Patterns and Floats in CS2: What Are They?

Skins in CS2 have become an important part of the game, both for gamers and for investors looking to profit from rare items. The appeal of unique and visually striking skins has created a dynamic market where values can fluctuate significantly based on various factors. One of the key factors affecting the value of a skin is its float and pattern. The float indicates the wear level of the skin, while the pattern refers to its specific design characteristics. These elements are crucial for those who trade or collect skins. In this article, we will take a closer look at what float and pattern are, how they affect the aesthetics and value of skins, and discuss how to make a bit of money from skins in CS2.

For those who enjoy opening cases and want to learn about the most profitable cases to open, we have a separate article that you can also check out.

What is a Float in CS2?

A float is a numerical value assigned to every skin when it is dropped from a case or contract. It ranges from 0 to 1 and directly affects the wear level of the item. The lower the float value, the newer and cleaner the skin looks. This value cannot be changed once the item is obtained.

Float Value Table in CS2:

The closer the value is to 0, the less wear the skin has. For example, a skin with a float of 0.02 will look "Factory New," while a skin with a float of 0.50 will look "Battle-Scarred."

How Float Affects a Skin’s Appearance in CS2

The float not only determines the level of wear but also affects how the skin will look. Even two skins with the same condition can look different due to their float values. For instance, a "Minimal Wear" weapon with a float of 0.08 will look cleaner than the same skin with a float of 0.14, even though they both fall within the same wear category.

There are also rare skins with extremely low float values, approaching 0. For example, a skin with a float of 0.001 will be very valuable and look almost brand new.

What is a Pattern in CS2?

In addition to the float, each skin in CS2 is assigned a unique pattern ID (or template). The pattern determines how the texture will appear on your skin. In CS2, a pattern is a number from 1 to 999, randomly assigned when you obtain a skin.

Examples of Rare Patterns in CS2

For some skins, the pattern significantly impacts the appearance. Imagine a large canvas with textures and patterns — when creating a skin, the game randomly selects a part of this canvas and applies it to the weapon. As a result, two identical skins can look completely different if they have different patterns.

For example, the AK-47 "Case Hardened" skin can have more blue on one pattern and be almost entirely blue on another, making it much more valuable. Skins with rare patterns and low floats often sell for significantly higher prices on the market.

1. AK-47 Case Hardened: If a weapon predominantly features blue areas, that skin becomes much more expensive. For example, an AK-47 with pattern ID 321 can be worth over $10,000.
2. AK-47 Case Hardened: Gold Gem is the second most desired pattern from any case hardened skin. There are equally as many guides on this variant of case hardened as a blue gem. Generally, the more gold, the better.
   
3. Glock-18 Moonrise: This skin has a chance at having a hidden star in the little tiny slot below the main glock. This happens to some degree with Paint Seeds 31, 59, 83, 90, 95. 102, 121, 165, 194, 237, 281, 355, 448, 484, 487, 617, 630, 667, 796, 769, 913, 958, 968, 986.
   
4. XM1014 Seasons: The XM Seasons has a small chance of having a very noticable blue leaf somewhere in the middle of the gun This happens with paint seed: 26, 78,115, 130,182, 234, 286, 334, 338, 390, 442, 494, 546, 598, 605, 650, 659, 698, 955.
   
5. AWP Electric Hive: Due to how the Electric Hive generates, it can generate an entirely blue or mostly blue pattern. This is the most desired version of this skin.
   
   

How Float and Pattern Affect Skin Prices in CS2

Skins with rare patterns and minimal floats can be much more expensive than their standard counterparts. For instance, an AK-47 | Case Hardened with a float of 0.02 and a standard pattern might cost around $300. However, the same skin with pattern ID 321 and the same float can be worth over $10,000 due to its rare color pattern. The same goes for the Galil AR | Sandstorm, which has the chance to be completely white or exclusively purple. Because of this, its price can vary from 1 dollar to several dozens.

How to Profit from Floats and Patterns in CS2

If you're into collecting or trading skins, it’s important to research the float and pattern of a specific skin before buying it. Unique and rare combinations can significantly increase its value. For example, skins with extremely low floats (0.0001 and below) or rare patterns may appreciate over time, especially if there’s demand on the market. When purchasing a skin on the Steam marketplace or third-party platforms, pay attention to their patterns. There’s a small chance that the seller might be missing out on a gold mine, even if it’s a cheap skin worth less than $2, as it could contain a rare pattern.

Many collectors hunt for skins with rare characteristics, which opens up opportunities for profitable reselling. Keep in mind that the rarity of a skin can depend not only on its condition but also on how its pattern looks.

Floats and patterns are key parameters that determine the appearance and value of skins in CS2. Understanding these mechanics will help you navigate the skin market, find rare items, and even profit from it. If you are serious about trading or collecting skins, it’s worth studying these parameters in more detail and keeping track of their changes on marketplaces.

Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to trends and demand for specific skins, as they can fluctuate depending on game updates and changes in the meta. By having knowledge of floats and patterns, you can make more informed investments and increase your profitability from trading.