The skin system is an integral part of CS2. For some players, it serves as a way of self-expression, and for others, it is a full-fledged investment tool. However, behind the bright textures of the skins, there is a complex system of parameters that determine their value. One of the key parameters is the float value. For skin collectors, it is of crucial importance. Let's figure out what float value is and how it affects the price of skins.
What is Float Value?
Each skin in CS2 has its own float value, which is assigned to it when it drops from a case. This value can vary from 0.00 to 1.00 and determines the degree of its wear. The lower the value, the better the skin looks. Based on the float value, the skin drop system automatically assigns it one of five wear categories:
- Factory New (FN): 0.00 – 0.07;
- Minimal Wear (MW): 0.07 – 0.15;
- Field-Tested (FT): 0.15 – 0.38;
- Well-Worn (WW): 0.38 – 0.45;
- Battle-Scarred (BS): 0.45 – 1.00.
At first glance, it may seem that the main thing for a skin is simply the wear category. But in reality, two skins of the same wear grade can differ greatly in appearance and price if they have different CS2 float values. That's why collectors pay attention not only to the wear type but also to the exact float value.
Why Is Float Value So Important in CS2?
Let's take a closer look at the importance of float value when evaluating skins in CS2:
1. Visual Difference
Some CS2 skins barely lose quality when the float value changes, while other skins change dramatically. For example, the popular AWP | Asiimov skin loses entire pattern fragments when the float value is higher than 0.50; the skin looks quite worn out and loses much of its appeal. The same is true for another popular skin, AK-47 | Redline.
When the float value increases above 0.35, the appearance of the design deteriorates significantly, but due to the dark, minimalist design, this is not as noticeable as with Asiimov.
For collectors, it is important that the skin looks as whole, clean, and close to ideal as possible. Therefore, skins with a float close to 0.00 are the most desirable.
2. Rarity of Extreme Values
Despite the fact that each skin has a float value and it is assigned randomly, extreme values (close to 0.00 or 1.00) are rare. For example, a skin with a float of 0.0001 is tens or even hundreds of times rarer than a skin with a float of 0.05.
Such values make CS2 skins very unique. Some collectors hunt exclusively for skins with the lowest float values.
3. Cost and Investment Attractiveness
The lower the float value of a skin, the higher its cost, especially for popular skins. For example, Desert Eagle | Printstream in Factory New with a minimum float value of 0.01 can cost 50-200% more than the same skin with a float value of 0.05, despite the fact that both are in the Factory New category.
Investors working in the skin market pay a lot of attention to float value. They look for the cleanest skins possible because they are the ones that are valued by collectors and may go up in price in the future.
4. Using Stickers
Float value is also important to consider when considering using stickers on a skin. The cleaner the surface of the skin, the better the stickers look on it, and the more expensive the skin is. This can be especially important for premium combinations with expensive stickers. A skin with a float of 0.0003 and four rare stickers can be very unique on the market.
Why Buy a Skin With a Low Float Value?
Having a skin with an extremely low float value is not only beautiful, but also status-giving. In many collector and trader circles, it is considered prestigious to demonstrate ownership of unique items, especially if we are talking about skins with a well-known history, a rare pattern, or a float lower than most. The exchange of such skins is often accompanied by discussion, comparisons, and even hunting for specific lots, which makes the collecting process exciting and competitive.
Wrapping It Up
Float value in CS2 is not just another skin characteristic. It is an indicator of the aesthetic appeal of the skin, its uniqueness, as well as a tool for self-expression and status. It affects how the player perceives their virtual property, how they build collections, and how they interact with others in the community. It is the float value that helps players create cool crafts with stickers and sell skins as real digital art pieces.
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