7 Best CS2 Nova Skins for Playing and Investing

Alright, dear gamers! It’s finally time we dive into the world of CS2 skins once again! This time, we’ll be exploring the best CS2 Nova skins available on the market. Hyper Best, Toy Soldier, and a few more cool hits to add some color to your games.

So, next time it’s late at night, and you’re stuck with little to no money in an eco round on Mirage, you can slash enemies with a sleek, eye-catching Nova. Let’s kick this off!

Are CS2 Nova Skins Popular?

Nova skins aren’t exactly topping the charts in CS2’s skin popularity contests. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a unique appeal or a pretty loyal fan base.

Why the 50-50 popularity, you ask? Well, it all comes down to the Nova’s role in the game. In CS2, Nova skins are not that popular. The reason is that the pick of the weapon itself is mostly situational in-game. It’s often overshadowed by automatic rifles and pistols in most rounds. Except for force rounds or semi-ecos, of course.

Still, Nova skins have a dedicated fan base. It’s mostly among players who appreciate the weapon’s unique rat-ish playstyle. These players often take pride in mastering an underutilized gun and want their Nova to look good while they’re at it. Let’s face it, there’s a certain joy in getting a kill with a tricked-out shotgun in a game dominated by rifles. This is why players rock flashy Nova skins purely for the meme potential.

So, are CS2 Nova skins popular? In the grand scheme of things, maybe not. But to those who appreciate them, they’re not just popular — they’re more than special.

Understanding Nova Skin Value

Nova skins in CS2 can be a statement, a potential investment, and, for some out there, a foundation of a passion-driven collection of rare and exclusive digital goodies. Before we jump into our hand-picked top picks, let’s break down what makes a certain Nova skin valuable among the CS2 community. Little spoiler alert: It’s not just about picking the prettiest pattern (though that certainly doesn’t hurt).

Rarity, Condition, and Market Demand

CS2 Nova skin’s value depends on a combination of its rarity, condition (wear level), and other factors like market demand and availability. Rare skins, like souvenir ones or those from discontinued CS2 cases, are often more expensive.

Take the Nova | Hyper Beast, for example. Its vibrant, almost psychedelic design made it an instant hit when it was released. Factory New variants quickly became sought after, and their prices still reflect the design’s popularity and relative scarcity.

Market Trends and Potential Growth

There are two approaches to investing in CS2 skins. The first is picking the most expensive option and hoping for the best. After all, there’s always a chance of this item increasing its value at least a little. Sounds valid, but there should be a better option, right?

Well, it’s actually better to learn some theory to understand market trends and spot potential growth. Some skins start at relatively low prices but gain value over time as they become rarer or more desirable.

When some CS2 Nova skins are first released, they don’t make much of a splash. But as time goes on and fewer are unboxed, they start to appreciate in value. Savvy investors who spot the potential of these skins early on see some nice returns later on.

For players new to the skin market or those on a tight budget, all Nova skins offer a way to customize their loadout without spending a lot.

Best Nova Skins to Invest in for 2024

Looking to make a statement in-game? Hoping to turn a profit? Our selection of the best CS2 Nova skins will surely help you make a choice.

Skin #1: Nova | Hyper Beast

“They call you The Oni, right? Such a scary name for such a sad man… – Elliot Kingsman, Mercenary.”

• Rarity: Classified
• Finish Style: Custom Paint Job
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 0.80
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $16

Ah, Nova | Hyper Beast — the true rockstar of all Nova skins and a psychedelic journey wrapped around a shotgun. That skin turns heads faster than a flashbang flying into someone’s face. Its bold, colorful design makes it a standout in-game, and its popularity has kept its value relatively stable.

You can find this beast in all states of wear. Interestingly, some players prefer the worn look, saying it adds character to the already chaotic design. With StatTrak™ available, you can not only look good but also keep count of your Nova mayhem. Its popularity has made it a stable investment in kinda (well, not kinda) the volatile world of CS2 skins.

Skin #2: Nova | Antique

“With age comes wisdom and stopping power.”

• Rarity: Classified
• Finish Style: Custom Paint Job
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 0.30
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $16

Nova | Antique is a skin that whispers class in a game that often shouts with flashy designs and neon colors. Its classic, refined design has aged well. It’s the kind of finish that makes you want to treat the weapon like a family heirloom passed down through generations of distinguished marksmen.

The design is a visual symphony of rich wood grain and gleaming gold inlays that are achieved through a masterful combination of hydrographic and dry-transfer decals. With a float value range of 0.00 to 0.30, the Antique is designed to always look its best. Even at its most worn, it merely takes on the character of a well-loved antique piece.

Skin #3: Nova | Clear Polymer

“Your goals are clear.”

• Rarity: Restricted
• Finish Style: Custom Paint Job
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 1.00
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $4

Nova | Clear Polymer is a window into your shotgun’s soul, a crystal-clear statement that says, “I have nothing to hide and everything to show.” It actually looks like it’s been crafted from the clearest glass or the most pristine ice. The design creates an illusion so convincing, that you might find yourself doing a double-take every time you equip it. It’s as if you’re carrying a see-through prototype straight out of a high-tech weapons lab.

The artist has meticulously recreated the internal workings of the Nova, which are visible through what appears to be a transparent casing. Inside the magazine tube, you can see the intricate mechanisms, springs, and even the shells.

Skin #4: Nova | Toy Soldier

“Pellets and soldiers delivered in bulk.”

• Rarity: Restricted
• Finish Style: Custom Paint Job
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 1.00
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $1

Ready to be transported all the way back to the playroom floor of your childhood? Check out Nova | Toy Soldier. It’s a time machine disguised as a shotgun, ready to unleash a barrage of nostalgia with every pump and blast.

Nova | Toy Soldier looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a bucket of plastic army men. The familiar shade of green is so spot-on that you can almost smell the old toy chest. It’s the kind of green that immediately conjures images of little plastic soldiers standing at attention and ready to defend.

Skin #5: Nova | Rising Skull

“Mr. Izaki, I’m not complaining… but how many shotguns do you need? – Imogen and The Oni, Part 1.”

• Rarity: Restricted
• Finish Style: Custom Paint Job
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 0.50
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $6

For those who’d like a chilling reminder of the fine line between life and death in the world of CS2, Nova | Rising Skull is one of the best options. It was added within the Winter Offensive Weapon Case on December 18, 2013. The custom paint job uses a combination of matte paints and an oil-based paint marker to create a skull image that seems to float on the surface of the weapon.

The design is striking and subtly textured. You can almost feel the skull’s presence under your fingertips as you handle the weapon. In its Factory New state, the rising skull is crisp and clear, like a freshly etched tombstone. As it wears, the design takes on a more weathered look, as if the skull is emerging from years of burial.

Skin #6: Nova | Sobek’s Bite

“From the water comes chaos.”

• Rarity: Restricted
• Finish Style: Gunsmith
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 1.00
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $5

A true relic of ancient Egyptian power, Nova | Sobek’s Bite is a weapon that could have been unearthed from a pharaoh’s tomb or wielded by the gods themselves. Sobek, as a god associated with the Nile, was seen as a bringer of fertility but also unpredictable flooding and danger.

The design features intricate gold and black Egyptian-inspired patterns that weave tales of ancient power across the weapon’s surface. The gold elements likely shimmer with a metallic sheen, contrasting beautifully against the deep, matte black background. For collectors and investors, Sobek’s Bite represents an exciting opportunity.

Skin #7: Nova | Baroque Orange

“Last Supper is served.”

• Rarity: Restricted
• Finish Style: Anodized Multicolored
• Float Value Range: 0.00 to 0.50
• StatTrak™ Available: yes
• Starting Price: $105

Do we have any Renaissance art here? We’ve got a perfect CS2 Nova skin for you, fellas! Nova | Baroque Orange, released as part of The Canals Collection, features intricate, anodized multicolored patterns. The process likely involves carefully controlled electrical currents and chemical baths to create layers of oxide on the metal surface, resulting in vibrant red and gold hues.

The coolest flavor text references both da Vinci’s famous painting and the deadly nature of the shotgun, suggesting that anyone on the receiving end of this weapon might be having their final meal.

Where to Find CS2 Nova Skins?

While Nova skins might not be the most popular in terms of sheer numbers, they have carved out their own niche in the CS2 community. So, once you’ve finally set your sights on that perfect Nova skin, you might start wondering how to get your hands on it. Let’s break down the most popular options.

Third-Party Websites

Third-party trading platforms have become increasingly popular among skin enthusiasts and investors in recent years. Often, you’ll find skins priced lower than on the Steam Marketplace. It’s almost like finding a hidden gem in a thrift store. If you’re patient and savvy, you might snag a great deal. ShadowPay, in particular, has gained a reputation as a reliable marketplace for CS2 skins.

These sites usually have a wider selection, including rare skins that might be hard to find elsewhere. Using third-party trading websites removes the need to pay the high fees associated with trading through Steam Marketplace.

Steam Marketplace

As the official platform, Steam Marketplace offers a level of security that’s hard to beat. Your transactions are backed by Valve, which is reassuring for many players. It’s convenient since there’s no need to create new accounts or navigate unfamiliar interfaces.

The Steam Marketplace also provides a detailed price history for all Nova skins listed, allowing you to track trends over time. The downside? Prices can be higher than on third-party sites, and you can’t cash out to real-world currency. Your funds stay in the Steam ecosystem, which is great if you’re a gamer, less so if you’re in it purely for investment.

Opening Cases

Now, if you’re feeling lucky, you might want to try your hand at scoring the best CS2 Nova skins by opening cases. It’s the CS2 equivalent of a slot machine, with the potential for huge payoffs… or disappointing losses.

There’s an undeniable excitement to opening cases. If you hit the jackpot and unbox a rare, high-value skin, you could potentially make a significant profit. It’s like winning the lottery, just with better odds (but still not great odds).

However, a word of caution: case opening is essentially gambling. The house always wins in the long run, and you’re more likely to spend more on keys than you’ll get back in skin value. It’s fun for the thrill, but not a reliable method for acquiring specific skins or making a profit.

Wrapping Up!

It’s all fun and games, but you should keep in mind that the CS2 skin market can be as unpredictable as a Silver I player with an AWP. Sh*t’s scary, we know. What’s hot today might cool off tomorrow, and that overlooked skin in your inventory could suddenly skyrocket in value.

But at the end of the day, the best CS2 Nova skin is the one that makes you smile when you see it in your loadout. Check out our blog: you’ll find great content about CS2 skins there. Happy hunting, both in-game and in the market!