CS2 Ultraviolet Guide

The complete reference for understanding CS2's Ultraviolet knife finish. Learn about the distinctive deep purple coloring that makes Ultraviolet knives a favorite among players seeking elegant, dark-themed loadouts. Understand how float values affect appearance, compare prices across knife types, and make informed trading decisions.

What Is Ultraviolet?

Ultraviolet is one of the most elegant knife finishes in CS2, characterized by its rich, deep purple coloring with darker accents that create a sophisticated, mysterious aesthetic. Introduced with the Spectrum Case in March 2017, Ultraviolet quickly became a favorite among players who prefer darker, more subtle knife appearances compared to flashier options like Doppler or Tiger Tooth.

Unlike pattern-dependent finishes such as Case Hardened (where blue percentage matters) or Crimson Web (where web placement affects value), Ultraviolet is consistent across all pattern seeds. The purple coloring appears uniformly, making pricing straightforward - you'll primarily evaluate based on knife type and float value rather than hunting for specific patterns.

Key Ultraviolet Facts

  • Release Date: March 2017 with the Spectrum Case
  • Drop Rate: ~0.26% from cases containing Ultraviolet (standard rare special item rate)
  • Pattern Variation: Minimal - color appears uniformly regardless of pattern seed
  • 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: Deep purple/violet with darker purple-black accents

The Spectrum Collection

Ultraviolet was introduced alongside other popular Spectrum finishes including Marble Fade (with its prized Fire & Ice patterns), Doppler, Tiger Tooth, and Damascus Steel. The Spectrum Case brought significant variety to the knife market, with Ultraviolet offering a unique purple option that wasn't previously available in the game.

According to CSGOStash, Ultraviolet is one of the most sought-after finishes for players building dark or purple-themed loadouts due to its unique coloring not replicated by any other knife finish.

Pattern Characteristics

Ultraviolet's appeal comes from its deep, rich purple coloring that gives knives a premium, elegant appearance. Understanding these characteristics helps you evaluate individual knives:

Color Profile

  • Primary Color: Deep violet/purple ranging from royal purple to near-indigo
  • Secondary Tones: Darker purple-black accents particularly visible in lower areas
  • Surface Finish: Matte to semi-matte appearance, less reflective than Doppler
  • Edge Coloring: Slightly darker purple along edges, creating depth

Visual Consistency

One of Ultraviolet's advantages is its visual consistency. Unlike Marble Fade where you might spend hours finding the perfect Fire & Ice, or Slaughter where diamond/heart placement matters, Ultraviolet looks essentially the same across all pattern indexes. This makes purchasing decisions simpler - you can focus entirely on knife type and float value.

Pattern Seeds

While Ultraviolet knives do have different pattern seeds (indexes 0-999), these create virtually no visible difference. The purple coloring appears uniformly across all patterns. This means you never need to overpay for a "good pattern" - any pattern will look the same, making Ultraviolet one of the easiest finishes to buy correctly.

Visual Impact by Knife Type

The purple coloring displays beautifully on most knife geometries. Larger blades like M9 Bayonet and Huntsman showcase more of the purple surface. Curved blades like Karambit create elegant purple gradients as light plays across the surface. The Butterfly Knife creates mesmerizing purple flashes during its spinning animation, making it particularly popular in Ultraviolet.

Which Cases Drop Ultraviolet?

Ultraviolet knives drop from cases that include the Spectrum knife collection. Understanding case availability helps you know what to expect when opening cases or buying directly:

Primary Cases

  • Spectrum Case (2017): Original release case, currently in rare drop pool
  • Spectrum 2 Case (2017): Second Spectrum collection case, also rare drop pool

Newer Cases with Spectrum Knives

Many newer cases include access to the Spectrum knife pool, meaning Ultraviolet can drop from cases like:

  • Clutch Case
  • Prisma Case
  • Prisma 2 Case
  • Fracture 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 Ultraviolet, 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

Ultraviolet comes in all five wear conditions, with float value significantly affecting both appearance and pricing:

Ultraviolet Float Range

0.00 0.07 0.15 0.38 0.45 1.00
Factory New (0.00-0.07)
Minimal Wear (0.07-0.15)
Field-Tested (0.15-0.38)
Well-Worn (0.38-0.45)
Battle-Scarred (0.45-1.00)

How Wear Affects Ultraviolet

Wear Level Float Range Visual Impact Typical Premium/Discount
Factory New 0.00 - 0.07 Deep, saturated purple; minimal scratches; rich coloring Base price + 15-35% for 0.00x floats
Minimal Wear 0.07 - 0.15 Slightly lighter purple; minor scratches visible; excellent condition -10 to -20% vs FN
Field-Tested 0.15 - 0.38 Noticeable wear; scratches on blade; purple slightly faded -30 to -45% vs FN
Well-Worn 0.38 - 0.45 Significant scratching; somewhat faded coloring -50 to -60% vs FN
Battle-Scarred 0.45 - 1.00 Heavy wear; considerably faded; numerous scratches -60 to -75% vs FN

Float Sweet Spots

For budget buyers, Minimal Wear (around 0.07-0.12 float) often provides excellent value - the knife looks nearly as good as FN while costing 10-20% less. For collectors, Factory New with floats under 0.02 command premiums. Use our Float Checker to analyze specific values and understand where a knife falls within its wear range.

Ultraviolet by Knife Type

Ultraviolet is available on all CS2 knife types. Here's how it looks and performs across different models, with approximate Factory New pricing:

Karambit

Curved blade creates elegant purple gradient; highly popular

$280-500 FN
M9 Bayonet

Large blade showcases full purple coloring; excellent visibility

$250-450 FN
Butterfly Knife

Spinning animation creates purple flashes; very popular

$400-700 FN
Bayonet

Classic shape with good color display; solid choice

$180-320 FN
Huntsman Knife

Large flat blade maximizes purple visibility

$130-250 FN
Bowie Knife

Massive blade with excellent color coverage

$120-230 FN
Flip Knife

Compact design; smooth flipping animation

$130-250 FN
Talon Knife

Curved blade like Karambit; unique draw animation

$260-450 FN
Ursus Knife

Strong, tactical appearance; good color display

$160-300 FN
Stiletto Knife

Slim blade with elegant purple finish

$130-250 FN
Navaja Knife

Compact design; quick animation; budget-friendly

$90-160 FN
Gut Knife

Entry-level pricing; solid starter option

$70-130 FN

Prices are approximate and fluctuate based on market conditions. Check Steam Community Market or CSFloat for current pricing.

Ultraviolet vs Other Dark Finishes

Several CS2 knife finishes feature darker coloring. Here's how Ultraviolet compares to other dark-themed options:

Ultraviolet

Deep purple/violet coloring. Consistent across all patterns. Unique color not replicated elsewhere. Elegant, mysterious aesthetic.

FN Range: $70 - $700

Doppler Phase 1

Pink and purple tones with black spine. More varied coloring than Ultraviolet. Phase-dependent pricing. Multiple color variations.

FN Range: $150 - $1200

Doppler Phase 3

Green, blue, and black tones. Least valuable Doppler phase. Different color palette entirely. Often more affordable.

FN Range: $130 - $900

Night

Dark navy blue/black finish. Much darker than Ultraviolet. Low-key, subtle appearance. Generally less expensive.

FN Range: $80 - $500

Comparison Summary

Feature Ultraviolet Night
Primary Color Deep Purple Dark Navy/Black
Pattern Impact None None
Price Range Mid-Range Lower
Visibility More Visible Very Subtle
Market Demand Higher Moderate

Pricing & Market Values

Ultraviolet 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 $400-700 $350-550 $270-420 $500-850
Karambit $280-500 $250-420 $180-320 $380-650
M9 Bayonet $250-450 $220-380 $160-280 $330-550
Talon Knife $260-450 $220-380 $160-280 $340-560
Bayonet $180-320 $150-260 $110-200 $240-400
Ursus Knife $160-300 $135-250 $100-180 $210-380
Flip Knife $130-250 $115-210 $90-160 $180-320
Huntsman Knife $130-250 $115-210 $90-160 $180-320
Bowie Knife $120-230 $105-190 $80-150 $170-300
Gut Knife $70-130 $60-110 $50-90 $100-180

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 15-35% premiums over average FN
  • 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

Ultraviolet knives offer several advantages for traders and collectors. Here's what you need to know:

Advantages

  • Unique purple color - no other finish replicates it
  • Consistent pricing - no complex pattern premiums
  • Available at multiple price points (all knife types)
  • Steady demand from purple-theme loadout builders
  • Good liquidity - sells reasonably quickly
  • Easy to evaluate - just check float and knife type

Considerations

  • Less appreciation potential than rare patterns
  • Not as liquid as Tiger Tooth or basic Dopplers
  • Dark color may not appeal to everyone
  • No ultra-rare variants (unlike Doppler)
  • Less flashy than brighter finishes
  • Can be difficult to see details in darker maps

Trading Strategies

  • Buy Low Float: 0.00x-0.02x floats are more liquid and hold value better
  • 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 often create buying opportunities

Investment Perspective

Ultraviolet is better suited for players who want a reliable knife value rather than speculative investors. The finish lacks rare variants that could appreciate significantly. For investment, consider learning about skin investment strategies or exploring finishes with rare patterns like Case Hardened blue gems or Doppler gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultraviolet finish in CS2?

Ultraviolet is a distinctive knife finish featuring a deep purple/violet color scheme. Introduced with the Spectrum Case in March 2017, it creates an elegant, mysterious aesthetic. Unlike pattern-dependent finishes, Ultraviolet looks consistent across all knives, making pricing straightforward based on knife type and float value.

How much is an Ultraviolet knife worth?

Ultraviolet prices vary primarily by knife type. Gut Knife Ultraviolet starts around $70-130 FN, while premium options like Butterfly Knife can range $400-700, and Karambit typically sells for $280-500. Float value also affects price, with 0.00x floats commanding 15-35% premiums. StatTrak adds approximately 15-25% to base prices.

Does float value matter for Ultraviolet?

Yes, float value significantly affects Ultraviolet appearance. Lower floats (Factory New, 0.00-0.07) show deeper, more saturated purple coloring with minimal scratches. Higher floats develop visible wear and slightly faded coloring. Use our Float Checker to analyze specific values.

Which cases drop Ultraviolet knives?

Ultraviolet drops from cases containing the Spectrum knife collection, including Spectrum Case, Spectrum 2 Case, and many newer cases that include access to the Spectrum knife pool. The finish has the standard knife drop rate of approximately 0.26% when a knife is unboxed from these cases.

How does Ultraviolet compare to Doppler?

Doppler features multiple phases with various color combinations including pink/purple (Phase 1), blue/purple (Phase 4), and rare variants like Ruby/Sapphire. Ultraviolet offers a consistent deep purple that Doppler doesn't replicate. Doppler is more valuable overall due to rare variants, but Ultraviolet provides a unique purple option at lower prices.

What knives look best with Ultraviolet?

Ultraviolet looks exceptional on knives with large blade surfaces. Butterfly Knife is particularly popular as the spinning animation creates striking purple flashes. Karambit's curved blade creates elegant purple gradients. M9 Bayonet's large flat surface maximizes color visibility. Even budget options like Gut Knife look impressive in Ultraviolet.

Is Ultraviolet a good investment?

Ultraviolet offers stable value due to consistent demand but lacks significant appreciation potential compared to rare patterns. It's good for players who want a reliable 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