The best M4A4 skin in CS2 is the Howl, which costs thousands of dollars. Many players consider the Asiimov and Neo-Noir the best all-round picks, while the Evil Daimyo is the best cheap M4A4 skin. Below are the best M4A4 skins at every budget, with current Tradeit prices.
The M4A4 is the CT rifle with the bigger magazine. For a lot of players, it is the gun they buy every gun round. M4A4 skins are some of the most visible skins in CS2. Here is a list of 16 good skins for the M4A4, from an Etch Lord that costs under three dollars to the Howl. For each one, we have named the wear that we think is the best value, and we give its Tradeit price. You can browse all M4A4 skins on one page.
Best M4A4 Skins at a Glance
| Skin | Tier | Rarity | Best value wear | Tradeit price (10 Nov 2026) | Case | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etch Lord | Budget | Restricted | Factory New | $2.83 | Kilowatt Case | The Kilowatt Collection |
| Evil Daimyo | Budget | Restricted | Minimal Wear | $4.12 | Falchion Case | The Falchion Collection |
| Tooth Fairy | Budget | Classified | Minimal Wear | $4.73 | Fracture Case | The Fracture Collection |
| Spider Lily | Budget | Restricted | Field-Tested | $6.83 | Operation Riptide Case | The Operation Riptide Collection |
| Desolate Space | Budget | Classified | Field-Tested | $11.32 | Gamma Case | The Gamma Collection |
| 龍王 (Dragon King) | Budget | Classified | Field-Tested | $11.34 | Chroma Case | The Chroma Collection |
| Temukau | Mid-range | Covert | Field-Tested | $26.97 | Revolution Case | The Revolution Collection |
| Neo-Noir | Mid-range | Covert | Field-Tested | $27.89 | Clutch Case | The Clutch Collection |
| In Living Color | Mid-range | Covert | Minimal Wear | $33.33 | Snakebite Case | The Snakebite Collection |
| The Emperor | Mid-range | Covert | Field-Tested | $47.68 | Prisma Case | The Prisma Collection |
| Hellfire | Mid-range | Classified | Field-Tested | $96.17 | Operation Hydra Case | The Operation Hydra Collection |
| Asiimov | Mid-range | Covert | Field-Tested | $157.58 | Winter Offensive Weapon Case | The Winter Offensive Collection |
| The Coalition | Premium | Covert | Field-Tested | $245.91 | None | The 2021 Train Collection |
| Eye of Horus | Premium | Covert | Minimal Wear | $282.50 | None (Anubis Collection Package and souvenir packages) | The Anubis Collection |
| Poseidon | Premium | Classified | Minimal Wear | $976.13 | None | The Gods and Monsters Collection |
| Howl | Premium | Contraband | Field-Tested | $4,293.24 | None (removed from the Huntsman Weapon Case in 2014) | None |
M4A4 Tier List
We compiled the list of CS2 M4A4 skins ourselves. This tier list is our own ranking. It is based on what each skin looks like in first person, how popular it is and what it costs today.
| Tier | M4A4 skins |
|---|---|
| S | Howl, Poseidon, Asiimov, Eye of Horus |
| A | Neo-Noir, The Emperor, Temukau, Hellfire, The Coalition, In Living Color |
| B | 龍王 (Dragon King), Desolate Space, Spider Lily, Evil Daimyo, Tooth Fairy, Etch Lord |
Best Cheap M4A4 Skins (Under $20)
M4A4 | Etch Lord
Facts: Restricted; Case: Kilowatt Case; Collection: The Kilowatt Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Etch Lord is the cheapest skin on this list. This skin is painted in dark gray and black to look like it was etched into metal. This skin was released in the Kilowatt Case, the first new case in CS2. “It’s just a phase”, it says on the flavor text. It is a dark, but still quiet skin that suits those who do not like bright colors. The Factory New skin costs only $2.83 on Tradeit, so there is no reason to buy a worn one.
Best-value wear: Factory New at $2.83.
M4A4 | Evil Daimyo
Facts: Restricted; Case: Falchion Case; Collection: The Falchion Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Evil Daimyo is a good choice for most players looking for a cheap M4A4 skin. One of the most popular items on the market, this skin has a cool graphic design in red and black. This item came out in the Falchion Case. The flavor text is taken from the story “The Oni and the Valkyrie”. Minimal Wear is $4.12 on Tradeit, and it keeps the red parts sharp. Field-Tested is a bit cheaper if you want to save every cent.
Best-value wear: Minimal Wear at $4.12.
M4A4 | Tooth Fairy
Facts: Classified; Case: Fracture Case; Collection: The Fracture Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Tooth Fairy is a creepy one indeed! It is painted in pale pink and white, with incisors, molars and a chilling take on the Tooth Fairy. The flavor text says “No one said the teeth have to be yours.” This skin came out in the Fracture Case and is a rare Classified skin. The Minimal Wear is available at $4.73 on Tradeit and is the best value for money. Factory New skins cost about twice as much as Minimal Wear.
Best-value wear: Minimal Wear at $4.73.
M4A4 | Spider Lily
Facts: Restricted; Case: Operation Riptide Case; Collection: The Operation Riptide Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Spider Lily skin has a dark blue base with red spider lilies above the magazine and the trigger. This skin appeared in the Operation Riptide Case. The flavor text of this item is “Bright colors are a warning, not an invitation.” $6.83 is the most reasonable purchase price for Field-Tested. Factory New skins cost many times more than cheaper ones. It is one of the cool M4A4 skins that still looks expensive.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $6.83.
M4A4 | Desolate Space
Facts: Classified; Case: Gamma Case; Collection: The Gamma Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
Desolate Space features purple, blue and teal colors with a space theme. The item’s description says: “We’ve lost contact.” Gamma Case is where this item originated. Battle-Scarred, Field-Tested and Well-Worn are all approximately the same value on Tradeit. Field-Tested at $11.32 is the one to buy. Minimal Wear is a good step up if you want the colors a little cleaner. This is also one of the best budget blue skins for the M4A4.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $11.32.
M4A4 | 龍王 (Dragon King)
Facts: Classified; Case: Chroma Case; Collection: The Chroma Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Dragon King, written 龍王 in the game, is a red and blue dragon. This skin was released in the Chroma Case and has been one of the older classic M4A4 skins. The description of this weapon says: “A weapon worthy of The Monkey King himself.” Field-Tested costs $11.34 on Tradeit, which is about the same as Battle-Scarred’s price. The cost of Minimal Wear is almost twice the cost of Field-Tested.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $11.34.
Best Mid-Range M4A4 Skins ($20 to $200)
M4A4 | Temukau
Facts: Covert; Case: Revolution Case; Collection: The Revolution Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Temukau has a Japanese anime style painting on it. This skin shows a female CT agent. It is painted pink, blue and white. This weapon first appeared in the Revolution Case and the flavor text is “Stand your ground!” This Covert M4A4 is the cheapest on our list with Field-Tested at $26.97. Do you like anime? Then this M4A4 is the right skin for you.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $26.97.
M4A4 | Neo-Noir
Facts: Covert; Case: Clutch Case; Collection: The Clutch Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
This skin shows a blue and magenta woman over a black and white background. This skin was released in the Clutch Case. The same pattern is on the AWP, Glock-18, UMP-45 and USP-S, so it’s easy to build a matching loadout. The Field-Tested skin is currently the best offer on Tradeit for $27.89. Some of the wear items below this one are only slightly cheaper. This is one of the most popular M4A4 skins, alongside the Asiimov.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $27.89.
M4A4 | In Living Color
Facts: Covert; Case: Snakebite Case; Collection: The Snakebite Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
In Living Color has a rich color palette with hand-drawn designs all over it. It is one of the most colorful M4A4 skins in the game. This skin was released in the Snakebite Case, and its flavor text is “Fight for one, fight for all”. Minimal Wear costs only a few dollars more than Field-Tested, so it should be your pick at $33.33. You will get the best effect when the skin is completely clean.
Best-value wear: Minimal Wear at $33.33.
M4A4 | The Emperor
Facts: Covert; Case: Prisma Case; Collection: The Prisma Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Emperor is a reference to the tarot card The Emperor. This skin is mostly blue and black with gold details. This skin came out in the Prisma Case, and the flavor text is “Lead with your head, even if it means ignoring your heart”. Every wear from Battle-Scarred to Field-Tested costs about the same, and a Field-Tested weapon starts at $47.68. You can find a lot of blue M4A4s in the market, but this one is one of the best.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $47.68.
M4A4 | Hellfire
Facts: Classified; Case: Operation Hydra Case; Collection: The Operation Hydra Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Hellfire has a devil-like appearance on a background of fire, chains and flames. This skin came out in the Operation Hydra Case, an old operation case that no longer drops. There are many reasons that make a Classified skin so expensive. Field-Tested is currently $96.17 on Tradeit. The float range of this item stops at 0.50, so even the most worn copies keep most of the paint.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $96.17.
M4A4 | Asiimov
Facts: Covert; Case: Winter Offensive Weapon Case; Collection: The Winter Offensive Collection; StatTrak: Yes.
The Asiimov skin is one of the most iconic skins in Counter-Strike. This skin has a white, black and orange sci-fi design, and the same series is on the AWP, AK-47, P90 and P250. The M4A4 version appeared in the 2013 Winter Offensive Weapon Case. The float range starts at 0.18, so there is no Factory New or Minimal Wear. Field-Tested is the cleanest version of this skin and costs $157.58 on Tradeit.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $157.58.
Best Covert and Premium M4A4 Skins ($200+)
A majority of the covert M4 skins here do not come from cases, which is why they are a bit more expensive.
M4A4 | The Coalition
Facts: Covert; Case: None; Collection: The 2021 Train Collection; StatTrak: No.
The Coalition is a skin that has a gold and black background with interlocking triangles and blue highlights. It belongs to the 2021 Train Collection, so there is no StatTrak version. The Field-Tested skin is $245.91 on Tradeit. Factory New costs more than three times as much as the Field-Tested version. The flavor text is “This alliance is temporary, but you’re making me reconsider”.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $245.91.
M4A4 | Eye of Horus
Facts: Covert; Case: None (Anubis Collection Package and souvenir packages); Collection: The Anubis Collection; StatTrak: No.
The Eye of Horus skin is a white base with golden accents and the Egyptian falcon god Horus. It is part of the Anubis Collection, which came from Anubis Collection Packages and Anubis souvenir packages at Majors. There is no StatTrak version of this weapon. The cost of Minimal Wear is $282.50 on Tradeit. Factory New costs much more. The flavor text is “Rise above the rest”.
Best-value wear: Minimal Wear at $282.50.
M4A4 | Poseidon
Facts: Classified; Case: None; Collection: The Gods and Monsters Collection; StatTrak: No.
A battle between Poseidon and Pisces, in teal and blue. It belongs to the Gods and Monsters Collection, but does not come from any case. Its float range stops at 0.33, so Factory New, Minimal Wear and Field-Tested are the only wears this skin can get. On Tradeit, Minimal Wear is the cheapest at $976.13. The flavor text is “Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead”. After the Howl, it’s the most sought-after M4A4 skin.
Best-value wear: Minimal Wear at $976.13.
M4A4 | Howl
Facts: Contraband; Case: None (removed from the Huntsman Weapon Case in 2014); Collection: None; StatTrak: Yes.
The Howl has a red and orange picture of a snarling wolf. It’s not only the most expensive M4A4 skin, but also the only Contraband weapon skin in the game. This skin’s float range stops at 0.40, so Battle-Scarred does not exist. Field-Tested is the cheapest wear on Tradeit. You can buy this item for $4,293.24. StatTrak variants exist, but they are extremely rare and cost more. You can only get this item by trading or buying it from another player.
Best-value wear: Field-Tested at $4,293.24.
Why the M4A4 Howl Is Contraband
The Howl is a covert skin that was added to the Huntsman Weapon Case in 2014. Soon after, the artwork turned out to have been stolen from another artist. On 11 June 2014, Valve redesigned the artwork for this weapon, changed the design to a new wolf, moved the skin to the new Contraband rarity and took it out of the case and the Huntsman Collection. The Howl skin cannot be unboxed anymore. However, you can find it on the market. The Howl is a skin that is part of the fixed supply, which is why it costs a lot of money and is among the most expensive CS2 skins.
Best Blue M4A4 Skins
The Emperor is the best blue M4A4 overall. The weapon is mostly blue and black with gold. Desolate Space is a purple and blue space scene. Spider Lily is dark blue with red flowers. Global Offensive starts at $14.63 on Tradeit. If money is not a problem, the Poseidon is teal and blue.
M4A4 vs M4A1-S
CT players can have both the M4A4 and the M4A1-S in their loadout. The price of the M4A4 changed in January 2025. Now both cost $2,900. The M4A4 holds 30 bullets and fires faster, which can help you when you have to spray or retake a site. The M4A1-S has a silencer, a 20-round magazine and better accuracy. If you prefer the silenced rifle, see our list of the best M4A1-S skins. We have collected a list of the best rifle skins for you.
FAQ
What is the best M4A4 skin in CS2?
The Howl is the best M4A4 skin in CS2 and the only Contraband weapon skin, but Field-Tested costs $4,293.24. For most players, the Neo-Noir and the Asiimov are better choices. They are both Covert skins and cost a fraction of the price.
What is the best cheap M4A4 skin?
If you are looking for the best cheap M4A4 skin, consider getting Evil Daimyo. Minimal Wear costs $4.12 on Tradeit, and the red and black design still looks good from first person. The Etch Lord, Tooth Fairy and Spider Lily are all under $7 in a good condition.
What is the most expensive M4A4 skin?
The Howl is a beautiful M4A4 skin. This is the most expensive M4A4 skin. Field-Tested costs $4,293.24 on Tradeit. StatTrak and Factory New copies cost much more. The Poseidon is the second most expensive, with Minimal Wear at $976.13.
Why is the M4A4 Howl so expensive?
The Howl was removed from the Huntsman Weapon Case in June 2014 after its artwork was stolen. Valve made it the only weapon skin to be Contraband. Since no new Howls can be unboxed, the supply of Howls is fixed and the price stays high.
Are there any blue M4A4 skins?
Yes. The Emperor is the best-known blue M4A4 skin. Desolate Space, Spider Lily and Global Offensive are cheaper alternatives to Poseidon, which is a teal and blue premium skin. All of the skins are linked in the blue section above.
Is the M4A4 better than the M4A1-S?
There is no rifle that is better for everyone. The M4A4 has 30 rounds and a fast rate of fire. It is a good weapon for spraying and retakes. The M4A1-S is a quieter and more accurate rifle. These rifles cost $2,900 each, and you can have them both in your loadout.
