CS2 (CS:GO) Sawed-Off | The Kraken Detailed Information

The Sawed-Off | The Kraken is a highly distinctive shotgun skin in CS2 (CS:GO), recognized for its bold oceanic theme and intricate design. Crafted as part of the Operation Phoenix Weapon Case, this skin quickly made a mark among players for its ornate depiction of a mythical sea monster. The body of the weapon is covered with detailed tentacles set against a deep orange and navy blue background, evoking the legendary fearsomeness of the Kraken itself.

What is Sawed-Off | The Kraken? It’s a classified-grade skin designed to transform the humble Sawed-Off shotgun into an eye-catching centerpiece of any arsenal. Introduced into the game on February 20, 2014 during the "Operation Phoenix" update, this skin was created by renowned community artist Hydro as part of Valve's push to feature more community-made weapon finishes.

Sawed-Off | The Kraken in CS2 (CS:GO) has remained a favorite not only because of its artistic flair, but also because it was among the first skins to gain broad visibility through case openings and operations. While it has not been reintroduced in any new cases or souvenir packages, its initial limited availability and captivating lore have set it apart as a perennial favorite. Today, the CS2 (CS:GO) Sawed-Off | The Kraken enjoys a legacy as both a collector’s item and a symbol of early community creativity within the Counter-Strike skin ecosystem.

Sawed-Off | The Kraken History in CS2 (CS:GO)

The Sawed-Off | The Kraken made its debut in CS2 (CS:GO) as a standout addition to the Operation Phoenix Weapon Case, which was released on February 20, 2014 during the "Operation Phoenix" update. This skin was part of Valve’s initiative to promote community involvement, being designed by the popular artist Hydro.

The striking visuals and mythical theme immediately garnered attention, making Sawed-Off | The Kraken in CS2 (CS:GO) a popular choice for shotgunners and skin collectors alike. While the skin has not made a return in any further collections or souvenir packages, its original release quickly made it a community favorite.

The CS2 (CS:GO) Sawed-Off | The Kraken is often remembered for helping set a precedent for fantasy-inspired finishes and rich narrative through skin design. Some segments of the community even spun tales of the Kraken’s "curse," giving this skin a place in skin lore. Although it never benefited from major pro-tournament events or influencer-driven surges, its consistent popularity has made it a mainstay in discussions about legacy classified skins.

Sawed-Off | The Kraken Origin

Sawed-Off | The Kraken origin draws heavily from maritime folklore, especially the legend of the giant squid known as the Kraken. Its elaborate design, featuring winding orange tentacles and seaweed set against a blue backdrop, sets it apart from more conventional skins. The artistic style is vibrant and fantastical, channeling a unique visual narrative that captures the chaos and mystery of the deep sea.

According to the creator Hydro, the Sawed-Off | The Kraken origin was meant to introduce more fantasy and mythos into the otherwise realistic CS2 (CS:GO) skin pool. Compared to other shotgun skins, the CS2 (CS:GO) Sawed-Off | The Kraken is more illustrative and ornate, blending fine detail with bold colors for a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Sawed-Off | The Kraken Pattern Description & Difference

The Sawed-Off | The Kraken pattern used in CS2 (CS:GO) is a fixed, static pattern, meaning every instance of the skin maintains the same elaborate tentacles and undersea motif regardless of the pattern index. The main design consists of a massive kraken, with its orange tentacles wrapping menacingly along the receiver and barrel, juxtaposed by blue and black accents that mimic swirling ocean waters.

There are no rare pattern variants for the Sawed-Off | The Kraken pattern; all players receive the same visual regardless of skin seed. The CS2 (CS:GO) Sawed-Off | The Kraken is classified as a “Classified” rarity weapon, enhancing its appeal among collectors and traders seeking higher-tier items.

Float value significantly influences this skin’s look. Lower floats (Factory New) showcase vibrant colors and crisp detail, while higher floats (Battle-Scarred) introduce pronounced scratches and wear, especially on the weapon's edges and central artwork, gradually muting the dramatic reds and blues. StatTrak™ variants are available, featuring a digital kill counter but no change to the core pattern. No souvenir versions exist.

Overall, the rarity of Sawed-Off | The Kraken and its intricate fixed pattern make it a visually striking option, with best displays found in well-preserved, low-float conditions.

How to Get a Sawed-Off | The Kraken

To learn how to get a Sawed-Off | The Kraken in CS2 (CS:GO), players should look to the Operation Phoenix Weapon Case, where the skin was originally introduced. As the case is no longer in active drop rotation, most collectors now choose to buy a Sawed-Off | The Kraken from the Steam Market or popular third-party trading platforms.

If you’re interested in adding this unique skin to your inventory, simply buy a Sawed-Off | The Kraken directly on Shadowpay.com. The skin’s price can vary widely based on wear and whether it’s a StatTrak™ version, but Shadowpay.com often offers competitive pricing and a user-friendly marketplace experience for sellers and buyers alike.

Pro Players Who Own Sawed-Off | The Kraken

While the Sawed-Off | The Kraken is not as commonly featured among pro players as high-profile rifle or AWP skins, it has still found its place in the inventories of notable esports athletes and streamers. Players such as flusha and steel have at various times been spotted with this highly-detailed shotgun in their public loadouts. The striking visuals and mythic reputation often make it a favorite choice during casual streams or lower-buy rounds.

Its legacy is further reinforced by streamers who appreciate unique and artistic skins, occasionally showcasing the Sawed-Off | The Kraken during popular content segments on Twitch or YouTube. While its impact on the meta is limited due to the shotgun’s niche use, ownership by well-known figures certainly adds to its desirability and collector appeal within the community.

Sawed-Off | The Kraken Rarity & Possible Floats

The Sawed-Off | The Kraken ranks as a Classified grade skin, putting it among the upper echelons of the Operation Phoenix Weapon Case’s offerings. While not as rare as Covert or Contraband skins, achieving a CS2 (CS:GO) Sawed-Off | The Kraken from the original case remains a notable feat due to the low case drop rate and the wide selection of potential unlocks.

This skin is available in both standard and StatTrak™ versions; no Souvenir edition has ever been released. The float value range extends from 0.20 to 1.00, meaning the skin is only obtainable in Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred conditions. Factory New and Minimal Wear versions are not available, which further adds to its unique scarcity profile.

Visual wear is more pronounced in Battle-Scarred variants, with the rich orange and blue details retaining their visibility but exhibiting heavy abrasions and faded sections. The StatTrak™ model is distinguished solely by the kill-tracking counter, and doesn’t affect the actual appearance otherwise.

On average, the estimated chance of unboxing a Classified skin from the Operation Phoenix Weapon Case is around 2.5%, with the odds for Sawed-Off | The Kraken even lower due to the pool of other classified and covert skins in the same case. High demand for well-preserved (lower float) versions leads to an elevated market price, especially for Field-Tested examples with minimal abrasions. No notable bugged, glitched, or anomaly versions of this skin are known, adding to its reputation as a visually consistent and highly desirable collectible.

Sawed-Off | The Kraken Popularity

Despite being tied to a less used weapon, the Sawed-Off | The Kraken consistently enjoys moderate popularity in CS2 matchmaking and among collectors. Its longevity is driven by the memorable design and scarcity of new supply, which has led to healthy trading activity on both the Steam Market and third-party platforms.

Community perception is highly favorable, with the skin often highlighted for its artistic, fantasy-inspired appearance and evocative colors. Social media shares, skin showcases, and the occasional streamer highlight have kept its profile elevated even years after release. While not a staple in pro tournaments due to the Sawed-Off’s niche, the skin’s steady demand, particularly among shotty enthusiasts and themed loadout builders, keeps it relevant in the broader skin market.

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