Counter Strike: Global Offensive is a first-person shooter game released in 2012 by Valve Corporation, which has enjoyed immense popularity for over a decade.
This game has been attracting players from around the world with its dynamic gameplay and a wide range of available weapons that can be further customized through so-called skins and stickers.
Interestingly, both skins and stickers quickly became not only cosmetic items but also valuable currency, the value of which depends on the CSGO Float Value factor. What does this mean? Is it possible to make money from CS skins? Read on to find out more!
Understanding the game elements: skins and stickers
Gear skins appeared in CS:GO in 2013, a year after its release. They are cosmetic items that can be obtained during gameplay or purchased, allowing players to apply a chosen color and pattern to their weapons and accessories, to fit their style and preferences, thereby enhancing immersion and enjoyment of the game.
The collection of skins began to expand thanks to the involvement of the community and the creators themselves, resulting in cosmetic items inspired by, for example, pop culture or real camouflage used by the military.
CS:GO also features stickers, which are additional cosmetic items that allow players to decorate and customize weapons in the game. Players quickly became obsessed with skins and stickers, and the ability to decorate and customize their gear became the game’s second strong point, following its addictive gameplay.
Float Values Explained
A well-designed, aesthetic skin can make players stand out from the crowd and showcase their individuality or, quite the opposite, their affiliation. And there are plenty of options to choose from! Currently, there are nearly 900 different skins available, divided into groups, and each of them can represent one of the 5 categories on the so-called wear scale:
- Factory New
- Minimal Wear
- Field Tested
- Well-Worn
- Battle-Scarred
So, what is CSGO Float?
It is a factor that determines which of the mentioned categories a particular skin belongs to and allows for keeping apart seemingly very similar skins within a single group. Float Value ranges from 0 to 1 and precisely determines the level of wear on a skin (the lower the value, the newer and better the skin looks):
- Factory New – 0 – 0.07
- Minimal Wear – 0.07 – 0.15
- Field-Tested – 0.15 – 0.38
- Well-Worn – 0.38 – 0.45
- Battle-Scarred – 0.45 – 1
Why Do Float Values Matter?
The condition and the corresponding Float Value primarily have an aesthetic worth, which is highly individual for each weapon. Although usually newer and less worn skins are more precious, some models look significantly better and are more desired by players when they are in Field-Tested or Battle-Scarred condition. Importantly, using a weapon with applied skin does not deteriorate its condition or change its value.
It is also worth noting that not all items have skins available in all conditions. For example, the AWP Asiimov sniper rifle skin has never been available in Factory New or Minimal Wear, while the Butterfly Knife Fade skin cannot be found in any worn-out version.
Float Values are permanently assigned to each skin, and thanks to the wide range of possibilities, there are rarer subjects that are sought after by players and occupy high positions in any skin ranking.
Determining the Float Value of CS:GO Skins
How to tell the Float Value? The simplest way is to check the in-game stats associated with the skin you have obtained or purchased for your weapon. To do this, open the weapon’s information, go to the Item Certificate, and look for the “wear scale” value expressed in numbers, and then compare it with the Float Value scale.
If you want to check multiple items at the same time or see their values and prices all in one spot, you might consider using specialized websites and services. Alternatively, you can use the Google Chrome extension called Steam Inventory Helper. This extension shows you CSGO Float Value and other details about skins directly on Steam.
Trading Based on Float Values
How is it that CS:GO skin trading is thriving? Well… where there is demand, there is supply. As mentioned earlier, both skins and stickers are desired items for players. They allow for personalizing weapons, improving their visual appeal, and adding variety to the gameplay.
All of this has turned skins into a kind of currency and investment. Many people choose to sell the skins they have acquired. Of course, CSGO Float Values play a significant role in this business.
Float Values and Professional Gaming
Many professional players known for their achievements are recognizable not only by their nicknames and playing style, but also by their personalized gear. And it’s not surprising – anyone who stands out with incredible results also wants to stand out visually.
The market offers skins branded with the logos of various teams or famous e-sports players. For many CS:GO fans, owning such a cosmetic item gives them a sense of belonging to a specific team, shows dedication and support – after all, there is no difference between a sticker with the logo of a beloved player on a CS weapon and a T-shirt with the number and name of a favorite football player on the wall.
Professional e-sports players and influencers also have a significant impact on the popularity and value of skins. For example, by using a particular skin, they make it desirable for fans, even if its Float Value might suggest otherwise.
Conclusion
As you can easily see, skins and stickers have become an integral part of Counter Strike and a lucrative business. Almost anyone can try their hand at trading skins and other cosmetic items, and with the help of our short guide, it will undoubtedly be easier for you.