CS2 Sticker Application Guide: Best Positions, Craft Combinations & Value Tips
Want to customize your CS2 weapons with stickers? This comprehensive guide covers everything about sticker application - from understanding sticker slots and positions to creating valuable craft combinations. Learn which positions are most visible, how scraping works, and whether stickers add or subtract value from your skins.
Table of Contents
Understanding CS2 Stickers
CS2 stickers are cosmetic items that can be applied to weapons to add visual customization beyond the base skin design. Unlike skins themselves, stickers are a secondary layer of personalization that allows players to create unique combinations and express their style, team allegiances, or commemorate tournament moments.
4 Sticker Slots
Most weapons have 4 sticker slots in specific positions. Each slot can hold one sticker, and empty slots can be filled at any time.
Permanent Application
Once applied, stickers cannot be removed cleanly. You can only scrape them (damaging them) or completely remove them by destroying the sticker.
Multiple Qualities
Stickers come in Paper, Glitter, Holo, Foil, and Gold qualities. Higher qualities have special visual effects and greater value.
Value Addition
High-quality stickers from rare tournaments can add significant value to skins, while common stickers add little to nothing.
Sticker Types
CS2 has several categories of stickers: Tournament stickers feature team logos and player autographs from Major Championships. Community stickers are artist-designed capsule stickers. Regular stickers include various designs released by Valve. The most valuable stickers typically come from early Major tournaments, especially Katowice 2014, which are known for their clean designs and extreme rarity.
How to Apply Stickers
Applying stickers in CS2 is straightforward, but it's important to understand the process since the application is permanent. Here's how to apply stickers to your weapons:
- Open your CS2 inventory and navigate to the weapon you want to customize. Right-click on the weapon and select "Apply Sticker."
- Select a sticker from your inventory. Only stickers you own will be displayed as options.
- Choose the position where you want to place the sticker. Each weapon has designated sticker slots numbered 1-4 (or fewer for some weapons).
- Preview the placement before confirming. You can rotate the view to see how the sticker looks from different angles.
- Confirm the application. Once confirmed, the sticker is permanently attached to that weapon. It cannot be moved to a different position or transferred to another weapon.
Warning: Sticker Application is Permanent
Once you apply a sticker, it's permanently bound to that weapon. You cannot remove it without destroying the sticker, and you cannot move it to a different slot or weapon. Always double-check your placement before confirming. If you're applying expensive stickers, consider the long-term value implications and whether the craft makes sense for potential resale.
Sticker Positions by Weapon Type
Different weapons have sticker slots in different locations. Understanding these positions helps you create better-looking crafts and place stickers where they'll be most visible during gameplay.
Rifle Sticker Positions (AK-47, M4A4, M4A1-S)
Wood/Front Handguard
The front grip area. On AK-47, this is the wooden handguard. Highly visible during normal play.
High VisibilityMagazine
Located on the curved magazine. Visible when reloading and from certain angles.
Medium VisibilityBody/Receiver
The main body of the weapon above the magazine. Partially visible during gameplay.
Medium VisibilityStock
The rear stock area. Very visible on the AK-47, less so on M4 variants.
High VisibilitySticker Slots by Weapon Category
| Weapon Category | Slots | Best Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47 | 4 | Position 1 (Wood) | Wood position is iconic for AK crafts |
| M4A4 | 4 | Position 1 (Barrel) | Front barrel area most visible |
| M4A1-S | 4 | Position 4 (Stock) | Suppressor covers some positions |
| AWP | 4 | Position 2 (Scope) | Scope area is prominent |
| Desert Eagle | 4 | Position 1 (Grip) | All positions fairly visible |
| USP-S | 4 | Position 3 (Slide) | Slide shows well during gameplay |
| Glock-18 | 4 | Position 1 (Grip) | Compact design, all visible |
| Knives | 1 | Position 1 (Handle) | Single slot on handle only |
| SSG 08 | 4 | Position 1 (Barrel) | Longer barrel = more space |
| AUG/SG 553 | 4 | Position 1 | Bullpup design affects visibility |
Best Positions for Visibility
If you want your stickers to be seen during gameplay, position matters significantly. Here are the most visible positions for the most popular weapons:
🎯 AK-47 - The King of Sticker Crafts
The AK-47 is the most popular weapon for sticker crafts due to its distinct positions and high visibility. The "Wood" position (Position 1) on the AK-47 is considered the single most prestigious sticker spot in CS2.
Position Rankings (AK-47)
1st - Wood (Position 1): The wooden handguard is always visible during normal play. This is where players put their most valuable stickers. A Katowice 2014 Holo on Wood is the gold standard.
2nd - Stock (Position 4): Very visible, especially when inspecting or when other players spectate you.
3rd - Body (Position 3): Partially visible during gameplay, good for completing a 4x craft.
4th - Magazine (Position 2): Least visible on AK-47, but still shown during reloads and inspections.
🎯 AWP - The Showcase Sniper
AWP sticker crafts are popular because the weapon's large size provides excellent sticker visibility, especially on the scope area.
Position Rankings (AWP)
1st - Scope (Position 2): The scope is the focal point of the AWP. Stickers here are prominently displayed during all gameplay.
2nd - Body (Position 3): The main body behind the scope, visible during inspections and gameplay.
3rd - Stock (Position 4): Visible when shouldering the weapon.
4th - Barrel (Position 1): Farthest from the player's view but still seen.
Pro Tip: Consider Your Viewing Perspective
- First-person view: You see positions 1 and 4 most on rifles during normal play
- Spectator view: All positions are visible when others watch you
- Inspect animation: The weapon rotates to show all sticker positions
- Screenshots/trading: Full weapon visibility, all positions matter
Sticker Craft Combinations
A "craft" refers to a deliberate combination of stickers applied to create an aesthetically pleasing or thematically coherent weapon. Great crafts consider color matching, theme consistency, and sticker quality.
Popular Craft Styles
4x Same Sticker
Applying four identical stickers for a clean, unified look. This is considered the "classic" craft style and commands premium value with rare stickers.
- Example: 4x iBUYPOWER Holo Katowice 2014
- Best for: Tournament stickers, team branding
- Value: Highest premium for matching sets
Color Matching
Selecting stickers that complement or match the skin's color scheme. Creates visual harmony between stickers and the base skin.
- Example: Blue stickers on AK-47 | Blue Laminate
- Best for: Maximizing visual appeal
- Value: Subjective, but well-matched crafts sell better
Team Theme
Using stickers from a single team across different tournaments to show team loyalty.
- Example: All NaVi stickers from different Majors
- Best for: Team fans, signature collections
- Value: Premium for popular teams
Tournament Theme
Stickers all from the same Major tournament, showcasing that specific event.
- Example: All Katowice 2015 stickers
- Best for: Tournament memorabilia
- Value: Higher for prestigious tournaments
Signature Crafts
Using player autograph stickers, often of famous or legendary players.
- Example: s1mple signatures on AWP
- Best for: Pro player fans
- Value: Depends on player popularity and placement
Scraped Aesthetic
Intentionally scraping stickers to achieve a worn, battle-worn look that some players prefer.
- Example: Scraped Katowice 2014 on Battle-Scarred skins
- Best for: Edgy, worn aesthetics
- Value: Generally reduces value, but has niche appeal
Craft Planning Resources
Before committing to an expensive craft, use preview tools to visualize your combination. Websites like CSGOStash and Steam Workshop skin inspectors allow you to preview sticker combinations before applying. This is especially important for high-value stickers where mistakes can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Sticker Scraping Mechanics
Scraping is the only way to modify or remove applied stickers in CS2. When you scrape a sticker, it gradually wears away until it's completely removed. This process is irreversible.
Fresh
Newly applied, perfect condition
Slightly Worn
Minor wear, still looks good
Worn
Visible scratches and fading
Heavy Wear
Significant damage visible
Battle-Scarred
Heavily damaged, near removal
Removed
Completely scraped off
How Scraping Works
Each scrape action removes approximately 10-20% of the sticker's condition. After 5-10 scrapes (depending on starting condition), the sticker is completely removed. The scrape amount can vary slightly but follows a predictable pattern.
Scraping Cannot Be Undone
Once you scrape a sticker, even once, it's permanently damaged. There is no way to restore a scraped sticker to its original condition. The only option for a "fresh" sticker is to apply a brand new one in an empty slot. Consider carefully before scraping any valuable stickers - even a single scrape reduces their value contribution to the skin.
Why People Scrape Stickers
- Aesthetic preference: Some players prefer the "battle-worn" look of scraped stickers
- Removing unwanted stickers: To clear a slot for a different sticker
- Revealing hidden designs: Some stickers have interesting "scraped" versions with different visuals
- Matching skin wear: Scraped stickers can complement Battle-Scarred skins
- Signature reveal: Tournament stickers sometimes reveal signatures when scraped
How Stickers Affect Skin Value
One of the most common questions about sticker application is whether stickers add value to skins. The answer is nuanced - it depends on several factors including the stickers used, their placement, the base skin, and market demand.
Sticker Value Premium Guidelines
Katowice 2014 Holos
of sticker value added
Other Katowice 2014
of sticker value added
Katowice 2015 Holos
of sticker value added
Other Tournament
of sticker value added
Common Stickers
Negligible or no premium
Factors That Increase Sticker Premium
| Factor | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker Quality | Higher quality = Higher premium | Holo/Foil worth more than Paper |
| Position | Best position = Higher premium | AK Wood position commands more |
| 4x Matching | Full matching set = Premium bonus | 4x same sticker worth more than mixed |
| Skin Quality | Better skin = Higher absolute premium | Stickers on FN more valuable than BS |
| Color Match | Good match = Easier to sell | Blue stickers on blue skins |
| Sticker Condition | Fresh = Full premium, Scraped = Reduced | Unscraped commands full value |
When Stickers Reduce Value
Not all stickers add value. In some cases, applied stickers can actually make skins harder to sell:
- Cheap, common stickers on expensive skins
- Mismatched or ugly sticker combinations
- Stickers that clash with the skin's colors
- Single random stickers (vs. thoughtful crafts)
- Heavily scraped stickers on otherwise clean skins
For accurate sticker value calculations, use our Sticker Value Calculator which factors in sticker quality, position, and market conditions.
Famous Pro Player Sticker Crafts
Professional CS2 players are known for their iconic sticker crafts. These crafts often influence market trends and inspire community crafts. Here are some legendary examples:
s1mple's AWP | Dragon Lore
The legendary AWP Dragon Lore with Katowice 2014 stickers became one of the most recognized crafts in CS history. s1mple's use of high-value stickers on premium skins showcases ultimate craft potential.
4x iBUYPOWER Crafts
The iBUYPOWER Katowice 2014 Holo is the most expensive sticker ever. Any 4x iBP Holo craft is considered the pinnacle of CS2 skin collecting, with values exceeding $500,000.
NiKo's AK-47 | Fire Serpent
Professional player NiKo has showcased multiple high-value AK-47 Fire Serpent crafts with Katowice stickers, influencing the market for Fire Serpent crafts significantly.
Team Liquid Legacy Crafts
Team Liquid players have created notable signature crafts using their team's stickers, demonstrating team loyalty and creating unique signature weapons.
For more information on pro player loadouts and their influence on skin prices, see our Pro Player Skins Guide.
Application Tips & Best Practices
Before Applying Stickers
- Preview first: Use in-game preview or third-party tools to visualize the final result
- Check market prices: Understand the value of both the stickers and potential craft
- Consider resale: Think about whether the craft will appeal to future buyers
- Plan the full craft: Don't just apply one sticker - plan all four positions
- Match quality tiers: Don't mix expensive stickers with cheap ones
Recommended Sticker + Skin Combinations
| Skin | Recommended Stickers | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| AK-47 | Redline | Red/Black team stickers (iBP, HR, Mousesports) | Color match with the red/black theme |
| AK-47 | Blue Laminate | Blue stickers (Titan, LDLC, Vox) | Complements the blue base color |
| M4A4 | Asiimov | Orange/Black stickers | Matches the futuristic orange/white design |
| AWP | Graphite | Dark/monochrome stickers | Complements the clean, dark aesthetic |
| Desert Eagle | Blaze | Orange/Red stickers | Matches the flame design theme |
External Resources
For sticker craft inspiration and research:
- Steam Community Market - Browse applied sticker prices and examples
- CSGOStash - Comprehensive sticker database with images
- Liquipedia - Tournament sticker history and information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move a sticker to a different position after applying it?
No. Once a sticker is applied, it cannot be moved to a different slot on the same weapon or transferred to another weapon. The only way to remove it is by scraping it completely off, which destroys the sticker. This is why planning your craft before applying is so important.
Do stickers affect gameplay performance?
No. Like all CS2 cosmetics, stickers are purely visual and have zero impact on weapon performance, accuracy, damage, or any gameplay mechanics. They're 100% cosmetic customization.
What's the most valuable sticker position?
For rifles like the AK-47, Position 1 (Wood) is considered the most valuable because it's the most visible during gameplay. For the AWP, Position 2 (Scope) is premium. Generally, the most visible position on each weapon commands the highest sticker premium.
Should I apply expensive stickers to cheap skins?
Generally, no. Expensive stickers are best applied to quality skins where the craft makes sense and will hold value. Applying a $5,000 sticker to a $0.50 skin means the craft is worth far less than the sticker would be unapplied. Match sticker value to skin value for optimal crafts.
How do I know if a sticker has been scraped?
When inspecting a weapon with stickers, you can see the sticker condition. Fresh stickers appear bright and undamaged, while scraped stickers show visible wear, fading, and scratches. The Steam Market and trading sites typically show sticker wear percentage.
Can I preview sticker placement before applying?
Yes. When you go to apply a sticker in-game, you can preview how it looks on each position before confirming. You can also use third-party tools like CSGOStash to preview sticker combinations on various skins without risking your actual items.
Why do Katowice 2014 stickers command such high premiums?
Katowice 2014 stickers are valuable because they were the first Major tournament stickers, they have clean minimalist designs, they're extremely rare (most have been applied or lost over 10+ years), and they carry historical significance as the start of CS esports stickers. Supply decreases while demand remains high.
Is it worth applying stickers to skins I plan to sell?
It depends. For expensive, well-matched stickers on quality skins, good crafts can increase value. However, random or cheap stickers may make your skin harder to sell because buyers prefer clean skins they can craft themselves. Only apply stickers if you're creating a thoughtful craft or keeping the skin long-term.
External Resources
Official & Authoritative Sources
- Steam Community Market - Official marketplace for sticker trading and price research
- Steam Support - Trading FAQ - Official Steam trading documentation
- Liquipedia Stickers Portal - Comprehensive sticker history and tournament information
- CSGOStash Stickers - Complete sticker database with images and prices
- BeGambleAware - Resources for responsible gaming
Important Notice
CS2 case opening involves real money and has negative expected value. Only spend money you can afford to lose. Sticker crafts should be done for personal enjoyment, not as financial investments. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, visit BeGambleAware for support resources.
Last updated: January 2026