CS2 (CS:GO) Nova | Antique Detailed Information

The Nova | Antique is a shotgun skin for the Nova in Counter-Strike 2, famous for its classic, aged-steel look and ornate gold accents. Its design combines intricate engravings with a rich, vintage patina, making it one of the most distinctive and visually appealing shotguns in the game. Players often favor Nova | Antique for its elegant style and historical inspiration, standing out in both casual and competitive play. In addition to its beauty, the skin is known for being part of the game\'s Mil-Spec grade, representing a rare and desirable find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Nova | Antique History in CS2 (CS:GO)

What is Nova | Antique? It is a beautifully crafted shotgun skin that brings a sense of vintage luxury to Counter-Strike 2. The Nova | Antique in CS2 (CS:GO) was introduced to the game on July 1, 2014, as part of the Operation Breakout Weapon Case released in the "Operation Breakout" update. The design, attributed to community artist Emu, pays homage to antique firearms with elegant, gold-inlaid designs and detailed etchings. The CS2 (CS:GO) Nova | Antique quickly gained attention due to its unique, ornate appearance—which stood apart from other shotgun skins of the time. Over the years, the Nova | Antique in CS2 (CS:GO) has maintained steady popularity, and while it never received a souvenir or StatTrak™ version, its legacy as a classic, highly collectible item endures. The skin's release did not coincide with major esports events, but its introduction during a widely-played operation helped cement its place as a staple among fans and collectors. Some community members discuss theories about its design being inspired by turn-of-the-century hunting rifles, giving it a touch of in-game lore that adds to its mystique.

Nova | Antique Origin

The Nova | Antique origin is rooted in vintage firearms with elaborate engravings, drawing inspiration from luxurious hunting shotguns of the past. The skin showcases an artistic style rich in gold filigree and bronze hues, set against a worn, aged metal base to enhance the "antique" impression. The Nova | Antique origin is reflected in its ornate illustrations and floral patterns, evoking a sense of history and prestige. Unlike more modern or minimalist skins, Nova | Antique in CS2 (CS:GO) is renowned for its classical vibe. The CS2 (CS:GO) Nova | Antique draws small comparisons to skins like the P250 | Cartel, but its execution is more baroque and less aggressive, making it highly distinctive.

Nova | Antique Pattern Description & Difference

The Nova | Antique in CS2 (CS:GO) features a fixed pattern, meaning every skin shares the same intricate gold and bronze design set over an intentionally worn steel body. The Nova | Antique pattern includes delicate scrollwork, floral engravings, and contrasting gold-inlay details along the receiver and barrel, giving it an unmistakable, classic firearm aesthetic. The rarity of Nova | Antique is classified as Mil-Spec Grade, putting it above most common drops in terms of desirability and value. Since the Nova | Antique pattern is not randomized, there are no particularly rare or unique pattern index variations like those found on Case Hardened skins—every player receives the same artistic layout. Float value does impact the visual condition: lower floats (Factory New, Minimal Wear) display a pristine patina and sharper engravings, while higher floats (Field-Tested, Well-Worn, Battle-Scarred) show increased surface wear and dulled gold detail, revealing the steel base underneath. There are no StatTrak™ or Souvenir versions available for this skin. As a result, when considering a CS2 (CS:GO) Nova | Antique for your loadout, the primary visual difference comes from its float value and general wear level, rather than any alternate Nova | Antique pattern.

How to Get a Nova | Antique

Wondering how to get a Nova | Antique in CS2 (CS:GO)? The skin can be unboxed from the Operation Breakout Weapon Case, which was released during the Operation Breakout event. Players looking to buy a Nova | Antique may also consider browsing the ShadowPay marketplace, where a range of conditions is listed for sale with varied pricing. Alternatively, you can buy a Nova | Antique from the Steam Community Market or trade directly with other players within the CS2 (CS:GO) community. While this skin is no longer available as a drop, it remains easily accessible through online market platforms, and its price can fluctuate depending on overall game demand and the float value of each listing.

Pro Players Who Own Nova | Antique

While the Nova | Antique skin is not among the most frequently showcased in professional play, a few competitive players and community streamers have included it in their inventories. Notable esports professionals such as Fallen and Snax have been spotted with the Nova | Antique in past loadouts, reflecting its appeal among veteran players who appreciate its classic style. Although it does not have the same spotlight as ultra-rare knives or rifles, its distinct pattern and “old-world” charm have made it a cult favorite for those who value visual flair. The skin occasionally appears in pro matches, especially during previous major tournaments where Operation Breakout or its collection became relevant. Influencers and streamers sometimes highlight the Nova | Antique for themed "vintage" or "historical weapon" community matches, keeping the skin in the public eye and reinforcing its status as a timeless classic.

Nova | Antique Rarity & Possible Floats

The Nova | Antique is classified as Mil-Spec Grade, making it more exclusive than standard Consumer or Industrial skins, but still accessible to many players. This skin is not available as a StatTrak™ or Souvenir version—it only exists in its regular, non-trackable form. The available float value range for the Nova | Antique spans from 0.00 (Factory New) to 1.00 (Battle-Scarred). At lower floats, the skin’s gold engravings and floral patterns appear well-preserved with minimal wear, while higher float values introduce significant patina chipping and color fade, exposing more of the steel base. The skin was originally obtainable by opening Operation Breakout Weapon Cases, and the odds of unboxing a Mil-Spec skin like the Nova | Antique from any case are typically between 79% and 80% for a random Mil-Spec item, but the odds for a specific skin will be divided among all Mil-Spec options in the case. Nova | Antique has no bugged or glitched versions known, and no unusual anomalies have been reported. Its continued appeal and stable scarcity on the market—bolstered by the limited number of Operation Breakout cases—make low float versions particularly valuable. The price of Factory New and Minimal Wear Nova | Antique skins is noticeably higher due to their condition and the clean presentation of the ornate details.

Nova | Antique Popularity

The Nova | Antique maintains a moderate popularity in the CS2 skin community. While it is not among the most commonly seen skins in matchmaking or top pro tournaments, it retains a loyal following thanks to its visually unique, vintage-inspired design. Resale platforms like the Steam Market and ShadowPay frequently list multiple condition options, and the skin remains in steady demand—especially for collectors of classic weapon designs. Community perception of the Nova | Antique is positive, with many appreciating its artistry and ornate detailing. Its usage saw a brief surge after the Operation Breakout event, then settled into a reliable niche among fans of elegant or historical skin aesthetics. Social media highlights and occasional streamer showcases continue to support its reputation as a timeless, stylish shotgun option.

This content was created with the help of AI and thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked, and validated by a human editor.