The Best CS2 Skins from the Steam Workshop: VALVE Should Take Note of These Items
Most of the skins added to Counter-Strike were created by regular users, with all of them starting their journey in the Steam Workshop. Recently, the skin creation industry has seen massive growth, with entire professional studios now involved in the process. The only way to monetize this work is for developers to take a liking to your creation and add it to the game. In this article, we will play the role of VALVE employees and select 10 items worthy of being included in upcoming cases or collections.
USP-S | PX (MINT)
The designer of this skin was inspired by their favorite Japanese film camera, the Pentax K1000. Due to copyright restrictions, they couldn’t use the brand’s name directly or place it on the pistol’s body. Instead, they focused all their efforts on the weapon’s design, and the result is remarkable. The stylish suppressor, resembling a camera lens, is incredibly detailed, while the unique body coating will shine beautifully in well-lit areas of maps. The author opted for a dynamic pattern, meaning the paint will show significant wear based on the quality grade.
GLOCK-18 | POST-APOCALYPSE
The creator has an entire series of skins in a similar style, a smart strategy often employed by designers to increase their chances of success and demonstrate a collection’s potential to developers. This particular skin emphasizes intricate details and nuances, perfectly aligning with its name. The pistol design feels highly realistic and fits seamlessly with the terrorist arsenal. The 3D elements, such as wires, tape, and other components, are outstanding, introducing an innovative approach not yet seen in the game.
Desert Eagle | Crystal Flame
This skin is an evident homage to the iconic Desert Eagle | Blaze, as openly acknowledged by the designer. It’s a reimagined masterpiece that retains the essence of the flame while adding layers of sophistication. The shimmering fiery silhouette is adorned with sparkling gemstones that blend harmoniously with polished pink metal. As developers aim to cater to the female audience, this skin meets the demand for similar designs perfectly. The grip and subtle accents highlight a balance of elegance and boldness, capturing a unique, refined aesthetic.
Glock-18 | Radio Box
One of VALVE’s favorite themes is vintage skins that reference different eras. The designer showcased a creative idea by transforming the pistol into a retro radio receiver. Such devices are rarely used for their original purpose anymore and have become more of an interior décor item. The front part of the body, resembling a speaker, evokes the legendary style of Marshall equipment, featuring a similar font for the “Glock-18” inscription.
AK-47 | Primal Rage
The game already has several AK-47 skins where the default wooden parts remain untouched, such as AK-47 | Fire Serpent, AK-47 | Panthera Onca, and AK-47 | Jaguar. Developers often preserve the Kalashnikov’s recognizable design, favoring skins that respect its traditional appearance. This design follows VALVE’s preferred style while introducing an impressive depiction of a gorilla rendered in realism. The remaining artwork elements resemble oil painting or watercolor, giving the skin a hand-crafted aesthetic.
USP-S | Artifact
This skin looks like it was unearthed from an ancient treasury, perfectly preserved for thousands of years. The main body is crafted from frosted glass, while certain parts are made of solid copper or aged, tarnished gold. It’s another addition to an antique-themed collection that would grace any case and deserves Covert quality status. The author hasn’t revealed how the wear levels will be implemented, but a version with chipped glass would be fascinating. Such a feature could make even Battle-Scarred skins highly valued.
P90 | Perseus’s Revenge
When myths come alive, weapons become legendary. The P90 | Perseus’s Revenge embodies the spirit of Ancient Greece, featuring white marble with golden cracks that exude a sense of power and grandeur. The weapon’s body is adorned with an image of Medusa, whose hypnotic gaze strikes fear and surprises enemies. Remember the panic opponents feel when you rush out and unload all 50 rounds from a P90? Now imagine the same thrill, but with this skin in your hands.
M4A4 | PINBALL
Inspired by arcade machines, this skin invites you to “insert a coin” to fire a shot. With the new capabilities of the Source 2 engine, this item could become a standout, surpassing many M4A4 skins with similar designs. Bright, vibrant colors, numerous small illustrations, and references to early 2000s arcade machines make this skin eye-catching and nostalgic. While the design might seem a bit busy, it has all the qualities developers often notice, giving it a strong chance of making it into the game.
AWP | Cronus
Recently, AWP skins have become increasingly colorful and less realistic. It seems like the right time to reverse that trend. The intricately carved wooden stock pairs beautifully with the white base and mechanical elements resembling Swiss watch mechanisms. A sniper must rarely miss a shot, so they need a reliable weapon designed for precision. This skin deviates from the contemporary aesthetic but could serve as a refreshing change to the prevailing trends.
AK-47 | AQUARIUM
One of the most experimental and attention-grabbing skins from the Steam Workshop. The body of the rifle is designed as a glass aquarium, complete with swimming fish and a harmonious depiction of ocean life. It’s hard to say if developers would embrace such a bold idea, but the designer certainly deserves recognition for their originality and daring approach.
