CS2 (CS:GO) Contraband Skin: CS2 Orange Rarity Skin

Everybody loves rare things; CS2 players are no different. However, there is a difference between “rare” and “rarest.” By simply adding the three letters, “est” to the end of “rare”, you create something spectacular. Today, we’re deep-diving into the rarest classification of weapon skins—Contraband. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and join us as we explore what a Contraband skin is, why there is only 1, yes, you read that correctly, and skins that many players consider to be Contraband skins. Here. We. Go.

What Are CS2 (CS:GO) Contraband Skin?

From time to time, there’s a small misunderstanding of what all Contraband skins in (CS:GO) CS2 actually are. To set the record straight, the true definition of a Contraband skin should only contain two words—M4A4 | Howl. However, definitions have changed. We’ll discuss the “new definition” of Contraband skin a bit further down. However, right now, let’s talk about what gives a “Contraband” skin its status:

• Exclusive tier: this is the highest of the high in terms of classification.
• Limited availability: there aren’t many out there.
• Value: because there aren’t many out there and pros love to sport them in tournaments, they cost a lot.
• Collectibility: combine limited availability with a high value and you get something that is extremely collectible.

Now, let’s take a look at what we consider the only Contraband skin—the M4A4 | Howl.

Contraband M4A4 Howl History and Record Prices

The M4A4 | Howl was introduced on May 1, 2014, as part of the Huntsman Collection in CS:GO. It was originally released as a Rarity skin. A bit more than 30 days later, a discovery was made. Valve realized that the artwork displayed on the skin was in fact plagiarized; making it illegal. Valve immediately removed the skin from trade up and drops. However, they couldn’t remove the skins that had already escaped into the real world. Because of this, Valve created a new classification for the M4A4 | Howl—Contraband! Instantly becoming the CS2 (CS:GO) skin rarity top dog.

Having Contraband skins (CS:GO) CS2 in your inventory is definitely something to show off. In fact, to understand is that the M4A4 | Howl originally cost $20. And now can go for more than $7000.

Why Are Contraband Skin Unique in CS2 (CS:GO)?

The M4A4 | Howl was designated as “Contraband” because it literally broke laws existing; making it impossible to continue to make it available through Valve. This was the only option. As mentioned above, Valve was forced to pull all remaining skin from trade-ups and drops. Further solidifying the M4A4 | Howl as the rarest skin.

How to Find and Obtain Contraband Orange CS2 Skin

Now that we’ve discussed the one-and-only Contraband skin, let’s take a look at what players loosely define as Contraband skins and how to get them.

The “new Contraband skins” are orange CS2 (CS:GO) rarity skins called Orange Contraband. This is likely due to the orange shade of several super-rare skins. However, no official “Contraband Orange” skin exists in Counter-Strike’s database. You can get a CS2 orange rarity skin through:

• In-Game Drops: Being a prime member and receiving them in-game.
• Trade-Up Contracts: Trading up 10 Covert skins in hopes of getting one.
• Trading Platforms: Acquire one on one of the best CS2 (CS:GO) marketplaces.
•  Case Openings: Open the Prisma or Prisma 2 Case, Operation Broken Fang Case, or Spectrum 2 Case. 

Conclusion

If you want the one and only Contraband skin, look no further than the M4A4 | Howl. However, as you now understand, they are hard to get and very expensive. There’s no shame in sporting all contraband skins in the CS2 orange rarity skin category. In fact, if you have one of those, you are among a very rare group of players.

Contraband Orange CS2 (CS:GO) Rarity Skin FAQ