Do you see all those CS:GO players running around with expensive knife or weapon skins and wonder how they got those items in their inventory? Read our article and find out where they can get them, as well as how exactly CS:GO trading and skins work in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

What Is CS:GO Trading?

CSGO trading is the exchange of virtual items (in the case of CS:GO, weapon skins, stickers, and agents) on Steam. 

In a nutshell, it means that a player can trade items in their inventory with another player to, for example, make a profit or get new skins when they’ve outgrown their previous ones. In a nutshell, you can either trade CSGO skins or buy and sell them.

What Do I Need to Start Trading in CS:GO?

You need an active Steam account that does not have any trading restrictions. Such restrictions are:

• VAC ban – a block for using hacks while playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive; which is permanent and makes it impossible to trade items from the game covered by the ban
• Community ban – ban for attempting to defraud on the Steam platform; this ban is also permanent and completely blocks trading on Steam

In addition, you will need skins that can be exchanged. Remember that there is a 7-day trade lock on CS:GO items; which means that a week after you receive a new skin in your inventory, you cannot trade it. This restriction was added in an update to stop gambling sites.

How to Get Skins in CS:GO?

There are several ways to get skins in CS:GO, and here are some of them:

• actively play with an active Prime account status – while playing you have a chance to receive a random drop in the form of a skin or crate
• open cases – when you open cases in CS:GO (which you need a key to do), a skin will be randomly selected for you to receive. If you are very lucky; you will receive a very expensive knife skin that can beat the value of the case and key by dozens of times.
• buy them on Steam – on the platform you have access to the Steam Community Market where you can buy items from other players using your accumulated funds on Steam Wallet
• buy them on third-party marketplaces – the Internet offers many CS:GO skin marketplaces that work like a store; – simply load up your balance and purchase skins there at a much lower price than on the Steam marketplace

What Are the Most Popular Skins in CS:GO?

AWP skins are by far the most popular, as this weapon is very recognizable and characteristic of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The most expensive AWP skin is Dragon Lore, which can cost upwards of $15,000!

How to Avoid Scams While Trading CS:GO?

Unfortunately, Steam has been plagued by a long list of scammers who try to cheat other players out of items and skins in their inventory. You should always be vigilant when trading as it is easy to do it quickly and miss something important; so follow these tips to avoid being scammed when trading on Steam:

1. Check Trade Offers Carefully

Take your time! When you receive a trade offer from another user, check it several times to make sure everything is correct. Make sure the other party’s offer is complete and contains the skins or items you wish to receive for yours. Scammers often send empty offers where only you send your items; so it is very important to be careful when trading CS:GO skins.

2 Beware of Steam API Scam

Steam API scam is a form of phishing where a hacker gains access to your account through a fake website that can mimic various CS:GO related websites. If you suspect you have fallen victim to this scam, change your login credentials and contact support to help you secure your account.

3. Update Your System and Antivirus Software Regularly

It is important that your computer is also properly protected. Regularly perform the required updates to your operating system as well as your anti-virus program; as skipping updates is often a gateway for hackers who have an open way to take over your Steam account.

Is CS:GO Trading Worth It?

Yes, but you must acquire a certain pool of skins to have a choice of what you trade for. We won’t tell you the exact number and value of items that are required to start earning CS:GO skins because there are cases where players have accumulated a lot of expensive skins, starting with a P250 Sand Dune that costs about 40 cents. 

Summary

CS:GO trading is an amazing addition to the game that is attracting hundreds of thousands of players to the Steam platform; who also want to take advantage of the opportunity to trade cosmetic, virtual items on the platform.