Perhaps one of the greatest additions not just to Counter-Strike, but to the landscape of gaming as a whole – skins in CS are as synonymous to the franchise as the game itself. With an extensive amount of options for people to try their luck at through cases or simply buy straight up with real money, customized weapon finishes are always sought after by people be it from the humblest design to the most extravagant. Of all weapons in the franchise, the AK-47 stands alone as the single most iconic and most important of all. It is the essence of CS, the best assault rifle available, and also fittingly has some of the very best skins in the entire game.
What Makes CSGO/CS2 Skins Valuable?
Like any collectible, rarity is a major factor. Some skins are much harder to come by, either due to limited release methods or simply how rarely they drop from loot boxes. On top of that, not all rare skins are equally desired. Some have unique designs or features that make them highly attractive to players, driving the price up even more. For some, these skins become potential investments. With a limited number in circulation and continued demand, the value of certain ones can rise over time. Online marketplaces where players can trade skins create a fluid market where prices can be influenced by trends and speculation. Finally, the recent update of CSGO’s engine upgrade to Source 2, becoming CS2, has even increased the value of said skins due to assurance about the game’s future and their overall design under the new engine It’s important to remember that the worth of a CS skin ultimately depends on what someone is willing to pay. While some can be incredibly expensive, there are also many affordable options for players who simply want to customize their weapons. The ones in this list, however, are the true holy grails for any serious collector.
Top 10 Best CSGO AK Skins
This list is not in any order since skins are based on preference, however each skin’s popularity and overall allure was taken into consideration.
1. AK-47 | Vulcan
One of the most timeless and iconic weapon finishes in the entire game, the AK-47 Vulcan just does so much justice for the assault rifle. Often seen as a more expensive, blue and black version of the Asiimov line, the Vulcan is wielded by many professional players including Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert during his playing days.
2. AK-47 | Fire Serpent
The AK-47 Fire Serpent is not only one of the most expensive AK skins money can buy, but one of the most expensive weapon finishes in the entire game. Often seen in the inventories of many championship-winning pro players such as Jake “Stewie2k” Yip and Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, the Fire Serpent has cemented itself throughout the years as one of the most desirable skins out there. Though not as flashy as most, its rarity is what drives up how collectible it truly is.
3. AK-47 | Asiimov
It’s only fitting that one of the most iconic skin lines in Counter-Strike has an entry in the game for the AK-47. The AK Asiimov is one of the cheaper skins on this list, but still incredibly iconic. Its signature white base with orange and black trims cannot be mistaken for anything else, and simply wielding one just emphasizes its cool factor even more. For some people, the AK-47 Asiimov is their first entry into the range of skins on the pricier scale without having to break the bank.
4. AK-47 | Wild Lotus
A truly one of a kind skin, the AK-47 Wild Lotus stands out with its vibrant colors and design that cannot be found anywhere else. As the name states, the gun features blossoming flowers across its body over a green base. Just like the Fire Serpent, this is one of the most expensive AK-47 skins that money can buy and is considered as a true collector’s item.
5. AK-47 | Case Hardened
This list could not possibly be complete without mentioning the Case Hardened line of AK-47s. It is nearly impossible to set a price range for this specific skin as different factors such as wear, float pattern, and attached stickers will heavily sway the value of an AK-47 one way or the other. When it comes to true gems for collectors, though, the Case Hardened is hard to beat. The most expensive Counter-Strike skin ever sold was an AK-47 Case Hardened Blue Gem, going for around $1.5 million.
6. AK-47 | Redline
A classic that will never go out of style, the AK-47 Redline is the cheapest one on this list yet also holds the same allure as many of the pricier skins in the game. The AK-47 Redline has a basic black with red trim, but it’s the stickers attached to the weapon that truly bring out its style. Team or player autograph stickers with a red base are usually placed, such as that of the infamous iBUYPOWER holographic sticker from Katowice 2014.
7. AK-47 | Bloodsport
The AK-47 Bloodsport gives the entire weapon a completely different vibe. With a bright orange/red base and multiple designs on the body, there’s so much going on and it gives potential buyers a lot of reasons to pick up a Bloodsport for themselves.
8. AK-47 | Hydroponic
The AK-47 Hydroponic belongs in the same category as the Fire Serpent and Wild Lotus, being an old skin that has since grown in value over time due to its rarity and history. While it is no longer used heavily these days even in professional play, it was one of the most desirable skins back in its heyday during the early years of CS:GO. For older players or collectors, the Hydroponic has more sentimental attachment than many skins despite its modest design.
9. AK-47 | Gold Arabesque
One of the newest AK-47 finishes in Counter-Strike 2, the Gold Arabesque is a unique take compared to past AK designs. It is more similar to the Gold guns one can unlock in Call of Duty, to which the community is quite mixed on it. Nevertheless, it is a truly unique skin that stands out among the rest.
10. AK-47 | The Empress
Quite possibly the most detailed and colorful skin on this entire list, the AK-47 The Empress is one of the most intricately designed finishes in the entire game. Featuring an illustration of an empress inspired by Tarot cards, this beautiful yet surprisingly inexpensive skin is truly a treat to appreciate and even tap heads with.