In the world of CS2 skins, float values (wear) and stickers are well-known factors that affect a skin's value. However, for certain skins, the pattern itself can dramatically impact its worth—sometimes increasing it by tens or even hundreds of times. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most valuable rare patterns in CS2, how to identify them, and what makes them so sought after by collectors.

Understanding Pattern Index in CS2

Before diving into specific patterns, it's important to understand how patterns work in CS2:

Every skin in CS2 with a pattern (as opposed to solid colors) has a "pattern index" or "pattern seed"—a number that determines exactly how the texture is applied to the weapon model. This number ranges from 1 to 1000 for most skins.

While most pattern indices create similar-looking skins with minor variations, certain indices create rare, distinctive appearances that collectors highly value. These special patterns often have community-given names that reflect their unique characteristics.

How to Check Pattern Index

You can check a skin's pattern index by:

  1. Inspecting the skin in your inventory
  2. Looking at the "pattern template" value in the float checker tools
  3. Using third-party sites like CS.MONEY, Buff, or FloatDB

Pro Tip

Before trading or selling any skin with a potential rare pattern, always check its pattern index. You might have a valuable gem hiding in your inventory!

Case Hardened: The Blue Gem Phenomenon

The Case Hardened finish is perhaps the most famous for its pattern-based value variations, particularly for what the community calls "Blue Gems."

What Makes a Blue Gem?

Case Hardened skins normally display a mix of blue, purple, yellow, and gold patterns. However, certain pattern indices create skins with an unusually high percentage of solid blue coloration—these are Blue Gems.

The most valuable Blue Gems typically have:

  • High percentage of solid blue (70%+ for most weapons)
  • Blue in prominent/visible locations (e.g., top of AK, blade of knife)
  • Clean, uninterrupted blue areas rather than scattered patches

Most Valuable Case Hardened Patterns

  • AK-47 Pattern #661 (Scar Pattern): The most valuable AK skin, featuring almost entirely blue top with a distinct "scar" mark. Factory New versions have sold for over $150,000.
  • Karambit Pattern #387: Nearly full blue playside, commonly known as the "Blue Gem" Karambit. Can reach $50,000+ in Factory New condition.
  • Five-Seven Pattern #278/690: Full blue top Five-Seven patterns, ranging from $300 to $1,500 depending on float.
  • Butterfly Knife Pattern #555: One of the most blue-dominant Butterfly patterns, with prices starting around $8,000 even in Field-Tested condition.

The Case Hardened Blue Gem market is highly specialized, with dedicated collectors willing to pay premium prices for specific pattern indices. Even Battle-Scarred Blue Gems can be worth significantly more than Factory New regular patterns.

Fade Patterns: Percentages and Special Variations

Fade skins transition between multiple colors, typically from yellow to red to purple. The value of Fade skins depends on the "fade percentage"—how much of the skin shows the full color spectrum.

Understanding Fade Percentages

Fade patterns are typically described with percentages:

  • 80-85% Fade: Minimal color transition, mostly yellow with some red
  • 90-95% Fade: Good color spread with visible purple
  • 100% Fade: Full color spectrum with maximum purple
  • Full Fade/True 100% Fade: Maximum color saturation with purple extending to specific parts of the model

Special Fade Variations

Beyond percentages, certain weapons have specific fade variations:

Butterfly Knife Fade

  • Full Fade: Purple extends to the second tooth on the blade
  • Max Fade/True Max: Purple extends past the fourth tooth (pattern indices 699-702)

M9 Bayonet Fade

  • Max Red Tip: Intense red coloration at the tip (pattern indices near 897)
  • Max Fade: Purple extends past the 4th tooth on the spine

Glock-18 Fade

  • Full Fade: Purple extends to the middle of the top
  • Max Fade: Purple covers most of the top (pattern index near 690)

The price difference between a minimum fade and a max fade can be substantial. For example, a minimal fade Butterfly Knife might sell for $1,000-1,500 less than a true max fade with the same float value.

Crimson Web: Web Patterns and Placements

Crimson Web skins feature a deep red base with black web patterns. The number and placement of these webs significantly affect value.

What Makes a Valuable Crimson Web?

Collectors look for:

  • Number of webs: More visible webs = higher value
  • Web placement: Centered webs on the playside are most desirable
  • Web size: Larger, more distinct webs are preferred

Most Valued Web Patterns

  • M9 Bayonet with 3 centered webs: Can add 30-50% to the base price
  • Karambit with centered web: Particularly valuable when the web is centered on the playside
  • Butterfly Knife with 2+ webs: Rare and sought after by collectors

For Crimson Web skins, Factory New condition is extremely rare and valuable regardless of pattern. A Factory New Crimson Web knife with good web placement can be among the most expensive skins in the game.

Doppler Phases and Special Patterns

Doppler skins have multiple phases and special rare variations that dramatically affect their value.

Standard Doppler Phases

There are four standard Doppler phases, with varying values:

  • Phase 1: Black with pink accents
  • Phase 2: Pink dominant (most valuable standard phase)
  • Phase 3: Green/black (typically least valuable)
  • Phase 4: Blue dominant with black

Special Doppler Patterns

Beyond the standard phases, there are rare special patterns:

Sapphire

Pure bright blue pattern, extremely rare and valuable. Sapphire knives can sell for 3-5 times the price of standard phases.

Ruby

Solid vibrant red pattern, equally rare as Sapphire and similarly valuable.

Black Pearl

Dark pattern with purple/green iridescent effect. The rarest of the special Doppler patterns, though sometimes less valuable than Sapphire/Ruby due to lower demand.

Emerald (Gamma Doppler)

In Gamma Doppler collections, the Emerald pattern features a solid bright green finish. Among the most expensive knife skins in the game.

Phase-Specific Rare Patterns

Even within standard phases, certain pattern indices are more valuable:

  • Phase 2 "Max Pink": Patterns with maximum pink coverage
  • Phase 4 "Max Blue": Patterns with exceptional blue coverage and minimal black
  • Black Pearl "Green Galaxy": Black Pearls with prominent green galaxy effect

Marble Fade: Fire & Ice Patterns

Marble Fade skins transition between red, yellow, and blue. The most valuable variant is the "Fire & Ice" pattern, where the yellow is minimized or absent, creating a direct transition from red to blue.

Fire & Ice Ranking System

Fire & Ice patterns are categorized into "Max" levels or ranks, typically on a scale of 1-10:

  • 1st Max: The absolute best pattern with maximum red and blue, minimal or no yellow
  • 2nd-4th Max: Still considered true Fire & Ice but with slightly less ideal color distribution
  • 5th-7th Max: Mid-tier Fire & Ice patterns with visible but limited yellow
  • 8th-10th Max: Minimal Fire & Ice patterns, sometimes called "Fake Fire & Ice"

Most Valuable Fire & Ice Patterns

  • Karambit Pattern #412: 1st Max Fire & Ice, can sell for 2-3 times the price of a regular Marble Fade
  • M9 Bayonet Pattern #897: 1st Max Fire & Ice with maximum red tip
  • Butterfly Knife Pattern #718: One of the best Fire & Ice patterns for this model

The Fire & Ice pattern index guide is complex and specific to each knife model. Serious traders often refer to specialized guides to verify exact pattern rankings.

Other Notable Pattern-Based Skins

Slaughter Patterns

Slaughter skins can have recognizable patterns in their red and white design:

  • Diamond: A clear diamond shape, most valuable when centered on the playside
  • Angel/Phoenix: A pattern resembling wings
  • Heart: A heart-shaped pattern
  • Dogbone: A pattern resembling a bone

Gamma Doppler Phases

Similar to regular Dopplers, Gamma Dopplers have phase variations:

  • Phase 1: Black with green accents
  • Phase 2: Green dominant (most valuable standard phase)
  • Phase 3: Lime green with black
  • Phase 4: Turquoise/cyan dominant
  • Emerald: Pure bright green, extremely valuable

AK-47 Case Hardened Tiers

Beyond the famous #661 pattern, several other AK-47 Case Hardened patterns are highly valued:

  • Tier-1 (Patterns #955, #760, #321): Significant blue top coverage
  • Tier-2 (Patterns #555, #828, #387): Notable but less complete blue top
  • Honorable mentions (#151, #670): Popular patterns with distinctive blue areas

How to Trade and Price Pattern-Based Skins

If you believe you have a valuable pattern, here's how to approach trading:

Verification and Documentation

  1. Get clear screenshots of both sides of the skin in good lighting
  2. Document the pattern index and float value
  3. Use community resources to verify the pattern's rarity (e.g., specialized Discord servers, pattern guides)

Pricing Research

Pattern-based pricing can be complex:

  • Check recent sales of identical or similar patterns on specialized trading sites
  • Consult with experienced traders in pattern trading communities
  • Be patient—finding the right buyer who values the specific pattern may take time

Trading Platforms for Pattern Skins

Not all trading platforms are equal for pattern-based trading:

  • Specialized Discord servers: Often the best place for high-tier pattern trading
  • CS.MONEY: Offers pattern-based premiums for some skins but typically below collector prices
  • Buff.163: Popular among Chinese collectors, often has the best prices for rare patterns
  • Reddit (r/GlobalOffensiveTrade): Good for price checks and finding knowledgeable buyers

Warning

Pattern-based skin trading attracts scammers who may try to misrepresent regular patterns as rare ones. Always verify pattern indices yourself and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Conclusion

Pattern-based skin trading represents one of the most fascinating aspects of the CS2 economy. While learning to identify and value these patterns takes time, the knowledge can be extremely valuable—potentially increasing the value of items in your inventory by significant amounts or helping you make more informed purchases.

Remember that pattern values can change over time as collector preferences evolve. What's considered the most desirable pattern today might be surpassed by another in the future, though historically, the most iconic patterns like the AK-47 Blue Gem and Karambit Fire & Ice have maintained their premium status for years.

Have you discovered any rare patterns in your inventory? Or do you have a dream pattern you're saving up for? Share your pattern trading experiences in the comments below!