prices.
2. Minimal Wear (0.07 – 0.15)
- Condition: Has slight wear, but the difference from Factory New is hard to notice.
- Appearance: Small scratches or scuffs that are only visible up close.
- Value: A good mix of quality and price, making it a popular choice for players who want a nice-looking skin at a lower cost.
3. Field-Tested (0.15 – 0.38)
- Condition: Shows moderate wear, with visible signs of use.
- Appearance: Some scratches, scuffs, and fading, but the design is still clear.
- Value: More affordable than Minimal Wear, making it a common choice for players looking for a balance between price and appearance.
4. Well-Worn (0.38 – 0.45)
- Condition: Clearly worn, with heavy signs of use.
- Appearance: Large scratches, noticeable fading, and more damage than Field-Tested skins.
- Value: Usually cheaper because of the worn look, but some players prefer this style.
5. Battle-Scarred (0.45 – 1.00)
- Condition: The most worn category, showing heavy damage and fading.
- Appearance: Many scratches, large faded areas, and an overall used-up look.
- Value: Often the least expensive, but some Battle-Scarred skins are popular because of their unique appearance.
Impact of Float Values on Skin Appearance
In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), a skin’s float value plays a key role in how it looks. As the float value increases, the skin shows more wear, including scratches, scuffs, and fading. A skin with a low float value looks new, while a skin with a high float value appears heavily worn.
However, wear does not appear in the same way on every skin. The pattern ID determines where scratches and fading will show. Even if two skins have the same float value, their wear might look different. Scratches could appear in different areas, changing how the skin looks overall.
Some skins wear in unique ways. For example, the AK-47 | The Empress does not get scratches as its float value increases. Instead, it becomes darker because of a patina layer that forms over time. This makes it different from most skins, which develop visible damage at higher float values.
Influence of Float Values on Market Prices
General Market Trends
- Lower Float Values (0.00 – 0.07): Skins with lower float values look newer and have fewer signs of wear. Factory New skins are highly valued because they appear clean and are rare. These factors make them some of the most expensive skins in the market.
- Higher Float Values (0.45 – 1.00): Skins with higher float values show more scratches, fading, and damage. Battle-Scarred skins usually cost less because they look worn out. However, some high-float skins have unique appearances that increase their value.
Notable Exceptions
Some high-float skins are more valuable because of their distinct worn look:
- AWP | Asiimov (Battle-Scarred): At high float values, this skin develops a darkened scope, which gives it a unique style. Players call it “Blackiimov,” and collectors pay more for this version.
- SSG 08 | Abyss (Battle-Scarred): As its float value increases, the skin changes color from bright blue to white. This transformation makes it more appealing to certain players.
Float-Capped Skins
In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), some skins have limited float value ranges. These skins, called float-capped skins, only appear in specific wear conditions. The game designers set these limits to keep the skin’s intended appearance the same, no matter its float value.
Examples of Float-Capped Skins
- Rust Coat Skins: Skins with a Rust Coat finish, like the Talon Knife | Rust Coat, have float values between 0.40 and 1.00. They only come in Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred conditions. Lower float values make the blade look gray-blue with little rust, while higher float values make it orange-brown with heavy rust.
- Doppler Skins: Skins with a Doppler finish usually have low float values, appearing only in Factory New and Minimal Wear conditions. This keeps their glossy, clean look, as higher float values would make them appear scratched or faded.
How to Check a Skin’s Float Value
Determining the float value of a skin in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is essential for understanding its wear condition and market value. Here’s how you can check a skin’s float value both in-game and using external tools:
In-Game Method:
- Launch CS2: Open the game and navigate to your main menu.
- Access Your Inventory: Click on the “Inventory” button to view all your items.
- Select the Desired Skin: Locate and click on the skin you wish to inspect.
- Inspect the Skin: Click on the “Inspect” option to view the skin in detail.
- View Float Value: In the inspection screen, look for the information icon (an “i” inside a circle) at the bottom of the screen. Hover over or click this icon to display the “Wear Rating,” which is the float value of your skin.
Using External Tools:
For skins not in your inventory, such as those listed on the Steam Marketplace, external tools can help determine float values:
- Obtain the Inspect Link:
- On the Steam Marketplace, find the skin you’re interested in.
- Click on the listing and select “Inspect in Game.”
- Copy the URL that appears.
- Use a Float Value Checker:
- Visit a reputable float checker website, such as CSFloat.
- Paste the copied URL into the provided field on the website.
- The tool will display the skin’s float value, paint seed, and other relevant details.
Additionally, browser extensions like the CSFloat Market Checker can integrate with the Steam Marketplace and inventories, allowing you to view float values directly on the page without needing to inspect each item individually.
The Hidden Numbers That Define Your Skins
A CS2 skin’s float value affects its appearance, rarity, and price. Understanding float values helps players make smarter choices when buying, selling, or trading skins.
- Traders can use float values to spot undervalued skins and increase profits.
- Collectors look for specific float values to add rare or unique skins to their collections.
- Casual players choose skins with the wear level they prefer to improve their in-game experience.
Considering float values before buying or selling skins helps players make better decisions and understand the CS2 skin market more effectively
A float value is a decimal number between 0 and 1 that determines the wear condition of a skin. Lower float values mean less wear and fewer scratches, while higher values result in more damage and fading.
Lower float skins, especially Factory New and Minimal Wear, are more valuable because they look better and are rarer. Battle-Scarred skins usually cost less, except for rare patterns or high-demand skins.
Yes, you can check float values on CS2 marketplaces like Steam, Buff163, Skinport, or third-party float checkers before purchasing a skin.