CS2 Contraband Skins Guide
A comprehensive guide to contraband skins in Counter-Strike 2. Learn about the legendary M4A4 Howl, why it was removed from cases, the unique contraband rarity tier, copyright issues in skin creation, and why discontinued items become so valuable.
What Are Contraband Skins?
Contraband is a unique rarity tier in Counter-Strike 2 that exists for items removed from active case drops. Unlike other rarity tiers (Consumer Grade through Covert), contraband items cannot be obtained through case openings, drops, or any in-game mechanism. They can only be acquired through trading or marketplace purchases.
The contraband tier was created specifically to handle items that violated intellectual property rights or other policies. When Valve removes an item from cases, existing copies in player inventories are reclassified as contraband, immediately becoming finite resources that will only decrease in quantity over time.
Currently, only one skin holds the contraband classification: the M4A4 | Howl. This makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after items in CS2, with prices routinely exceeding several thousand dollars even for the most worn conditions.
M4A4 | Howl
The Only Contraband Skin in CS2
The Howl features a fierce, stylized wolf artwork that wraps around the M4A4 rifle. Its fiery red and orange color scheme, combined with the aggressive wolf imagery, made it instantly iconic. When it was removed from cases, it became the most legendary skin in Counter-Strike history.
The M4A4 Howl Story
The M4A4 | Howl has one of the most fascinating histories in gaming cosmetics. What started as a popular community-created skin became the center of a copyright controversy that forever changed how Valve handles user-generated content.
The Original Release
The Howl was introduced on May 1, 2014, as part of the Huntsman Case, which was the first weapon case to feature community-created content. The skin was created by workshop artists "Auzii" and "sic" and quickly became one of the most coveted items from the case due to its striking design.
At release, the Howl was classified as Covert (Red) rarity, the highest tier for regular weapon skins. It featured an angry wolf with flames surrounding it, set against a dark red background. The aggressive aesthetic resonated with players immediately.
The Copyright Controversy
Shortly after release, it was discovered that the Howl's artwork was not original. According to reports from PC Gamer and other gaming outlets, the wolf design was allegedly stolen from an artist known as "CanisAlbus" who had posted the original artwork years earlier.
The original artist filed a DMCA takedown request with Valve, forcing the company to take action. This was one of the first major intellectual property disputes involving user-generated content in a major video game, and it set important precedents for how such cases would be handled in the future.
The DMCA Process
Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), platforms like Steam must respond to valid copyright infringement claims. When Valve received the takedown notice, they were legally obligated to remove the infringing content. Rather than simply deleting the skin, Valve chose to redesign it and create the contraband tier.
Complete Timeline of Events
The Howl controversy unfolded over several weeks in 2014, fundamentally changing how the CS:GO (now CS2) skin ecosystem handles community content.
Huntsman Case Release
The Huntsman Case launches, featuring the M4A4 | Howl as a Covert-tier skin. The case introduces the first community-created skins and becomes immediately popular.
Copyright Claim Emerges
Artist CanisAlbus identifies the Howl artwork as stolen from their original work. A DMCA takedown notice is filed with Valve, bringing the issue to public attention.
Valve Takes Action
Valve removes the original Howl from the Huntsman Case drop pool. The workshop creators Auzii and sic are permanently banned from the Steam Workshop and forfeit all revenue.
Contraband Tier Created
Valve announces the contraband rarity tier. All existing Howl skins are reclassified from Covert to Contraband, making them instantly recognizable as the original versions.
Redesigned Howl Introduced
A new version of the Howl with completely original artwork is added to the Huntsman Case. The redesigned version features a different wolf design but maintains the red/orange color scheme.
Workshop Guidelines Updated
Valve implements stricter guidelines for Workshop submissions, requiring artists to confirm original ownership of all artwork. The verification process becomes more rigorous to prevent future incidents.
Legendary Status
The M4A4 | Howl remains the only contraband skin. Its value has increased dramatically over the years, with Factory New versions regularly selling for over $10,000.
Original vs Redesigned Howl
When Valve removed the original Howl, they commissioned a redesign that maintained the skin's general aesthetic while featuring completely original artwork. Understanding the differences helps collectors identify which version they're looking at.
Original Howl (Contraband) REMOVED
- Rarity: Contraband
- Status: No longer drops
- Wolf Design: More aggressive, detailed fangs
- Flame Style: More stylized, sharper edges
- Background: Darker red gradient
- Overall Feel: More fierce, detailed
This is the valuable contraband version
Redesigned Howl (Covert) CURRENT
- Rarity: Covert (Red)
- Status: Drops from Huntsman Case
- Wolf Design: Slightly different pose
- Flame Style: Smoother, softer edges
- Background: Similar color palette
- Overall Feel: Similar but distinguishable
Still valuable, but obtainable
Easy Identification
The simplest way to identify a contraband Howl is to check its rarity tag in-game or on the Steam Market. Contraband items display with an orange/red-orange color, distinctly different from the standard Covert red. The rarity will explicitly say "Contraband" rather than "Covert."
Current Pricing & Value
The M4A4 | Howl's value has appreciated significantly since becoming contraband. As a finite resource with no new supply, prices are driven entirely by existing inventory and collector demand.
Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, major updates, and collector activity. For current prices, always check the Steam Community Market or trusted third-party marketplaces. For understanding how float values affect these prices, see our Float Values Guide.
Price Evolution
When the Howl became contraband in June 2014, prices immediately skyrocketed. What was a $50-100 skin at release became worth several hundred dollars overnight. Over the following years, as supply decreased (through trade bans, lost accounts, and items being consumed in trade-ups before that was fixed), prices continued climbing.
| Time Period | Field-Tested Price | Factory New Price |
|---|---|---|
| May 2014 (Release) | $50-80 | $150-200 |
| June 2014 (Contraband) | $200-300 | $400-600 |
| 2016 | $400-600 | $1,200-1,800 |
| 2020 | $1,000-1,500 | $3,500-5,000 |
| 2024-2026 | $3,000+ | $10,000+ |
Investment Warning
While the Howl has historically appreciated in value, past performance does not guarantee future returns. Skin prices can be volatile and affected by game popularity, market manipulation, and policy changes. Never invest money you cannot afford to lose. This guide is educational, not financial advice.
Other Removed & Modified Items
While the M4A4 | Howl is the only contraband skin, several other items have been removed or modified due to copyright or policy issues. These items weren't reclassified as contraband because they were stickers rather than weapon skins, or were handled differently by Valve.
Howling Dawn Sticker
Removed alongside the Howl for the same copyright violation. Existing stickers remain in inventories but no new ones drop.
No longer obtainable
Community Sticker Capsule 1
Modified to remove the Howling Dawn sticker. Capsules opened after removal don't contain it.
Modified contents
Various Minor Modifications
Valve occasionally makes minor adjustments to skins or stickers without removing them entirely, usually for minor IP concerns or texture issues.
Silently updated
Why Only One Contraband?
The contraband tier was specifically designed for the Howl situation. Since then, Valve has implemented stricter Workshop guidelines and verification processes that have largely prevented similar issues. Workshop artists must now confirm ownership of all artwork, and the vetting process is more thorough before items are accepted into cases.
For information about how rarity tiers work for normal items, see our comprehensive Skin Rarity Tiers Guide.
Why Contraband Items Are Valuable
The M4A4 | Howl's extreme value stems from several interconnected factors that create a perfect storm of collectibility and scarcity.
Finite Supply
Unlike every other skin in CS2, the Howl cannot be obtained through any in-game mechanism. Every Howl that exists today existed on June 11, 2014, when it was removed from cases. Since then, the supply has only decreased through:
- Trade bans: Accounts banned for various reasons lose access to their items
- Abandoned accounts: Players who quit and never return
- Lost credentials: Accounts that can no longer be accessed
- Market withdrawal: Collectors who refuse to sell at any price
Historical Significance
The Howl represents a pivotal moment in gaming history. It was the first (and so far only) skin to receive contraband status, making it a piece of CS:GO/CS2 heritage. Collectors value this historical significance beyond the skin's aesthetic appeal.
Visual Design
The original Howl design remains one of the most visually striking skins in the game. Its aggressive wolf imagery and vibrant color scheme make it immediately recognizable and desirable purely from an aesthetic standpoint.
Status Symbol
Owning a Howl demonstrates both financial capability and dedication to the game. It's one of the ultimate flex items in CS2, signaling serious collector status. This social value reinforces demand and prices.
The Scarcity Principle
According to economic theory documented by Investopedia, scarcity increases perceived value. The Howl perfectly embodies this principle: as supply decreases and demand remains constant or increases, prices rise. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle where increasing prices attract more attention, driving further demand.
Copyright & Workshop Guidelines
The Howl controversy fundamentally changed how Valve handles community content. Understanding current guidelines helps aspiring skin creators avoid similar issues and helps players understand the verification process behind their favorite skins.
Current Workshop Requirements
According to Steam's Workshop Legal Agreement, all submitted content must:
- Be 100% original work created by the submitter
- Not infringe on any third-party copyrights or trademarks
- Not contain content from other games, movies, or media
- Not include real-world brand logos or trademarked imagery
- Be appropriate for the game's rating and audience
Verification Process
When Valve considers a skin for inclusion in a case, they now conduct more thorough verification:
- Reverse image searches on key artwork elements
- Review of the artist's portfolio and history
- Community feedback period for potential issues
- Legal review for high-profile or complex designs
Consequences of Violations
Artists who submit infringing content face severe penalties:
- Permanent Workshop ban: No future submissions allowed
- Revenue forfeiture: All earnings from the infringing item
- Potential legal action: From Valve or the original IP holder
- Steam account restrictions: Including trade bans
For Aspiring Creators
If you're creating skins for the CS2 Workshop, ensure all elements are original. Using reference images for inspiration is fine, but directly copying or tracing artwork is not. When in doubt, document your creation process to prove originality. Many successful creators stream their design process or keep detailed work-in-progress files.
How to Acquire Contraband Skins
Since the Howl cannot drop from cases, acquiring one requires purchasing from other players. This introduces considerations not present when buying normally available skins.
Steam Community Market
The Steam Community Market is the safest option but has limitations:
- Price cap: Steam limits listings to approximately $1,800 (varies by currency)
- Fees: 15% total (5% Steam + 10% CS2)
- Limited selection: Only lower-tier conditions available due to price cap
- Buyer protection: Full Steam protection on all purchases
For understanding how these fees work, see our Market Fee Calculator.
Third-Party Marketplaces
For high-value Howls exceeding Steam's price cap, third-party marketplaces are necessary:
- Lower fees than Steam (typically 2-10%)
- No price ceiling
- Various payment methods including cryptocurrency
- Increased scam risk – use only reputable platforms
Scam Prevention
High-value items like the Howl are prime targets for scammers. Never trade outside established platforms, never click links in chat, verify Steam profiles thoroughly, and use trusted middleman services for peer-to-peer trades. If a deal seems too good to be true, it's almost certainly a scam. See our Skin Trading Guide for comprehensive safety tips.
Direct Trading
Trading directly with other players through Steam's trade system is possible but risky for high-value items:
- No fees (just tax on the value difference if using wallet funds)
- Requires finding a trustworthy seller
- Higher scam risk without platform protection
- Often done through established trading communities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are contraband skins in CS2?
Contraband is a unique rarity tier for items removed from case drops. The M4A4 | Howl is the only contraband skin, reclassified after Valve removed it due to copyright infringement in 2014. Contraband items cannot be obtained through cases or drops – only through trading or marketplace purchases.
Why was the M4A4 Howl made contraband?
The original Howl artwork was stolen from artist CanisAlbus. When they filed a DMCA takedown, Valve was legally required to remove the skin from cases. Rather than delete existing copies, Valve created the contraband tier and redesigned the skin with original artwork for future drops.
How much is the M4A4 Howl worth?
Prices vary by wear condition: Battle-Scarred starts around $2,000, Field-Tested around $3,000, Minimal Wear around $5,000, and Factory New exceeds $10,000. StatTrak Factory New versions have sold for over $100,000. Prices fluctuate with market conditions.
Can I still get a contraband skin from cases?
No. Contraband skins cannot drop from cases, be earned through gameplay, or be obtained through trade-ups. The only way to acquire a Howl is purchasing from the Steam Market (for lower-tier conditions) or third-party marketplaces (for higher-end versions).
Will there ever be more contraband skins?
Unlikely. Valve implemented strict Workshop guidelines after the Howl incident to prevent copyright issues. All submissions now require proof of original ownership. Unless a similar situation occurs with an existing skin, no new contraband items are expected.
Is the redesigned Howl also contraband?
No. The redesigned Howl added to the Huntsman Case after June 2014 is classified as Covert (Red) rarity, like any normal skin. It can still drop from Huntsman Cases opened today. Only the original stolen-artwork version is contraband.
What's the difference between contraband and covert?
Covert is the standard highest rarity tier for weapon skins, with 0.64% drop chance. Contraband is a special tier for removed items with 0% drop chance. Visually, contraband displays with an orange-red color compared to covert's pure red. The key difference is availability: covert skins can still drop, contraband cannot.
Can I trade up to get a contraband skin?
No. Trade-up contracts only work with items that can currently drop. Since the Howl was removed from case drops, it cannot appear as a trade-up outcome. The highest tier achievable through trade-ups is Covert. For more on trade-ups, see our Trade-Up Contract Guide.
Related CS2 Guides & Tools
Explore more CS2 educational content:
- Skin Rarity Tiers Guide - Understand all CS2 rarity classifications
- Float Values Explained - How wear condition affects appearance and value
- Skin Trading Guide - Safe trading practices and scam prevention
- Skin Patterns Guide - Pattern indexes and rare variations
- Case ROI Calculator - Calculate expected value of case openings
- Collection Value Calculator - Track your inventory worth
- All CS2 Tools - Browse our complete toolkit
Final Perspective:
"The M4A4 | Howl represents more than just a rare skin – it's a piece of gaming history. Its transformation from a popular case drop to the only contraband item in CS2 created a unique asset class within the game's economy. For collectors, it represents the ultimate status symbol. For historians, it marks the moment Valve implemented stricter copyright protections. And for economists, it demonstrates how artificial scarcity combined with genuine demand creates remarkable value appreciation. Whether you're looking to own one or simply appreciate its story, the Howl stands as one of gaming's most fascinating collectibles."
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. High-value skin transactions involve significant financial risk, including scams, market volatility, and policy changes. Only spend money you can afford to lose. For help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware.org.
Last updated: December 2025