CS2 Skin Patterns Guide

What is a Pattern Index?

A pattern index (also called pattern seed or paint seed) is a number between 1 and 1000 that determines exactly how a skin's texture is mapped onto the weapon model. Every CS2 skin that uses a repeating or randomized texture has a pattern index that creates its unique appearance.

When a skin drops from a case or as a game reward, the CS2 engine assigns a random pattern index alongside the float value. This index controls the positioning, rotation, and visible portion of the skin's texture file on the 3D weapon model.

How Pattern Indexes Work

According to community research documented on resources like CSGOStash, the pattern system works as follows:

• Texture Mapping: The pattern index determines where the texture "starts" on the weapon model
• 1000 Possibilities: Each skin can have up to 1000 different pattern variations (indexes 1-1000)
• Equal Probability: All pattern indexes have equal probability of dropping (~0.1% each)
• Skin-Specific: The same pattern index looks different on different skins

Why Patterns Matter

For most skins, pattern differences are subtle or imperceptible. However, certain skin finishes have dramatic visual differences based on pattern:

• Case Hardened: Blue vs gold vs purple distribution varies massively
• Fade: Color gradient extent changes with pattern
• Marble Fade: Red vs blue vs yellow tip positioning
• Slaughter: Heart, diamond, phoenix, or dog bone placement
• Crimson Web: Web placement and count

These variations create a secondary market where rare patterns command massive premiums over standard ones.

Types of Pattern-Based Skins

Not all CS2 skins are affected by pattern index equally. Understanding which skins have pattern-dependent value is crucial for traders and collectors.

Skins Where Pattern Doesn't Matter

Many skin finishes have patterns that are either invisible or consistently applied. For these skins, pattern index has no impact on value:

• Solid color skins (Damascus Steel, Tiger Tooth, Ultraviolet)
• Skins with fixed decals (Asiimov, Hyper Beast, Dragon Lore)
• Most spray-painted patterns where variation is imperceptible

Case Hardened & Blue Gems

Case Hardened is the most famous pattern-dependent skin in CS2. The finish features a mix of blue, gold (brass), and purple coloring, with the exact distribution determined entirely by pattern index. "Blue gems" are patterns with predominantly blue coloring and are among the most valuable skins in the game.

Understanding Blue Gem Tiers

Famous Blue Gem Patterns

Blue Gem Valuation Factors

• Blue Percentage: Total blue coverage is primary value driver
• Blue Placement: Top visible area (playside) blue more valuable than backside
• Pattern Consistency: Solid blue sections more desirable than scattered blue
• Purple Content: Heavy purple can reduce value compared to pure blue/gold
• Float Value: Low float blue gems command additional premiums (see our Float Guide)

Fade Patterns & Percentages

Fade is a popular skin finish featuring a gradient of yellow/orange, pink, and purple. The "fade percentage" refers to how much of the complete color gradient is visible on the weapon, with higher percentages being more valuable.

Understanding Fade Percentage

• 100% Fade: Maximum purple visible at the tip. Most valuable fade variant.
• 95-99% Fade: Near-max fade. Most purple visible, slight cutoff.
• 90-94% Fade: Good fade with solid pink/purple representation.
• 80-89% Fade: Partial fade, more yellow/orange dominant.

Fade Weapons & Knives

The Fade finish appears on many weapons and knives, each with its own desirable patterns:

Fade Value Impact

Doppler Phases & Rare Variants

Doppler is a knife finish with a unique phase system. Instead of 1000 patterns, Dopplers are categorized into four standard "phases" plus four ultra-rare special variants. The phase is determined by pattern index and creates distinct color distributions.

Doppler Phase Value Ranking

Standard phase value order (most to least valuable):

1. Phase 2: Maximum pink makes it most sought-after standard phase
2. Phase 4: Blue coloring popular with collectors
3. Phase 1: Pink accents but more dark areas than P2
4. Phase 3: Green tones least popular, lowest prices

Special Variant Rarity

Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl, and Emerald (Gamma only) variants have significantly lower drop rates than standard phases. According to community drop tracking, special variants represent approximately 1-2% of all Doppler drops, making them 20-50x rarer than any individual standard phase. For more on rare item odds, see our Knife Odds Guide.

Marble Fade Patterns

Marble Fade knives feature swirling patterns of red, blue, and yellow/gold. The most valuable patterns are "Fire & Ice" variants that exclude yellow entirely, showing only red and blue marbling.

Marble Fade Categories

Fire & Ice Pattern Indexes

True Fire & Ice patterns are specific pattern indexes. Community databases maintained on platforms like CSGOFloat track which indexes produce Fire & Ice on each knife type. These vary by knife due to different blade geometry.

Other Notable Pattern Skins

Slaughter Patterns

Slaughter knives display metallic patterns that can form recognizable shapes:

• Diamond: Diamond shape centered on blade. High premium.
• Heart: Heart shape visible. Popular with collectors.
• Phoenix/Angel: Wing-like pattern. Moderate premium.
• Dog Bone: Bone shape pattern. Recognizable but lower demand.
• Centered Patterns: Any shape centered on playside commands premium over off-center.

Crimson Web Patterns

Crimson Web skins feature spider web patterns overlaid on a red base:

• Web Count: More webs = higher value
• Web Placement: Centered, playside webs most valuable
• Web Size: Large, clear webs preferred
• Combined with Float: Low float + good webs = maximum value

Bright Water & Blue Steel

These finishes have subtle pattern variations:

• Bright Water: Some patterns show more blue/green tones
• Blue Steel: Purple vs blue dominant patterns vary in popularity

Patterns with Minimal Impact

Some skins have patterns but variations are rarely traded on:

• Damascus Steel (uniform pattern)
• Tiger Tooth (consistent stripes)
• Autotronic (fixed design)
• Lore (fixed dragon design)

How to Check Pattern Index

Unlike wear condition, pattern index is not displayed in CS2's native interface. You need third-party tools to see exact pattern numbers.

Pattern Checking Methods

• CSGOFloat Extension: Browser extension displays pattern index on Steam Market listings. Available for Chrome and Firefox from the CSGOFloat website.
• Float/Pattern Databases: Enter inspect links to see full item data including pattern.
• Trading Platforms: Most CS2 trading sites display pattern index automatically.
• In-Game Inspect: Does NOT show pattern index, only wear category.

Pattern Database Resources

Several community resources track pattern values:

• CSGOFloat pattern rankings and float databases
• CSGOStash skin database with pattern info
• Reddit trading communities with price check threads
• Steam Community pattern guide discussions (see Steam Community)

Verifying Pattern Claims

1. Always get the inspect link or item ID
2. Check pattern index through a trusted float checker
3. Compare to known pattern databases for that skin
4. Inspect in-game to visually confirm the pattern matches
5. Screenshot for your records before trading

Pattern Index vs Float Value

Pattern index and float value are independent systems that both affect skin value. Understanding how they interact is essential for accurate valuation.

Combined Value Impact

The most valuable skins combine both factors:

• Blue Gem + Low Float: Tier 1 blue gem at 0.01 float worth significantly more than same pattern at 0.06 float
• 100% Fade + Factory New: Max fade at minimum float commands maximum premium
• Centered Web + Low Float: Perfect web placement on clean Factory New Crimson Web

Which Matters More?

It depends on the skin:

• Case Hardened: Pattern dominates. A BS blue gem beats an FN standard pattern.
• Fade: Both important. 100% fade at MW might equal 95% fade at FN.
• Doppler: Phase matters most for standard phases. Float matters more for specials.
• Crimson Web: Both heavily weighted. Low float and good webs both essential for top value.

For a deep dive into float values specifically, see our complete Float Values Explained guide.

Pattern Trading Tips

Buying Pattern Skins

• Always verify pattern index: Never trust screenshots alone. Get the inspect link and check yourself.
• Compare to market: Check recent sales of same pattern on trading platforms and Steam Market.
• Understand tier systems: Know the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 blue gems, or max vs near-max fade.
• Consider resale difficulty: Ultra-specific patterns may take longer to sell at premium prices.
• Check float too: Pattern premium + float premium combine. Budget accordingly.

Selling Pattern Skins

• Document your pattern: High-quality screenshots from multiple angles.
• Know your pattern tier: Research where your exact pattern ranks.
• Price realistically: Pattern markets are smaller. Overpricing means no sales.
• List on pattern-aware platforms: Trading sites that highlight patterns reach better buyers.
• Include inspect link: Lets buyers verify your claims.

Investment Considerations

Pattern skins can be investments, but understand the risks:

• Rare pattern values are subjective and can fluctuate
• Pattern markets are illiquid compared to standard skins
• New cases can affect relative values
• Always use our ROI Calculator methodology when evaluating purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Continue learning about CS2 skins with our other comprehensive guides and tools:

• Pattern Value Estimator – Calculate premium values for Case Hardened, Fade, Doppler, and other pattern skins
• Float Values Explained – How wear affects skin appearance and value
• Float Checker – Analyze any skin's float value and wear condition
• Skin Rarity Tiers Guide – Understanding CS2's color-coded rarity system
• Knife Odds Guide – Rare item drop probabilities including Doppler specials
• Skin Trading Guide – Safe trading practices and market mechanics
• Case ROI Calculator – Calculate expected value before opening cases
• StatTrak Guide – StatTrak mechanics and value considerations