In the world of Counter-Strike 2, skins are not just weapon decorations but an entire culture where even the smallest details can affect the value of an item. One of these important parameters is float (eng. float value). In this article, we will explore what it is, how it works, and why players should pay attention to it.
What is Float?
Float is a numerical value ranging from 0.00 to 1.00 that determines the wear level of a skin. The closer the value is to 0, the better the condition of the item (e.g., “Factory New”), while values closer to 1 indicate more wear (as with “Battle-Scarred” quality).
It’s important to note that float is randomly assigned when a skin is obtained from a case, contract, or trade, and cannot be changed afterward. Even two skins of the same quality (e.g., “Field-Tested”) may look different due to variations in their float values.
How Does Float Affect Skin Appearance?
In Counter-Strike 2, wear effects are implemented with great detail:
- Low Float (0.00–0.07): The skin looks almost brand new, with no scratches or wear.
- Moderate Float (0.15–0.40): Noticeable damage appears, especially on the edges of the weapon.
- High Float (0.50+): The skin is heavily worn, with the pattern fading or losing color.
For example, the AK-47 | Asiimov retains its vibrant black and orange colors at low float but becomes covered in gray scratches at high float. For some models like the AWP | Dragon Lore, even a small increase in float value can significantly degrade its aesthetic appeal.
Why is Float Important for Skin Value?
The skin market in CS2 depends directly on rarity and visual appeal. Low float often makes a skin more valuable, especially for popular models. For instance:
- A M4A4 | Howl with a float of 0.05 can cost several times more than the same skin with a float of 0.30.
- Some players hunt for “budget Factory New” skins—Field-Tested quality items with a float close to 0.15, making them visually similar to more expensive variants.
On trading platforms like CSFloat or Buff, prices often reflect float values. Collectors are willing to pay extra for “perfect” examples, creating strong demand for low-float skins.
Tips for Players: How to Use Float to Your Advantage
- Check the float before purchasing. Use websites like CSFloat or Skinport to see precise wear values. In Steam inventory, you can view float via links to third-party services.
- Consider the pattern. Sometimes, even with low float, scratches may appear on critical parts of the skin (e.g., the scope of an AWP). Study how the specific pattern looks.
- Save money on “hidden” low-float skins. Some Factory New skins with floats of 0.06–0.07 may be cheaper than those with 0.00 but visually indistinguishable.
Float in Counter-Strike 2 is not just a technical parameter but a key factor shaping the value and uniqueness of skins. Understanding its mechanics can help you make profitable purchases, find rare items, and even profit from trading. Always check the float value, experiment with patterns, and remember: beauty in CS2 truly requires attention to detail!
Spotted a skin with perfect float? Don’t forget to verify it before making a deal—happy trading!
