With Counter-Strike: Global Offensive(CS:GO) being one of the most played games on Steam, many players are looking to invest in CS:GO skins in order to resell them for profit. However, with thousands of different skins available, it can be hard to determine which are the best ones to invest in. In this article, we will explore 5 of the smartest and most profitable CS:GO skins to invest in for 2023.

Dragon Lore AWP – The Premium Skin
The AWP Dragon Lore is undoubtedly one of the most coveted and expensive CS:GO skins out there. Featuring intricate dragon artwork covering the entire body of the gun, it is visually stunning and extremely rare. In January 2023, a factory new version of the Dragon Lore sold for over $61,000 on a third-party marketplace, demonstrating its potential for profit. While very expensive to acquire, the Dragon Lore should maintain its premium status for years to come thanks to its rarity and demand from collectors and investors.
Medusa AWP – Another Top-Tier Sniper Skin
Similar to the Dragon Lore, the Medusa AWP skin is also highly sought after by CS:GO skin collectors. Its design takes inspiration from the mythological creature Medusa, featuring snakes and other reptilian features across the AWP. Factory new versions tend to sell for $1,500 or higher. While not as outrageously priced as the Dragon Lore, the Medusa remains an AWP skin that collectors, gamers, and investors consistently desire.
Fire Serpent AK-47 – A Popular Assault Rifle Skin
The Fire Serpent AK-47 is viewed by many CS:GO experts as one of the best assault rifle skins in the game. Its detailed fiery serpent design covering the body of the gun gives it a menacing yet stylish look. Originally only available inSouvenir quality from certain events, the rarity has driven up prices substantially. Factory new Fire Serpent AK-47 skins can easily fetch over $3,000, making it a smart CS:GO investment.
Howl M4A4 – High Demand and Controversy
The Howl M4A4 skin gained significant notoriety and demand after controversy with the original artwork designer led to Valve removing it from normal drops. Now only obtainable through trade-ups, the rarity has made prices skyrocket. Factory new versions resell for $1,500 or more routinely, while even more worn versions still sell for hundreds of dollars. The unique backstory and scarcity make the Howl a worthwhile CS:GO skin to invest in.
Case Investments – Slow but Steady Profits
While buying individual weapon skins can require a major upfront investment, cases offer an alternative path to CS:GO skin profits. Discontinued cases become rare over time and slowly rise in value based on that scarcity. Cases like Chroma 2, Breakout, and Phoenix can all currently sell for multiple dollars per case. By purchasing at lower values and holding for 6-12 months, steady profits can be made reselling cases in bulk when values increase.
In summary, investing in CS:GO skins like the Dragon Lore, Medusa, Fire Serpent, and Howl offer huge profit potential thanks to their rarity and demand. Cases represent a slower but more affordable investment option. With the CS:GO skin market continuing to thrive, purchasing the right skins or cases to hold and resell remains a viable way to generate substantial profits in the game’s robust economy.