Starfield, God of War, Elden Ring, Battlefield, Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, Dying Light, FIFA, Marvel’s Spider-Man… the list is endless. AAA games come out in dozens yearly, and all cost a tidy sum starting at $60, while some publishers even began to inflate prices up to $70. Of course, it’s reasonable as they are considered blockbusters and marketing costs often exceed development. But it could be pretty damaging for an average consumer’s wallet because not a lot of people want to spend such an impressive amount for one game (which might not even be worth it).
Well, to be honest, why would we? There’s a better idea: use this money to assemble a complete decent inventory!
In this article, CS.MONEY Blog has selected a set of great skins not to exceed the cost of a single AAA game. For different types of weapons, T and CT, no stickers or StatTraks, but with a couple of options to choose from. CS:GO skins are eternal, while AAA games usually go on sale in a few months (and that’s when we’re buying them).
What’s On The Menu?
Indeed, there’s not much room for 60-70 bucks. Thus, no knives or gloves. Nevertheless, such a sum will allow you to build almost a whole inventory. Let’s decide what’s most important first.
- The top three most important weapons in CS:GO are M4A1-S, AK47 and AWP. Without them, there are no full buys. Also, we’ll mention M4A4 options just in case.
- Pistols always stay. USP-S, Glock, and Desert Eagle.
- Farm guns should please, at least visually. Mac10, MAG-7, and MP9.
There are three skin options for all weapons: two more expensive, one cheaper, to balance the budget for other purchases.
AK, AWP, and M4A1-S
Any inventory’s leading roles and statistically the most popular weapons. Vital parts of full-buys, so having at least one skin on all of them is almost mandatory.
АК-47
An absolute favorite for the T side.
- Orbit Mk01 is not a frequent collection guest, but nevertheless, a beautiful two-tone skin, where red and black perfectly decorate the weapon. Eight dollars.
- Phantom Disruptor is a colorful option for fans of extraordinary skins—also, eight bucks.
- Slate is a strict black skin for minimalism fanciers that will cost only five bucks.
M4A1-S
Silencer is the meta right now, but who knows if the next patch will bring M4A4’s time? Or maybe AUG? But let’s not think about randomness and focus: M4A1S will be a vital gun in CS:GO whatsoever.
- Leaded Glass is one of the most beautiful skins for M4A1S. Made by the genius de_puiseau, this multicolored and fake 3D skin is an excellent addition to any collection. And the price is very democratic, only six dollars.
- Basilisk is a fantastic minimalistic option. Also, six dollars worth, just being more serious.
- Nitro is even cheaper if you want to save money for another skin. It also looks pretty cool and costs only five dollars!
By the way, we interviewed the creator of Leaded Glass about how he makes this fake 3D. De_puiseau quit Ubisoft to make skins!
AWP
In fact, we advise you to buy an AWP skin at the very end, putting a little more on it. Or vice versa, start with one. Either way, this is the most crucial sniper weapon in the game, and it is not worth sparing money on it.
- Elite Build, $9. Stylish, simple, and not very expensive.
- Fever Dream is made for those who like bright and colorful skins, priced at only eight dollars.
- Worm God reminds of Dragon Lore a lot and costs only seven dollars. So there is nothing to be ashamed of while you’re on the way to DLore!
M4A4
As an option to replace the M4A1S, you can either buy it instead or both together.
- Bullet Rain is a stunning two-tone skin. For only nine bucks.
- The Emperor also costs nine dollars, in blue, and has a beautiful print. Complements any collection.
- Poly Mag will cost you six, and it looks just fine: a simple militaristic desert-ish design is topped with a transparent clip.
USP-S, Glock, and Desert Eagle
USP-S and Glock will always be there with you, regardless of the round and how the match goes. So don’t skimp on them, either. Let’s start with the defense pistol and then choose the other.
USP-S
- Cortex. Our favorite, ranging from $4 for an MW to $9 for a StatTrak, it’s bright and stylish.
- Stainless is classy, and has high-quality visuals. It’s also not very expensive, only three dollars.
- Ticket to Hell is another splendid option; the detailed coloring and minimalist palette work well with any inventory. Four bucks!
Glock-18
- Water Elemental is a living legend. Low floats do not affect the look much, so a quality option can be found somewhere around six dollars.
- Bullet Queen looks really cool and is priced from $5 to $7, so there’s plenty to choose from.
- Winterized with a more serious and down-to-earth design. Admittedly, it’s very cheap, but still, looks outstanding. Around two bucks.
Desert Eagle
Without it, you can’t make cool YouTube highlights, right?
- Mecha Industries is sold for various amounts, from seven to four bucks. Looks modern and stylish.
- Naga was created for epic duels. Detailed, simple, a little rebel-ish. It sits very nice – and for only six bucks!
- The Oxid Blaze costs $3.50 and looks good: white flames on a bloody scarlet body.
Mac-10, MAG-7, and MP9
Farm guns have become essential for progressing rounds, so you can also have a couple and feel proud whenever you unleash them.
Mac-10
- Disco Tech. Well, what else? A superb skin at a price of around six bucks, but you can find it even cheaper.
- Pipe Down looks just gorgeous, another ingenious skin by de_puiseau. And pretty affordable, no more than two dollars!
- Allure has a fairly canonical coloring for fans of Japanese culture. After all, the Yakuza love Mac10s! About two bucks.
MAG-7
This gun is not for everyone, yet it is very underestimated.
- SWAG-7 needs to be bought just for the name. And in general, it is a very cheap and enjoyable skin, for only one and a half bucks.
- Cobalt Core will turn the gun into something from a futuristic action movie for the same one and a half dollars.
- Justice pairs beautifully with the M4A4 The Emperor, costing around $5 in good condition.
MP9
- Mount Fuji will become a piece of art in your inventory for only four bucks.
- Airlock (no StatTrak) is also not very expensive, around three dollars. The red and white palette looks great.
- Food Chain is a fun and cheerful skin that only costs about $1.50.
Summing up, the most expensive options from the compilation combined will cost you around 60-70 dollars, that is, the price of one AAA game! Moreover, you can save here and there in different options, buy a more expensive replacement for another weapon, or even a skin for AUG, if you want!
By the way, we sometimes write about ordinary games, too, not just CS:GO. So, for example, in the “How Did I Miss That?!” series, we talk about small and undeservedly forgotten projects worth spending time on when you get tired of Counter-Strike.
More compilations and articles await in our Blog!
