Best Cheap Covert Skins in CS2 (2025 Edition)

Covert skins in Counter-Strike sit at the top of the skin rarity chart, and is where you’ll find most of the game’s premium and high-tier skins. These are the skins selling for hundreds of dollars, and the ones people use to flex on their teammates. However, not all Covert skins are necessarily out of budget. Contrary to that, there are many that come at affordable prices. But, “cheap” doesn’t have to mean “mid.” Plenty of Covert skins still look premium at everyday budgets, especially if you choose these skins wisely and shop smart. In this article, we’ll discuss the best budget Covert skins worth your money, whether you’re obtaining them straight out of the Steam Market or upgrading through an Upgrader site, with all prices fully updated for 2025.

What Are Covert Skins in CS2?

Covert skins, best known for being the “Red” grade, is the second-highest skin rarity you can unbox, one grade below knives and gloves. This means Covert skins are the rarest non-melee skins you can possibly obtain in Counter-Strike. Here is a table visualizing how rare Covert items are:

In Valve’s disclosed case odds, Covert items only drop about 0.64%, or 1 in 156, showcasing how difficult it is to obtain skins from this rarity. Covert skins can only be obtained through opening cases, trade-up contracts, or item drops (once in a blue moon).

However, if you’d like to skip the luck requirement, you can always purchase Covert skins from the Steam Market or third-party websites. With prestige in mind, here are the main reasons why you’ll tend to see players buying skins from the Covert rarity:

• Collection Value: Red-tier items are a status symbol, and are often used to flex on others.
• Upgrading: Covert skins can be rolled into high-tier trade up contracts for Exceedingly Rare items.
• Trading and resale: Red skins are generally liquid in trading communities due to high demand.
• Aesthetics: Covert items tend to be well-designed skins, perfect for building loadouts around.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Cheap Covert Skin

Before you look for a cheap Covert skin to purchase, there are several things to consider before clicking the purchase button. Here’s what to take note of:

Market Trends

It’s worth noting that the prices for Covert skins have spiked significantly in 2025, after the update where such skins can be used in a trade-up contract for Exceedingly Rare items. The prices for Covert skins have more than doubled, and could continue increasing since the supply for them will decrease over time with people using them in trade ups.

Price Range

The first thing you should always consider when buying a Counter-Strike skin is its price range. For Covert skins, some budget options allow you to start from $10 to $20, but realistically, skins that are considered aesthetically pleasing will often start around the $50 mark due to the recent price spike explained above.

Float Value and Condition

Checking the skin’s wear condition is one thing, but also checking its specific float value is another. Getting skins with lower float values tends to cost more, but they will pop harder in the game. Some players may not understand their skins float values, allowing you to snipe good deals if you find an opportunity.

Pattern and Stickers

Certain skins have special pattern positions attached to them or have applied stickers as a bonus. You can carefully check each listed skin and inspect them in game to get any additional value to sweeten your deal.

Where to Purchase Skins Safely

The last thing you want happening when you spend money on a Covert skin is to get scammed. To prevent loss of funds, only transact on trusted websites. Some platforms you can use include:

• Steam Market: Safest marketplace, but high fees
• BUFF163: Best raw prices, but requires Chinese payment methods
• Skinport, CS.Money, Tradeit: Trusted third-party websites with fair prices

Best Cheap Covert Skins in CS2 (Top Picks for 2025)

If you want to join the hype train and grab yourself some Covert skins, you don’t necessarily need to deep dig into your wallet. Here are some of the best Covert skins in CS2 that sell for reasonable prices.

10. AWP | Chromatic Aberration

• Price Range: $28.10 – $81.00

If you want to exude gamer energy, the AWP | Chromatic Aberration is the Covert skin you want. The colors on this skin give an eye-popping look that is not so easy on the eyes, making it perfect if you want to grab the attention of others. The skin doesn’t look too bad in Field-Tested condition with a $28 price tag.

9. MP7 | Bloodsport

• Price Range: $28.02 – $75.92

The MP7 | Bloodsport is coated with a red racing theme. It has white decals and sponsor logos, making you feel like you’re driving a racecar while running-and-gunning down mid. It’s one of the flashier Covert skins available, making it ideal if you want to flex on your teammates and opponents.

8. AK-47 | Legion of Anubis

• Price Range: $6.74 – $51.56

As its name suggests, the Legion of Anubis skin is inspired by Egyptian mythology. The skin is decorated with golden accents, making it look like a royal skin. Despite its detailed design, this AK-47 skin is one of the cheapest Covert skins on the market. You can get this skin in Well-Worn for less than $10, but Minimal Wear at $29 hits the sweet spot.

7. Five-SeveN | Angry Mob

• Price Range: $38.56 – $59.64

The Five-SeveN | Angry Mob is a comic book that has come to life. It’s a colorful skin featuring whimsical artwork, making it one of the most unique Covert skins in the game. An interesting fact is that the Angry Mob has maintained steady popularity since Counter-Strike transitioned from GO to 2.

6. AWP | Neo-Noir

• Price Range: $29.94 – $54.26

The AWP | Neo-Noir is a timeless, legendary Counter-Strike skin that has seen price drops due to newer AWP skin releases. So, it’s the perfect time to grab the skin if you don’t mind its detective vibe. It’s a great entry-level AWP for collectors wanting a solid Covert skin in their inventory.

5. USP-S | The Traitor

• Price Range: $28.33 – $154.18

If you want your skin to tell a story, the USP-S | The Traitor does the job well. It features a tarot-inspired artwork with golden and red colors – perfect for a premium-looking skin. It’s downright an elegant skin, but you might have to spend extra money getting it in a good condition.

4. Sawed-Off | The Kraken

• Price Range: $61.67 – $99.19

The Sawed-Off | The Kraken skin is one of the oldest Coverts in the game, released all the way back in 2014. Despite being over a decade old, it remains a strong choice for giving a hit of nostalgia for old-school players. Even if you’re not an original player from the early days of Global Offensive, The Kraken is still a solid skin.

3. MP9 | Starlight Protector

• Price Range: $52.68 – $88.22

The MP9 | Starlight Protector features a clean, pastel finish of a unicorn on top of a silver background. It is hands-down one of the best MP9 skins available, seen in several highlight clips from the best players. Though it is one of the pricier skins on the list, the Starlight Protector is a play-skin you’d keep for years.

2. M4A4 | Temukau

• Price Range: $46.76 – $120.59

If anime is your thing, the M4A4 | Temukau becomes a no-brainer. This skin features Japanese-style artwork alongside text scattered around the skin. The Temukau is full of bright colors, making it one of the most eye-catching Covert skins you can possibly get without huge investment.

1. AK-47 | Nightwish

• Price Range: $51.00 – $115.31

Finally, we have the AK-47 | Nightwish, a mesmerizing Covert skin. It is designed with a dreamlike pattern, being custom painted with a deer and dreamcatchers in various neon colors. If you’re into dreams and nightmares, the Nightwish will be the perfect covert addition to your arsenal.

Smart Buying Checklist for CS2 Skins

Before you pick up any of the skins above, it never hurts to become a smart buyer. Here are things you should do before hitting the “Buy” button.

• Compare prices: Always check prices for the same skin on multiple platforms. Remember that websites have different fee structures.
• Check float value and pattern: Inspecting and checking float values and patterns are good ways to extract additional value from your deals.
• Use trusted marketplaces: Only transact on known websites like Steam, Skinport, BUFF163, CS.Money, Tradeit, and other third-party platforms with proven track records.
• Avoid “too good to be true” deals: If a social media post or sketchy website is offering an incredible deal, there’s a high chance it’s a scam.
• Track Collections: Keeping track of which Collections skins fall under can be a good way to predict market trends in the future.

Where to Buy Cheap Covert Skins Safely

Here are some recommendations of trusted platforms you can purchase skins from:

Final Verdict – Best Value Covert Skins in 2025

Despite the increase in Covert prices in 2025, the fact is that you can still buy these skins without having to spend hundreds of dollars. If you’re thinking of getting some Coverts, here is what we’d recommend.

Having an elite AWP skin is essential for any player, so the AWP | Neo-Noir becomes one of the best options. It’s a timeless skin that will appeal to both the old and new generations of players, and you can get it for around $30.

The AK-47 is another rifle you must have a skin for, so the AK-47 | Legion of Anubis will be our choice. It’s one of the cheapest skins on the list, and will get the job done as a decent skin to play with.

And finally, if you prefer equipping the M4A4 over the M4A1-S, the M4A4 | Temukau will be a welcome addition to any loadout. It’s a cheerful skin that sells for a reasonable price in lower conditions. If you’re ready to upgrade your inventory, it’s best to choose one of these budget Covert skins. They strike the perfect balance of style, rarity, and affordability.

FAQ

What is the cheapest Covert skin in CS2 right now?

Despite the surge in Covert prices, some of the cheapest skins in this rarity are the AK-47 | Legion of Anubis.

Are cheap Covert skins worth investing in?

Yes, cheap Covert skins are generally worth investing in due to the 2025 trade-up contract update. Covert skins should see a steady increase over the years.

Where can I buy CS2 skins safely?

Buying skins safely can be done on trusted platforms such as the Steam Market, CS.Money, BUFF163, and Skinport.

Do skin prices change over time?

Yes, skin prices change over time based on demand, supply, and gameplay updates.

Can Covert skins drop for free?

Yes, they can drop for free. However, the odds are extremely rare.