The Best AWP Skins in CS2 (According to the Pros)

Introduction

In the world of CS2, the AWP is without a doubt one of the most iconic weapons. It has featured in countless legendary highlights that will live on in the collective memory forever, and there are even specific AWP skins (kennyS‘ Magic Stick) that have gained a reputation for themselves. In this guide, we’ll look at what the pros consider to be the best AWP skins in CS2.

Note: this guide is meant for fun only. It’s not investment advice. Always do thorough research before making any investment decisions, be that in CS2 or elsewhere.

Our Data

Skins are subjective. Whether or not you like a specific skin comes down to personal preference. Because of this, it’s impossible to make an objective tier list of skins. In order to make our list a little bit different from all the other lists online that try to decide the best AWP skins, we’ve used our pro data. The skins in this list are based on what the pros are using to compete with. That obviously doesn’t mean that this list is ‘better’ or more worthy than other lists (it’s still subjective, after all) but we believe it’s a fun angle to consider.

AWP Dragon Lore

The AWP Dragon Lore is, along with the AK Fire Serpent, without a doubt the most iconic skin in CS2. It was released over a decade ago as part of the (now discontinued) Cobblestone Collection and it quickly skyrocketed to become a status symbol.

The skin looks like something you’d find in halls of opulent medieval palaces. And perhaps that’s what has made it so popular. The green and golden colors make it look like something fit for a king to begin with, and then we haven’t even mentioned the amazing-looking dragon on the AWP. The details on the gun are also amazing. From the beautiful scope to ‘easter eggs’ like the ‘Hell Fire’ text on the bolt: the Dragon Lore is the complete package.

Due to its rarity and iconic status, it’s also an extremely expensive skin. Expect to pay well over $7,000 for a Field-Tested one. That makes it one of the most expensive rifle skins in the game. But perhaps that’s only fitting for such a regal design. Pretty much all of the game’s most legendary AWPers have used this skin at some point (or are still using it) so you’ll be in good company if you decide to go for this one.

Average Price (FT): ~$7,600

AWP Asiimov

The AWP Asiimov is a true classic. It released back in 2014 and instantly became a loved skin. It gained the most credibility as a pro-tier skin when it was kennyS‘ skin of choice back when he dominated the scene so hard it caused Valve to nerf the AWP. His ‘Magic Stick’ was so iconic that you couldn’t play two games without running into a Magic Stick replica in matchmaking.

These days, it’s not the go-to AWP skin in the pro scene any longer. However, it will always remain a respected and well-loved option. The ‘vintage sci-fi’ white-orange-black design makes it look as if it was ripped straight out of a retro space movie, and many players argue that the Asiimov design looks the best on the AWP.

As a nice bonus, the AWP Asiimov is (relatively) affordable. You don’t need to shell out thousands of dollars if you want to own a piece of Counter-Strike history. And if you like to go off the beaten path a bit, you could always consider a ‘Blackiimov’; Asiimovs with a very high float value are a bit of a collector’s item in and of themselves.

If you want to look stylish while no-scoping, the Asiimov is a tried-and-true classic.

Average Price (FT): ~$135

AWP Wildfire

The AWP Wildfire pays homage to Counter-Strike’s rich legacy. More specifically, it honors Operation Wildfire by slapping the dragon that’s part of that logo onto a dark-red AWP. It’s been ages since we got a full Operation from Valve, so the skin might cause some sour feelings with some players, but that doesn’t stop if from looking absolutely fire. Excuse the pun.

It’s a newer skin (it was released in 2020) but it can only be found in CS20 cases, which are getting rarer. As such, if you want to get this aggressive-looking skin in your inventory, it can be a good idea to go for it sooner rather than later. It’s a popular skin that’s not losing any steam and is getting rarer and rarer. Usually, that’s a recipe for tons of price rises.

Average Price (FT): ~$140

AWP Sun in Leo

The AWP Sun in Leo is a strange entry. For one, it’s insanely cheap for a popular pro skin. It’s also not very rare. Usually, one or both of these conditions need to be met before a skin can truly make a mark in the pro scene. Perhaps this is a good example of the fact that ‘less is more’ is often very true.

Part of the Gods and Monsters Collection, this skin features a cool, celestial finish with astrological motifs. It’s subtle and not shouty at all, and if you prefer more subdued skins then this is absolutely one to consider.

What’s fun about the Sun in Leo is that the finish is pattern-based. This means that the exact astrological pattern that you get on your specific rifle is chosen randomly from hundreds of different options. There’s a small niche of Sun in Leo fanatics who hunt for the rarest and most desirable patterns. If you want to get yourself a cool and unique skin with a ‘if you know, you know’ type of pattern, the Sun in Leo is an affordable option.

Average Price (FT): ~$20

AWP Gungnir

Among skin enthusiasts, there’s a fierce debate going on about whether or not the AWP Dragon Lore or the AWP Gungnir is the best AWP skin in the game. This debate will perhaps never be settled (we prefer the classic cool of the Dragon Lore ourselves) but it speaks volumes about the elite level of skin that the Gungnir is.

Named after Odin’s legendary spear, the Gungnir takes inspiration from Norse mythology with its patterns and icy blue colors. The details on the skin are breathtaking, and it’s definitely possible to stare at the gun for an entire match and still find new things you hadn’t noticed before.

It’s luxurious, extremely rare, and made with mythology as an inspiration, so of course it’s also expensive. In fact, it’s by far one of the most expensive rifles in the game. Expect to pay at least $15,000 if you want to acquire one in a decent condition for yourself. That’s a mind-boggling amount of money, but hey: the Gungnir spear was known to always hit its target. You can’t put a price on that, right?

Average Price (FT): ~$15,500

AWP The Prince

If you take old school Italian royalty and all the wealth and opulence associated with them and distilled it into an AWP skin, you’d get the AWP The Prince.

This skin features a red velvet base with intricate golden scrolls and even an inscription that refers to the Lion of Saint Mark and Venice. Some might consider this skin a bit gaudy, but if you want to add a touch of regal class to your frags, the AWP The Prince is a great choice.

It’s, as is to be expected, not very cheap, though. If you want to get yourself a piece of Venetian history, expect to pay over $2,000 for a Field-Tested one.

Average Price (FT): ~$2,300

Conclusion

The AWP is one of the most popular weapons in Counter-Strike 2. As such, it also has some of the most iconic skins in the entire game. There’s such a breadth of amazing and storied skins for this weapon that you can find anything from $20 skins to $15,500 skins being used in the pro scene. If you’re looking for the best AWP skins for your personal budget and style, this guide should be a really good starting point.

Lars

Reviews, Community, FPS

Former semi-pro gamer turned writer, product reviewer, and community manager.