Counter-Strike 2 Update Disrupts Skin Economy, Changes Gameplay Dynamics

SEATTLE, Wash. — Valve Corporation released a major update for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) on October 23, 2025, significantly altering the game’s skin economy. The new ‘knife crafting’ system allows players to exchange five Covert-quality weapon skins for either a knife or gloves, reshaping how players acquire these sought-after items.

Previously, knives and gloves were rare treasures, often only obtainable through expensive case openings. With this update, players can now trade five Covert skins from the same collection to create a knife or gloves. StatTrak versions include the desirable tracking feature, while regular Covert skins yield standard versions.

The immediate impact was dramatic. Prices for Covert-quality skins skyrocketed by around 30% in just 24 hours, with items like the AK-47 | Nightwish and AWP | Chromatic Aberration becoming essential trade-up materials. For example, the AK-47 increased by 29.7% to $135, and the Glock-18 jumped 28.2% to $120. This rush created scarcity in the marketplace, as players quickly sought the necessary skins for crafting.

Conversely, prices for existing knives and gloves plummeted due to the new crafting option. Items that were once symbols of prestige lost up to 50% of their value. The Factory New Karambit | Doppler dropped to about $740, and the Factory New Butterfly Knife | Fade fell to $690.

A notable aspect of the new system is that crafted knives and gloves are untradable and cannot be sold on the Steam marketplace. It remains uncertain if this restriction is temporary or permanent, but it adds complexity to the skin economy.

Market analysts reported that the total market value of CS2 items dropped substantially, from a peak of over $6 billion to just under $4.3 billion following the update. Casual players celebrated the easier access to knives, while invested traders and collectors expressed frustration over the rapid devaluation of their inventories.

This update has created volatility within the skin trading community, with many calling it a potential turning point for the game’s economy. Supporters argue that it levels the playing field, while critics fear it might destabilize the investment landscape for high-value items. Regardless of perspective, players within the CS2 community are left to navigate these changes as the market continues to adjust.