CS:GO skin value can be more than just an aesthetic variation within games. CS:GO players take skin collection into a whole new, hefty level of real monetary value. Take a look into this multi-million dollar skin trading market. And know whether the hefty skin values still hold today, or are prices going down?
Can CS:GO Skins’ Value Depreciate
Just like anything that presents a price, CS:GO skin value is subject to depreciation, or degradation. Numerous variables affect CS:GO skin value degradation. These variables can be intrinsic to the game, like skin classifications and rarity, or external like market factors. As for game enthusiasts, this ebb and flow in the market present both opportunities and risks to consider.
However, with the current game trend, it’s unlikely for rare skin values to depreciate. This is because more players are coming into the game. More players mean more demand along with fixed or lower supplies of collectibles which equates to higher prices. Thus, for collectors, this means plenty more opportunities to capitalize on the trading game.
CS:GO opened with plenty of different gameplay, among which is the game of investing. Learn more about how the CS:GO skin value works and its potential by delving into this article.
CS:GO Skin Value Price Factors
The value of an item is the price people are willing to buy it for. Just like art, a personal appreciation for the skin can also dictate its value. And for keen collectors, there are standards to check you are getting the right value for your money.
In regards to the valuation of CS:GO skins and items, here are the primary factors to look out for when purchasing.
Weapon Condition for CS:GO Skin Value
CS:GO employs certain mechanisms which made items and skins’ wear value within the game more realistic. This mechanism called “float values” represents the rate of aging the skin can undergo based on numerical values.
🧮 If you are into maths, check out this StackOverflow article on how to calculate CS:GO float values.
The float values are categorized based on five brackets which are as follows:
- Factory New = 0.00 – 0.045
- Minimal Wear = 0.07 – 0.15
- Field-Tested = 0.15 – 0.38
- Well-Worn = 0.38 – 0.45
- Battle-Scarred = 0.45 – 1.00
More players tend to prefer skins with low float values as they tend to retain aesthetics longer. However, the concept of “antiquity” also exists within the game. For example, there are collectors who specifically scout for worn skins for their unique wearing patterns, which make them rarer. Moreover, there are also limited issue items or those used by top players, which increases their value.
Color Rarity
Another factor to consider when looking for skins to buy is the color rarity. Color rarity is a whole new different type of categorization that bases rarity according to color. From the rarest (top) to least valuable (bottom), here is the bracket of a color rarity for better CS:GO skin value guidance:
- Legendary (Gold)
- Contraband (Orange)
- Covert (Red)
- Classified (Pink)
- Restricted (Purple)
- Mil-Spec (Blue)
- Industrial Grade (Light blue)
- Consumer Grade (White)
Players can acquire skins by opening crates or cases using keys with designated prices. Each crate contains random unique items players can collect. Thus, creating a specific inventory can come at hefty prices and effort.
StatTrak Function
StatTrak is a feature that allows players to display their prowess. It comes in the form of an LCD counter which displays their kills or “frags” using the weapon. However, this frag is non-transferable to the new owners since the counter resets once equipped with a new player.
Nonetheless, equipping a StatTrak helps increase your inventory’s value for the sole function of displaying frags.
Ways for CS:GO Skin Value Prices To Go Down
The game market follows the same principles in the real-life economy. The law of supply and demand influences an item’s value. Thus, changes within these variables can weigh out the market price of items.
CS:GO skin value is not an exemption to this principle. There are plenty of variables that can rattle the status quo of the skin market. Just like how the real-life economy works, understanding these market trends can help collectors optimize their purchases. With such, here are the vital thing to look out for as these influences skin prices to go down
Release of New Collection or Operation
The primary outlet for obtaining skins in CS:GO comes in “Cases and Sticker Capsule”. The series of cases can be seasonal or as a celebration for specific in-game events. Thus, it is unsurprising for newer skins to present more value in this trend of come-and-go of collections and operations. Meanwhile, older skins’ value gradually depreciates as newer series are introduced.
Steam Sale
Steam Sales are events that the gaming platform conducts a few times annually. During this time, game and steam products are sold for lower and sometimes for-giveaway price rates. Thus, players worldwide mark this event for having their shopping spree and getting the most of their money.
A Stream Sale event has an interesting effect on the CS:GO skin value and market. Around this season, players who need extra cash tend to sell skins for lower prices for higher sales opportunities. Thus, Steam Sales also opens opportunities for collectors to buy skins at discounted prices.
SteamDB.info is a website listing historical data about Steam Sales, as well as a countdown to the next sale.
Low Player Number
One key factor that can cause CS:GO skin value to degrade is if their player base starts to decline. The population of players is the lifeline of every game as they also set the demand for the market. Fewer players mean lower demand and higher supply – and this condition spells prices to go down.
However, with the present statistics, this predicament is far from happening. According to a 2021 study by Statista, CS:GO reached more than 1.2 million active players on Steam. This steep growth on the player base means the skin values will appreciate, if anything.
CS:GO skin market is more than just aesthetics – it is a multi-million market that offers opportunities for investing. Understand how this market ticks and opens financial possibilities along with the sheer fun of gaming.
