CS2 Lore Guide
The complete reference for understanding CS2's Lore knife finish. Discover the legendary golden dragon design that makes Lore one of the most prestigious finishes in Counter-Strike 2. Learn about float value impact on the intricate artwork, compare prices across knife types, and master trading strategies for these mythical blades.
What Is Lore?
Lore is one of the most prestigious and visually distinctive knife finishes in CS2, renowned for its intricate golden dragon design etched onto a brown leather-wrapped blade. Introduced with the Gamma Case in June 2016, Lore creates an ancient, legendary aesthetic that makes knives look like mythical artifacts from an age of dragons. The finish has become a favorite among collectors who appreciate elegant, culturally-inspired designs that stand apart from modern tech-themed finishes like Autotronic.
Unlike pattern-dependent finishes such as Case Hardened (where blue percentage matters) or Crimson Web (where web placement affects value), Lore is relatively consistent across all pattern seeds. While minor variations exist in how the dragon scales and details appear, these don't significantly impact value - making Lore pricing straightforward based primarily on knife type and float value.
Key Lore Facts
- Release Date: June 2016 with the Gamma Case
- Drop Rate: ~0.26% from cases containing Lore (standard rare special item rate)
- Pattern Variation: Minimal - dragon artwork varies slightly but doesn't significantly affect value
- StatTrak Available: Yes, adds approximately 15-25% premium depending on knife type
- Float Range: 0.00 - 1.00 (all five wear levels exist)
- Color Palette: Golden dragon artwork on brown leather with bronze accents
The Gamma Collection Legacy
Lore was introduced alongside other iconic Gamma finishes including Gamma Doppler (with its coveted Emerald variant), Autotronic (featuring red circuit board patterns), Freehand, and Bright Water. This collection brought some of the most visually distinctive knife finishes to CS2, with Lore standing out for its unique artistic style that evokes ancient mythology and craftsmanship.
According to the Steam Store, Lore consistently ranks among the most sought-after Gamma finishes due to its prestigious appearance and the timeless appeal of its dragon motif.
Pattern Characteristics
Lore's visual appeal comes from its masterful combination of golden dragon artwork and rich leather texturing. Understanding these characteristics helps you evaluate individual knives and appreciate the craftsmanship:
Design Elements
- Dragon Artwork: Intricate golden dragon scales, claws, and serpentine forms etched into the blade
- Base Material: Brown leather-wrapped appearance with natural grain texturing
- Gold Accents: Bright golden highlights on dragon details and decorative borders
- Bronze Tones: Darker bronze shading providing depth and contrast
- Edge Treatment: Golden trim along blade edges enhancing the legendary aesthetic
Artistic Style
The Lore finish draws inspiration from ancient Asian dragon mythology and traditional leatherworking craftsmanship. The dragon design features intricate scale patterns, flowing serpentine forms, and detailed claws that wrap around the blade. This creates a sense of owning a legendary weapon - something that might have been wielded by warriors in ancient tales. The cultural significance of dragons in mythology makes Lore particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate meaningful symbolism.
Pattern Seeds
While Lore knives do have different pattern seeds (indexes 0-999), the visual differences are minimal compared to finishes like Case Hardened or Slaughter. The dragon artwork appears in slightly different positions and scale configurations, but no specific pattern commands a significant premium. This makes buying Lore simpler - you can focus on float value and knife type rather than hunting for specific patterns.
Visual Impact by Knife Type
The dragon artwork displays differently depending on knife geometry. Knives with larger, curved blade surfaces (like Karambit or Talon) showcase the dragon in a dramatic, flowing manner. The M9 Bayonet's large flat blade provides maximum canvas for the artwork. Butterfly Knife animations create golden flashes during play that make Lore particularly striking in-game.
Which Cases Drop Lore?
Lore knives drop from cases that include the Gamma knife collection. Understanding case availability helps you know what to expect when opening cases or evaluating direct purchases:
Primary Cases
- Gamma Case (2016): Original release case, currently in rare drop pool
- Gamma 2 Case (2017): Second Gamma collection case, also rare drop pool
Newer Cases with Gamma Knives
Many newer cases include access to the Gamma knife pool, meaning Lore can drop from cases like:
- Fracture Case
- Snakebite Case
- Operation Riptide Case
- Dreams & Nightmares Case
- Revolution Case
- And other recent releases
Check the Active Drop Pool Tracker for current case availability, or refer to Steam Community Market for case pricing and availability.
Case Opening Economics
Remember that the expected value of case opening is negative - you'll statistically lose money over time. The knife drop rate is approximately 0.26%, meaning you'd need to open roughly 385 cases on average to get any knife. If you want a specific finish like Lore, it's almost always more cost-effective to buy directly from the marketplace. Use our Case ROI Calculator to understand the mathematics before opening.
Float Value Impact
Float value critically affects Lore appearance and is one of the most important factors in pricing. Unlike Tiger Tooth which only exists in Factory New, Lore comes in all five wear conditions with dramatic visual differences:
Lore Float Range
How Wear Affects Lore
| Wear Level | Float Range | Visual Impact | Typical Premium/Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory New | 0.00 - 0.07 | Brilliant golden dragon; crisp leather texture; pristine details | Base price + 25-50% for 0.00x floats |
| Minimal Wear | 0.07 - 0.15 | Slightly dulled gold; minor scratches; dragon remains detailed | -10 to -20% vs FN |
| Field-Tested | 0.15 - 0.38 | Noticeable wear on leather; gold becomes bronze-tinted; scratches visible | -35 to -50% vs FN |
| Well-Worn | 0.38 - 0.45 | Significant scratching; faded gold coloring; dragon details less crisp | -55 to -65% vs FN |
| Battle-Scarred | 0.45 - 1.00 | Heavy wear; dull appearance; considerable scratching on artwork | -65 to -80% vs FN |
Float Sweet Spots
For budget buyers, Field-Tested (around 0.15-0.20 float) often provides excellent value - the dragon artwork remains visible while costing significantly less than FN. For collectors and traders, Factory New with floats under 0.02 command substantial premiums as the golden details are at their most brilliant. Use our Float Checker to analyze specific values.
Lore by Knife Type
Lore is available on all CS2 knife types. Here's how the golden dragon finish looks and performs across different models, with approximate Factory New pricing:
Karambit
Curved blade creates dramatic dragon flow; highly sought after
$400-700 FNM9 Bayonet
Large blade showcases full dragon artwork; excellent visibility
$350-550 FNButterfly Knife
Spinning animation creates golden flashes; very popular
$500-850 FNBayonet
Classic shape with excellent dragon display; solid choice
$220-380 FNHuntsman Knife
Large flat blade maximizes artwork visibility
$170-300 FNBowie Knife
Massive blade with excellent dragon coverage
$160-280 FNFlip Knife
Compact design; smooth flipping animation
$170-300 FNTalon Knife
Curved blade like Karambit; unique draw animation
$340-550 FNUrsus Knife
Strong, tactical appearance; good dragon display
$200-350 FNStiletto Knife
Slim blade with elegant dragon pattern
$170-300 FNNavaja Knife
Compact design; quick animation; budget-friendly
$110-200 FNGut Knife
Entry-level pricing; solid starter option
$90-160 FNPrices are approximate and fluctuate based on market conditions. Check Steam Community Market or CSFloat for current pricing.
Lore vs Other Gamma Finishes
The Gamma Collection introduced several iconic knife finishes. Here's how Lore compares to its siblings:
Lore
Golden dragon on brown leather. Ancient, mythical aesthetic. Consistent pricing across pattern seeds. Appeals to collectors seeking elegant, traditional designs.
Autotronic
Deep red with black circuit board patterns. Tech/cyberpunk aesthetic. Similar pricing to Lore. Appeals to players who prefer modern, futuristic designs.
Gamma Doppler
Color-shifting with rare Emerald variant. Wide price range based on phase. Phases 1-4 similar to Lore; Emerald significantly more expensive.
Tiger Tooth
Golden-orange stripes with metallic sheen. Only exists in FN/MW. More consistent than Lore. Different aesthetic appeal (bright vs elegant).
Comparison Summary
Pricing & Market Values
Lore pricing follows a predictable structure based primarily on knife type and float value. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Knife Type | Factory New | Minimal Wear | Field-Tested | StatTrak FN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Knife | $500-850 | $420-680 | $320-500 | $620-1000 |
| Karambit | $400-700 | $340-560 | $250-420 | $500-850 |
| M9 Bayonet | $350-550 | $290-450 | $200-350 | $430-680 |
| Talon Knife | $340-550 | $280-440 | $200-330 | $420-680 |
| Bayonet | $220-380 | $180-300 | $140-240 | $280-460 |
| Ursus Knife | $200-350 | $170-280 | $120-220 | $250-430 |
| Flip Knife | $170-300 | $140-250 | $110-200 | $220-380 |
| Huntsman Knife | $170-300 | $140-250 | $110-200 | $220-380 |
| Bowie Knife | $160-280 | $130-230 | $100-180 | $200-350 |
| Gut Knife | $90-160 | $75-140 | $60-110 | $120-220 |
Prices are estimates based on typical market conditions (January 2026). Always verify current prices on Steam Market or Buff163 before trading.
Price Factors
- Float Value: 0.00x floats can command 25-50% premiums over average FN due to brilliant gold
- StatTrak: Adds approximately 15-25% to base price
- Knife Type: Primary price determinant - Butterfly and Karambit are most expensive
- Market Conditions: Major sales, updates, and tournaments affect prices
Trading & Investment Tips
Lore knives offer several advantages for traders and collectors. Here's what you need to know:
Advantages
- Consistent pricing - no complex pattern premiums to learn
- Timeless aesthetic appeals to wide collector base
- Available at multiple price points (all knife types)
- Steady demand from players seeking elegant loadouts
- Good liquidity - sells reasonably quickly
- Less price manipulation risk than rare patterns
- Dragon motif has enduring cultural appeal
Considerations
- Less appreciation potential than rare patterns
- Float value significantly impacts appearance and price
- Traditional aesthetic may not appeal to all players
- No ultra-rare variants (unlike Doppler)
- FN commands significant premium over other conditions
- Competition from other gold finishes (Tiger Tooth)
Trading Strategies
- Prioritize Low Float: 0.00x-0.02x floats are more liquid and show the dragon at its best
- Focus on Popular Knives: Butterfly, Karambit, and M9 Bayonet have the strongest demand
- Consider StatTrak: ST versions have dedicated buyers but smaller market
- Cross-Platform Arbitrage: Check price differences between Steam, Buff163, and other platforms
- Seasonal Timing: Major sales and market timing can create buying opportunities
Investment Perspective
Lore is excellent for players who want a prestigious knife with stable value rather than speculative returns. The finish lacks rare variants that could appreciate significantly, but its timeless dragon aesthetic ensures consistent demand. For higher potential returns, consider exploring finishes with rare patterns like Doppler or the Case Hardened blue gems market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lore finish in CS2?
Lore is a prestigious knife finish featuring an intricate golden dragon design etched onto brown leather-wrapped blades. Introduced with the Gamma Case in June 2016, it creates an ancient, mythical aesthetic. Unlike pattern-dependent finishes, Lore looks consistent across all knives, making pricing straightforward based on knife type and float value.
How much is a Lore knife worth?
Lore prices vary primarily by knife type. Gut Knife Lore starts around $90-160 FN, while premium options like Butterfly Knife can range $500-850, and Karambit typically sells for $400-700. Float value significantly affects price, with 0.00x floats commanding 25-50% premiums due to the brilliant golden dragon details.
Does float value matter for Lore?
Yes, float value critically affects Lore appearance. Lower floats (Factory New, 0.00-0.07) display brilliant golden dragon artwork with sharp details and pristine leather texture. Higher floats cause the gold to fade to bronze and the dragon details to blur. Factory New Lore knives command substantial premiums for their superior appearance.
Which cases drop Lore knives?
Lore drops from cases containing the Gamma knife collection, including Gamma Case, Gamma 2 Case, and many newer cases that include access to the Gamma knife pool. The finish has the standard knife drop rate of approximately 0.26% when a knife is unboxed from these cases.
How does Lore compare to Autotronic?
Autotronic features red circuit board patterns for a tech/cyberpunk aesthetic, while Lore offers golden dragon artwork for an ancient/mythical look. Both have consistent pricing without significant pattern variation. The choice comes down to aesthetic preference - modern versus traditional. Pricing is similar between the two finishes.
What knives look best with Lore finish?
Lore looks exceptional on knives with large blade surfaces that showcase the dragon artwork. Butterfly Knife is particularly popular as spinning animations create striking golden flashes. Karambit's curved blade creates dramatic dragon displays. M9 Bayonet's large flat surface maximizes artwork visibility. Even budget options like Gut Knife look impressive in Lore.
Is Lore a good investment?
Lore offers stable value due to consistent demand for its elegant dragon aesthetic but lacks significant appreciation potential compared to rare patterns. It's excellent for players who want a prestigious knife value rather than speculative investing. For higher potential returns, consider finishes with rare variants like Doppler or pattern-dependent options like Case Hardened.
Responsible Trading
CS2 skin trading involves financial risk. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, and there's no guarantee of value retention or appreciation. Only spend what you can afford to lose. If you need help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware.
Last updated: January 2026