Skins, also referred to as finishes, are a new feature in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, introduced in the Arms Deal update. They are weapons with different textures that can be equipped in-game. They are entirely cosmetic, holding no gameplay function.
To acquire a skin, one must either:
- Earn them through random drops by playing in online community and official servers.
2. “Uncrate” them from opening weapon and promotional containers.
3. Trade 10 skins for one of a higher rarity with a Trade Up Contract.
4. Trading with other players. Buying skins from the Steam Market is considered a trade.
Weapons skins come in different quality grades, generally signifying their rarity and value.
| White (Common) Consumer grade, Base grade |
| Light blue (Uncommon) Industrial grade |
| Darker blue (Rare) Mil-spec, High grade |
| Purple (Mythical) Restricted, Remarkable |
| Pinkish purple (Legendary) Classified, Exotic |
| Red (Ancient) Covert, Extraordinary |
| Gold (Exceedingly Rare) ★ Melee weapons |
| Yellow Orange (Immortal) Contraband (discontinued) |
A random exterior quality is chosen when a weapon skin is dropped, uncrated or received from a Trade Up Contract. The exterior quality simulates randomized wear and tear on the skin. The rarity of the exterior quality is based on a bell curve for most weapons, with extreme Factory New and extreme Battle-Scarred being the rarest.
The exterior quality hierarchy is the following, from best to worst:
- Factory New (FN)
- Minimal Wear (MW)
- Field-Tested (FT)
- Well-Worn (WW)
- Battle-Scarred (BS)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive 