CS2 Skin Grades Explained: From Consumer to Covert

Whether you're new to Counter-Strike 2 or a veteran trader, understanding skin grades is key to navigating the vast world of weapon cosmetics & trading. From basic drops to rare case openings, skin grades determine both a skin's rarity and potential value.

What Are Skin Grades in CS2?

Skin grades (also known as "rarities") in CS2 indicate how rare a weapon skin is, how often it drops, and how valuable it might become in the marketplace. Each skin grade is associated with a color, making it easy to identify at a glance.

Skin Rarity Color Code Overview

Consumer Grade: White

Industrial Grade: Light Blue

Mil-Spec: Blue

Restricted: Purple

Classified: Pink

Covert: Red

Contraband/Rare Special: Gold

These colors appear in your inventory, trade-ups, and case openings, instantly signaling how rare your item is.

How Grades Affect Drop Rates & Case Odds

Higher-grade skins are exponentially rarer. For example:

• Consumer-grade drops are common from weekly drops.
• Covert skins only have about a 0.64% chance to drop from cases.
• Gold-tier items like knives, gloves, or rare items have odds of around 0.26% or less.

These odds make opening high-tier skins extremely exciting—and sometimes frustrating.

All CS2 Skin Grades

Consumer Grade (White)

The most common skins. Typically dropped from gameplay or trade-ups.

Example: Tec-9 | Groundwater

Industrial Grade (Light Blue)

Slightly rarer than Consumer Grade, but still common in drops.

Example: MAC-10 | Candy Apple

Mil-Spec (Blue)

First case-grade level. Frequently found in trade-ups and cases.

Example: AK-47 | Elite Build

Restricted (Purple)

Mid-tier rarity. Often flashy and popular with budget loadouts.

Example: AWP | Atheris

Classified (Pink)

Quite rare and usually very desirable skins.

Example: AK-47 | Redline

Covert (Red)

One of the rarest weapon grades. Often highly sought after.

Examples: AWP | Asiimov

Contraband and Rare Special Items (Gold)

• Contraband: Retired skins no longer obtainable (e.g., M4A4 | Howl).
• Rare Special Items: Include knives, gloves, and stickers.
• Examples: Karambit | Fade, Sport Gloves | Vice

How Skin Grade Impacts Price

Rarity vs Demand

Rarity affects price, but demand plays a bigger role. A low-grade skin with a clean design may sell for more than a higher-tier one that's unpopular.

For example, the Desert Eagle | Midnight Storm (Industrial Grade) costs more than some Covert-grade pistols.

Covert Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive

Not every red skin is valuable. Condition (Factory New vs Battle-Scarred), popularity, and market trends all factor in. Some Covert skins may cost under $10, while others go for hundreds if not thousands.

Where to Find Skins by Grade on BitSkins

BitSkins makes it easy to browse skins based on rarity and budget.

Sorting and Filtering Tools

Use BitSkins’ filtering system to:

• Sort by rarity
• Set specific price ranges
• Filter by condition and weapon type

This helps quickly zero in on skins that match both your style and wallet.

Using Grade to Build a Budget Loadout

Want a clean loadout without spending much?

• Consumer/Industrial skins are perfect for budget builds.
• Mix in Restricted or Mil-Spec picks for standout items.
• Avoid overpaying just for color—prioritize design and float.

Whether you're investing in red skins or just want a stylish budget loadout, understanding CS2 skin grades gives you the power to shop smarter and trade better.

At BitSkins, we're committed to providing a fast, secure, and seamless experience for buying, selling, and trading CS2 skins. Whether you're a seasoned trader or new to the game, our platform offers competitive pricing, a wide selection of skins, and multiple payment options, including cryptocurrency. Start exploring our marketplace today and discover why BitSkins is trusted by millions of gamers worldwide.

Ready to get started? Visit BitSkins.com and elevate your gaming experience with the best skins on the market!