Knife crafting is in full swing — players are actively buying red skins for exchanges. Over the past time, a new top five of the most popular items has formed, setting the tone for the entire market.
A new wave of activity on the CS2 market
The Steam Market literally exploded. After the update that introduced the ability to exchange red skins for knives, players rushed into crafting en masse. This caused a real economic effect — prices for certain items increased tenfold, and trading volumes broke the records of previous months.
Particularly notable were skins with Covert rarity that come from cases already partially withdrawn from circulation. These became the foundation of the new wave of trades and resales. Now, the top five leaders not only reflect player preferences but also demonstrate how changes in the in-game economy are turning into investment opportunities.
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MP9 | Starlight Protector — the main breakthrough of the week
- Sales: 59,656
- Price (Factory New): $116.11
- Rarity: Covert
- Case: Dreams & Nightmares
- Release date: January 20, 2022
The skin phenomenon of recent days. MP9 | Starlight Protector showed a 25-fold increase in just one week — one of the sharpest jumps in CS market history. The reason is the wave of knife crafting, where this particular MP9 is often used as a profitable “red” asset for upgrades.
Trading activity around Starlight Protector has reached its peak: sales volumes have surpassed even the top AK-47 positions. If the pace continues, MP9 may become a new marker of the CS2 crafting boom.
AK-47 | Legion of Anubis — steady demand and timeless classic
- Sales: 52,248
- Price (Factory New): $69.84
- Rarity: Covert
- Case: On the Case
- Release date: August 6, 2020
Legion of Anubis remains a symbol of stability amid chaotic market fluctuations. Players choose it for its combination of visibility, value, and rarity. It holds its price well even during mass sell-offs and is often used in trades, making it a universal asset for both players and traders.
Demand for Legion of Anubis is a long-term trend that forms the backbone of CS2’s “gold standard” collections.
AWP | Chromatic Aberration — the new focus of streamers
- Sales: 44,462
- Price (Factory New): $68.85
- Rarity: Covert
- Case: Recoil Case Skins
- Release date: July 1, 2022
Chromatic Aberration burst into the top thanks to the influence of streamers and content creators. The AWP with its purple “glitch” effect has become a frequent sight in frag videos and highlight reels, which sparked a wave of purchases.
At the same time, the average price remains within the $60–70 range — an optimal balance between “flashy looks” and affordability, making this skin one of the most popular choices among casual players.
AK-47 | Nightwish — the premium favorite of collectors
- Sales: 43,274
- Price (Factory New): $167.26
- Rarity: Covert
- Case: Dreams & Nightmares
- Release date: January 20, 2022
Nightwish is the most expensive skin in the current ranking. Its consistently high price is explained not only by rarity but also by its cult status among collectors. Players use it as a long-term investment: during market upswings, Nightwish is one of the first assets to appreciate.
Over the past week, sales increased by almost 40%, and trade exchange volumes doubled.
MP7 | Bloodsport — the return of a legend
- Sales: 32,614
- Price (Factory New): $154.71
- Rarity: Covert
- Case: Welcome to the Clutch
- Release date: February 14, 2018
Bloodsport is back in the top after several years of absence. Its active buying is linked to the shortage of old “Welcome to the Clutch” cases, which have practically disappeared from the market.
Traders predict further price growth for MP7 | Bloodsport, as interest in “classic” CS:GO series is returning amid the overall scarcity of older collections. This is one of the few skins that successfully combines nostalgia, prestige, and liquidity.
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CS2 market
The CS2 market is experiencing a period of crafting fever. Demand for red skins is rising sharply, and players are actively investing in mid-priced models. The leader is MP9 | Starlight Protector, which within days has transformed from a secondary drop into a key market asset.
If Valve does not change the crafting algorithms soon, we may see a new sales record among serial skins as early as next week.
