Animals & Rifles in CS2
After checking out the best animal inspired pistols in Counter-Strike 2, it’s time to take up a notch and delve into the rifles the game has to offer.
Opposite to pistol skins, rifles offer a bigger canvas to better portray the fauna and create masterpieces worthy of the powerful weapons. But, before we jump into the skins, be sure to check out the BitSkins marketplace for the best deals on the mentioned skins.
AK-47 | Panthera Onca
The one tap specialist AK-47 boasts one of the most aesthetically pleasing animal skins. A ferocious panther crawling in the woods inspired the idea behind the Panthera Onca.
Moreover, the AK-47 | Panthera Onca was added to the game on December 3, 2020, as part of The Ancient Collection, which was released alongside the start of Operation Broken Fang.
Although it comes at a taxing $179 for a Field-Tested, the craft potential is endless on this skin, making it desirable among skins enthusiasts. However, if it’s out of your budget, you can always try your luck in unboxing one (do not recommend) by opening one of the 5 containers that contain the skin. This includes the Antwerp 2022 Ancient Souvenir Package, Copenhagen 2024 Ancient Souvenir Package and Paris 2023 Ancient Souvenir Package container.
AUG | Chameleon
Next up is a skin that shot up in price since the custom sticker update for not so the right reason. Nevertheless, the AUG | Chameleon made its way into the game on February 20, 2014, as part of The Phoenix Collection, which was released alongside the start of Operation Phoenix.
This skin was made by none other than OniLolz and Zaphk who blessed us with one of the best collections; The Tarot Collection, featuring skins such as the AK-47 | Empress, M4A4 | Emperor and AWP | Mortris to name a few.
AWP | Atheris
The budget AWP king has been a fan favorite since its release. On top of costing less than a burger meal at your local fast food, it is one of the best looking AWP skins with a vibrant green snake across its body.
Initially, the AWP | Atheris was added to the game on March 14, 2019, as part of The Prisma Collection, which was released alongside the “Seeing the Light” update.
For a mere 5$ you can get this skin in a spotless Minimal Wear condition on the BitSkins marketplace.
However, if you have money to burn, then an AWP | Desert Hydra would be the optimal choice although it’s not a real animal representation.
FAMAS | Eye of Athena
If you prefer wielding the French weapon over the MP9 on CT side, then the Eye of Athena is a great skin with an owl depicted with a mechanical eye, set against an intricate backdrop of feathers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown.
This FAMAS skin was released on August 2, 2018, as a part of The Horizon Collection alongside the “A new Horizon” update.
Nonetheless, if the MP9 is your weapon choice, the MP9 | Starlight Protector is the only option as it closely resembles a fauna. However, it should be noted that it is not an actual representation of any real animal.
M4A1-S | Welcome to The Jungle
Another covert skins from the Ancient collection makes our list for one of the CTs main rifles. Similar to the AK-47 | Panthera Once, it was released together of course but with a richer color palette and better overall design.
Although this skin may come with a higher price tag, there is a more budget-friendly option available in the M4A1-S | Golden Coil. This alternative offers a similar representation of fauna with a more affordable price point.
M4A4 | Griffin
The M4A4 Howl is a well-known item in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, recognized for its rare Contraband quality. However, many are unaware of another M4A4 skin that almost became the Howl 2.0.
With the Vanguard Collection launch, the M4A4 Griffin found itself at the center of a copyright dispute. Valve took action by redesigning the skin, altering the griffin motif to avoid legal issues. As speculation arose about the Griffin potentially becoming another Contraband item, the skin's prices skyrocketed. Despite the anticipation, Valve never changed its rarity to a Contraband item.
Although the new design is somewhat a downgrade, it remains a good budget option for an M4A4 skin.
Now that, you know all about fauna & animal skins in CS2, grab your own loadout from the BitSkins marketplace, and happy fragging!