Best CS2 Souvenir Skins >> Check It Out!

Sometimes Souvenir skins in CS2 receive bad press for supposedly being overrated and too expensive. However, we simply refuse to agree with this statement. In fact, we think that some of them absolutely deserve the limelight. Of course, there are certain items that are not all that impressive or were made as a result of a sloppy mistake made by Valve. Yet there are also many items that are extremely unique and can increase any CS2 inventory value. Today we’ll be looking at the best Souvenir skins CSGO and CS2 have to offer.

What Are Souvenir Skins in CS2?

Souvenir skins in CS2 are limited-edition cosmetic items that can only be obtained by opening souvenir packages. These only appear during major eSports events sponsored by Valve, such as the CS2 Major, which take place every year.

Gamers who want to add Souvenir skins to their collections must link their Steam accounts to their Twitch accounts and watch the livestream of the Major. Some of the veiwers will receive a souvenir package, that can only be opened if they acquire a special souvenir token from the in-game store. These work just like CS2 weapon cases, except they feature Souvenir skins. Significant collections like the Nuke Collection are often featured in these packages, highlighting their collectible nature and historical significance in competitive events.

What Is So Unique About Souvenir Skins?

Souvenir skins are great because, just as their name suggests, they are meant to play the role of a souvenir of a particular event. They feature special designs and come with limited edition CS2 tournament stickers that reference a team, map, player, or play that took place during the Major. The Nuke Collection, for example, includes special designs and limited edition stickers from various CS:GO majors. Some are even adorned with MPV’s signature, making them extremely rare and valuable. Souvenir versions are some of the most expensive CS2 skins in the game.

Owning a Souvenir skin is a great way to show that you are a genuine Counter Strike fan. Of course, getting them in a drop borders on the miraculous, and buying them in resale is often only possible for the richest players, but anyone who has such an item in their collection and is aware of its value can proudly call themselves a proper member of the CS community. The players with the most expensive Steam inventories often measure their worth in the amount of rare souvenir skins that they own.

Obtaining Souvenir Skins

How to Acquire Souvenir Skins in CS2

There are several ways to acquire the exclusive Souvenir skins, including:

• Purchasing Souvenir Packages: During official CS2 tournament matches, players have the opportunity to purchase souvenir packages. These packages contain unique souvenir skins that commemorate the event, making them highly sought after.
• Earning Souvenir Tokens: Players can earn souvenir tokens by completing challenges and upgrading their Major Coin. These tokens can then be used to redeem souvenir packages, adding an element of achievement to the process.
• Buying from Marketplaces: For those who prefer a more direct approach, souvenir skins can be purchased from other players through online marketplaces or simply the Steam community market. This allows players to acquire specific skins they desire without relying on drops.
• Participating in Pick’Em Challenges: Engaging in Pick’Em challenges during major tournaments can also earn players souvenir tokens. These challenges add an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience, as players predict match outcomes to earn rewards, including free CS2 skins.

It’s worth noting that souvenir skins are highly sought after by collectors and traders, and their value can fluctuate depending on their rarity and demand. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, obtaining a souvenir skin is a badge of honor in the CS2 community.

Top 6 Souvenir Skins in Counter Strike

Now that you know what Souvenir skins are and why they are considered valuable, let’s move on to the best ones.

Also, don’t forget that if you desperately need funds to replenish your CS2 collection, you can sell CS2 (CS:GO) skins at Skincashier and quickly rake in some extra cash!

AWP Dragon Lore

No list of iconic Souvenir skins would be complete without AWP Dragon Lore. It is not only one of the most famous items of its kind, but also one of the most iconic weapon finishes in Counter Strike history. It appeared in 2014 during Operation Breakout and as part of the Cobblestone collection, a set of skins corresponding to the Cobblestone map. The weapon was an instant classic, and to this day temains one of the most expensive AWP skins in the game. Unfortunately, the location left the competitive tournament map pool in 2019, and thus the souvenir variant of the skin was only available from Cologne 2014 through to ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018, where it dropped for the last time. It is currently one of the rarest CS2 skins available in the game, as its price in the Souvenir variant can reach $415,627.58.

• Flavor Text: 200 keys could never unlock its secrets
• Lowest Steam Price: $41,562.75
• Highest Steam Price: $415,627.58

M4A1-S Knight

Another amazing item from the Cobblestone collection is the M4A1-S Knight. This ultimate black CS2 weapon skin is a fan favorite, and its souvenir version is one of the rarest finishes available in the game, obtainable in just 10 containers. Just like Dragon Lore, the last time it appeared was in 2018, when the map went out of competitive play. Since then, its price has been on the rise, and when you consider that it’s only offered in three variants (two of which are souvenirs!), it’s now certainly a treat for more affluent players, as well as one of the best M4A1-S skins in the game.

• Flavor Text: What do you mean you can’t find Cocinero and Izaki? – Felix Riley, Commanding Officer
• Lowest Steam Price: $1,330.00
• Highest Steam Price: $2,694.37

AK-47 Gold Arabesque

The Gold Arabesque is one of the most popular skins in the history of Counter Strike, as well as one of the best AK-47 skins in the game. If you take these two factors and add the Souvenir package to them, it’s almost a perfect combination. It’s also one of the rare gold CS2 skins, further increasing its value. That’s why the souvenir version of the AK-47 Gold Arabesque is one of the best weapon finishes in its category. The item was released relatively recently, as it was during Operation Riptide in 2021 in the Rio 2022 Dust II Souvenir Package. Ever since then, it was also obtainable in Antwerp 2022 Dust II Souvenir Package and Stockholm 2021 Dust II Souvenir Package.

• Flavor Text: “What other tricks does Booth have up his sleeve?”
• Lowest Steam Price: $1,939.59
• Highest Steam Price: $8,928.23

USP-S Purple DDPAT

This weapon skin was also added to CS:GO during Operation Riptide, but its price is far from staggering, unlike the previous items on our list. If you want a skin to finish your purple CS2 loadout for the CT team, the Purple DDPAT is for you. The USP-S Purple DDPAT was released as part of the Mirage Paris 2023 Souvenir Package and can also be obtained through the Mirage Antwerp 2022 Souvenir Package and the Mirage Rio 2022 Souvenir Package. It is part of the Mirage Collection, which refers to the Mirage map. Interestingly, it is the only location that has been present at every Major in the tournament’s history. If you’re a fan of this map, you can easily own the best USP-S skin from its collection for less than $2!

• Flavor Text: By the time you’re close enough to notice the pixels it’s already too late
• Lowest Steam Price: $1.78
• Highest Steam Price: $7.69

Nova Candy Apple

This one is particularly interesting because the regular Candy Apple versions are extremely affordable, ranging from about 7 to 13 cents. However, when it comes to souvenir variants of one of the best Nova skins, their prices go as high as $103.76, which just goes to show how much souvenir packages affect the value of an item. Of course, this has to do with the fact that they are extremely rare, as the last time one of them dropped was in the EMS One 2014 Souvenir Package container. Needles to say, that was… a very long time ago. Still, to this day it remains one of the best red skins in the entire game, so if you’re a fan of CS2 shotguns, this one is an absolute must have.

• Flavor Text: Great on cars, better on weapons
• Lowest Steam Price: $31.17
• Highest Steam Price: $103.76

AWP Desert Hydra

Of course, we want to end our list with a bang, so we come to you with one of the best AWP skins, the Desert Hydra. Just like the purple DDPAT, it’s part of the Mirage collection and was available in the Antwerp 2022 Mirage Souvenir Package, Paris 2023 Mirage Souvenir Package, as well as the Rio 2022 Mirage Souvenir Package container. Unfortunately, in terms of price, it bears little resemblance to the USP-S skin. Thankfully, it’s also not like Dragon Lore. Desert Hybra is somewhere in between these two extremes, making it expensive, but not IMMENSELY expensive.

• Flavor Text: Cutting off one head means two more appear—is that a risk you’re willing to take? – Valeria Jenner, Revolutionary
• Lowest Steam Price: $1,425.32
• Highest Steam Price: $4,197.70

Souvenir Skin Rarity and Value

Understanding the Market Dynamics

The rarity and value of souvenir skins are determined by several factors, including:

• Limited Number of Souvenir Packages: Each major tournament releases a limited number of souvenir packages, making the skins within them rare and exclusive. The fewer the packages, the higher the potential value of the skins.
• Exclusivity of Skins and Stickers: Souvenir skins often come with unique stickers that reference specific teams, players, or events. These exclusive stickers add to the skin’s rarity and desirability among collectors.
• Demand Among Players and Collectors: The popularity of certain skins and collections can drive up their value. For example, the Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore is highly coveted, making it one of the most valuable skins in the game.
• Overall Quality and Condition: The condition of a skin, such as Factory New or Battle-Scarred, significantly impacts its value. Skins in pristine condition with rare stickers can command much higher prices.

For example, the Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore Factory New is considered one of the rarest and most valuable souvenir skins in CS2, with a price tag of over $61,000. This illustrates how the combination of limited availability, exclusivity, and high demand can create a highly valuable item.

Investment Potential of Souvenir Skins

Souvenir skins can be a valuable investment for players and collectors who are willing to hold onto them for the long term. As the CS2 community continues to grow and evolve, the demand for rare and exclusive skins is likely to increase, driving up their value. If you want to make money on CS2, investing in Souvenir skins is a good idea.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the market for souvenir skins can be volatile, and prices can fluctuate rapidly. Players and collectors should do their research and stay up-to-date with market trends before making any investment decisions.

Additionally, the quality and condition of the skin can also impact its value. Skins with rare stickers or low CS2 float value can command a higher price than those with more common stickers or in poorer condition.

Overall, souvenir skins can be a valuable addition to any CS2 collection, and their rarity and exclusivity make them a sought-after commodity among players and collectors. Whether you’re looking to trade, collect, or invest, understanding the market dynamics and potential of souvenir skins is crucial for making informed decisions.

Conclusions

As you can see, Counter Strike is full of amazing commemorative skins that not only have great sentimental value, but also monetary value. If you’re lucky enough to get one of these through a souvenir package drop or rich enough to buy one on the Steam market, then you’re a true CS2 fan. But don’t worry if your collection lacks items in this category. Valve has released many regular skins over its long history, and they are almost as iconic and valuable as souvenir items.