We all know how expensive a CS:GO skin can get. Their value is often determined by a number of factors. This includes things like rarity, popularity, and looks. But did you know that a skin’s overall look is determined by random numbers? These numbers are called “float,” and then they get assigned a “wear,” which determines their overall condition.
While CS:GO’s wear value and float value both pertain to how beaten up a skin looks, they aren’t exactly the same. It can be a bit confusing to tell the difference between the two, which is why we’re here today to clear that up.
Here’s our complete CS:GO float and wear guide that explains their similarities and differences.
What Does Float Mean in CS:GO?
Let’s start things off with a skin’s float value. Whenever you open a case and pull a weapon, a precise random value is automatically assigned to it. The value can be anything between 0 and 1. This value is what’s called as the “float” of a skin and determines what condition group it belongs to.
However, the float value doesn’t always need to be 0 to 1. Sometimes it depends on the skin itself and what its predetermined float range is. This is why some skins don’t arrive in certain conditions while others have all five.
What Does Wear Mean in CS:GO?
The wear value of a CS:GO skin is a bit more basic. Wear is simply just the overall external appearance of the skin. It determines how beaten up or how flawless a skin is. There are five different wear groups that all skins fall under. These are Factory New, Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred.
The wear group of a skin, also known as the condition, is determined by the specific CS:GO float value assigned to it. There are certain ranges that a float value needs to fall under for it to be classified into each wear group.
Here are the different CS:GO float ranges and wear groups assigned for each condition:
| CS:GO Float Value Range | CS:GO Wear Value |
|---|---|
| 0 to 0.07 | Factory New |
| 0.07 to 0.15 | Minimal Wear |
| 0.15 to 0.38 | Field-Tested |
| 0.38 to 0.45 | Well-Worn |
| 0.45 to 1 | Battle-Scarred |
However, as we’ve mentioned above, not all skins have a float range of 0 to 1.
The Importance of a CS:GO Skin’s Float Value
Even though all CS:GO skins that fall under the same float range have the same CS:GO wear value, they won’t look the same. Unfortunately, not all skins are created equally, which is why you can see other skins with the same condition sell for higher or cheaper prices.
Depending on the specific skin, the differences can either be very subtle or extremely drastic. But for the most part, you either get scratches, chipped paint, and erasures, among other signs of usage.
This is where the importance of the CS:GO float system comes into play. Lower float values will result in a more flawless external look. In turn, skins with a lower float value typically sell for more than the average.
However, there are still some exceptions. Some skins are rarer when they have higher float values, therefore, are priced higher. While float still plays a huge part in how much a CS:GO skin can go for, it’s not the sole factor that determines it.
A great example of this can be seen on CS:GO’s AWP Asiimov skin. An AWP Asiimov with a float value of 0.96 to 0.99 can sell anywhere from $250 – $500, compared to the average price of $80 – $150.
The Importance of a CS:GO Skin’s Wear
The main role that the CS:GO wear system plays is to give a general idea of a skin’s condition to the players. The CS:GO wear value is one of the first things you’ll see on a skin and will instantly allow you to know what condition you’re getting without the need to search up its float value.
Wear is a much simpler system that’s more helpful for new CS:GO players and more casual buyers to understand. Not everyone is a skin aficionado. Some players just want to add different colors to their weapons.
Let’s take a brief look at each wear group to help you better understand what they bring to the game.
Factory New
These skins are the most flawless and smoothest-looking skins in CS:GO. They are typically the most expensive and the most sought-after skins because of their amazing conditions. Factory New is perfect for players who want to get the best possible-looking skins and are willing to pay top money for them.
Minimal Wear
In Minimal Wear, you can start to see some scratches and maybe some paint chipping off. These skins still look very presentable and have little signs of usage. They offer a good value because they still look fantastic and are relatively cheaper than their Factory New counterparts.
Field-Tested
Field-Tested is among the most popular CS:GO wear groups because of its solid price-to-condition ratio. They are typically way cheaper than Minimal Wear and Factory New condition skins while still noticeable but still passable signs of usage. It’s excellent for more casual players who don’t want to spend much on a skin but want to still stand out.
Well-Worn
Here’s the wear group where the skins start to get a bit questionable. Skin degradation is very noticeable in Well-Worn condition, and a lot of scratches, rust, discoloration, and damage can be seen on the skin. They’re very cheap, though, making them a go-to for players who don’t want to spend much but still want a skin.
Battle-Scarred
Finally, there’s Battle-Scarred. These skins are in the worst condition, and some of them are barely identifiable if they have higher float values. A ton of damage can be seen on the skin, and most players tend to move away from Battle-Scarred skins, aside from specific situations.
The Verdict: What Wear Value Skin Should I Buy?
If you have the money to spend, Factory New is obviously the best condition for a skin. However, for most, I’d recommend going for Field-Tested. They still look great at most float values, and tend to have an excellent price-to-condition ratio as well.
That’s everything you need to know about the different CS:GO float values and wear groups. They are important factors in the skin economy, so it’s important to get a good idea of them before buying a skin.
