Best looking skins in CS2: Best AWP, AK-47, M4 skins

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CS2 Counter-strike 2 Mirage B Site
Image via Valve

The Counter-Strike skins have long been a major selling point for the game. With the release of CS2, Valve have opted to update the look of several of the skins in the game, making some look substantially better.

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Here are the best looking AWP, AK-47, and M4 skins in the CS2 limited test.

The best weapon skins in CS2

AWP Fade

AWP Fade skin
AWP Fade – Image via CSGOstash.com

Is it any surprise that the Fade skins look even better in the brighter, sleeker CS2? While utterly unattainable for the average player because of its thousands of dollars price point, the AWP Fade is still one of the best looking skins currently in the game.

AWP Containment Breach

AWP Containment Breach
AWP Containment Breach – Image via CSGOStash.com

The Containment Breach skin for the AWP also looks incredible with the update. The sickly green of the skin pops more, and the artwork has retained its signature style.

AWP Graphite

AWP Graphite
AWP Graphite – Image via CSGOStash.com

While certainly not many AWPers’ first choice for a stellar skin, what the AWP Graphite lacks in popularity it makes up for in flash. The gray pops in the CS2 limited test, and it certainly is more craftable than other AWP skins.

AK-47 Gold Arabesque

AK-47 Gold Arabesque
AK-47 Gold Arabesque – Image via CSGOStash.com

This expensive AK-47 absolutely shines in CS2, no pun intended. It’s far and away one of the best looking, but with a $2,000 price tag, you’re more likely to see a HooXi ace than one in your game.

AK-47 The Empress

AK-47 The Empress
AK-47 The Empress – Image via CSGOStash.com

A classic, clean skin that absolutely shines in the newest update. In factory new, the gold on the skin really pops.

AK-47 Head Shot

AK-47 Head Shot
AK-47 Head Shot – Image via CSGOStash.com

The newest skin in the Counter-Strike AK-47 arsenal is also one of its best in the new era. All of the shiny colors pop, but not too much. For a mid-budget AK-47, you can’t do much better than the Head Shot.

AK-47 Case Hardened

AK-47 Case Hardened
AK-47 Case Hardened – Image via CSGOStash.com

Another pricey classic, the Case Hardened looks amazing in CS2.

AK-47 Nightwish

Ak-47 Nightwish
AK-47 Nightwish – Image via CSGOStash.com

While it doesn’t have the shiny factor, the colors on the Nightwish in all wears are substantially better from CS:GO. This is a great skin now.

M4a1-s Printstream

M4a1-s Printstream
M4a1-s Printstream – Image via CSGOStash.com

The Printstream has been a popular skin ever since it was introduced into the game. It should be even more popular now.

M4a1-s Chantico’s Fire

M4a1-s Chantico's Fire
M4a1-s Chantico’s Fire – Image via CSGOStash.com

There’s a theme here: Any skin with gold in it is going to look extremely good in CS2. You can’t escape the sheer, shiny look.

M4a1-s Blue Phosphor and Hot Rod

M4a1-s Hot Rod
Hot Rod – Image via CSGOStash.com
Blue Phosphor
Blue Phosphor – Image via CSGOStash.com

I’m throwing these under the same heading because they’re different colors of the same thing. Make no mistake: These both might be the best looking skins in all of CS2.

M4A4 The Emperor

M4A4 The Emperor
M4A4 The Emperor – Image via CSGOStash.com

The blue and gold M4A4 skin is heavily upgraded in CS2. The counterpart to The Empress, this mid-budget skin is a stellar addition to any inventory.

M4A4 Royal Paladin

M4A4 Royal Paladin
M4A4 Royal Paladin – Image via CSGOStash.com

The gold looks great, but so does the brassy looks of many CS2 skins. The Royal Paladin is another solid addition to any mid-tier inventory with its upgraded look.

Author
Image of Hunter Cooke
Hunter Cooke
Investigative Unit. Rainbow Six Siege, VALORANT.