Well-Worn

AK-47
Cartel

Type

Rifle

The History of the AK-47 | Cartel in CS2 (CS:GO)

The AK-47 | Cartel in CS2 (CS:GO) was designed by community artist Hanzo and was first introduced to the game on January 8, 2015, as part of the Chroma Case. This skin quickly attracted attention due to its distinctive engraving and sophisticated look, featuring skull motifs, flowers, and a dark metallic base.

The CS2 (CS:GO) AK-47 | Cartel gained prominence during the CS:GO Majors, where it became a favorite among both professionals and enthusiasts, with streamers and pro players highlighting it in high-profile matches. Its elegant style made it an emblem among weapon skins, especially during periods when dark, minimalist designs were particularly popular.

As the community’s appetite for collectible and unique skins grew, the Cartel maintained its popularity through its availability from the Chroma Case, although it later became more challenging to obtain as case rotations changed.

When Counter-Strike 2 launched and players retained their CS:GO inventories, the AK-47 | Cartel seamlessly transitioned into CS2, continuing its legacy as a top pick for both play and display, thanks to its combination of artistry and in-game prestige.

How Rare Is the AK-47 | Cartel?

The AK-47 | Cartel in CS2 (CS:GO) is classified as a Classified rarity skin, which makes it a relatively rare find when opening Chroma Cases. The CS2 (CS:GO) AK-47 | Cartel can only be obtained by unboxing the original Chroma Case, and as this case is not in the active drop pool, the supply of new Cartels is limited, gradually increasing the skin’s rarity with each passing year.

While the exact unboxing odds for a Classified skin are estimated to be around 3.2%, acquiring an AK-47 | Cartel remains a rare event for most players. There is no Souvenir version available, so odds apply only to standard and StatTrak versions pulled from cases.

Its enduring popularity and limited supply contribute to its stable pricing, and its status as a design classic ensures continuous demand among traders and collectors.

AK-47 | Cartel Wear Levels and Conditions

Pattern description
The AK-47 | Cartel finish features a matte black metal body with finely-engraved silver skulls, vines, and roses, giving it an elegant yet menacing vibe. The design is laser-etched into the body and remains visually impressive across all wear levels.

Pattern difference
The AK-47 | Cartel does not have significant pattern variations; each skin looks virtually identical regardless of the pattern index.

Effect of float
The AK-47 | Cartel float value ranges from 0.00 to 1.00, making it available in every wear condition. As the float value increases, the finish becomes progressively more scratched and worn, especially on high-contact areas.

Skin Features
The skin exists in both standard and StatTrak™ versions, offering players a way to track kills.

Factory New
AK-47 | Cartel Factory New is prized for its pristine engraved finish with almost no visible wear. This version fetches the highest prices in the market due to its rarity and sharp looks.

Minimal Wear
AK-47 | Cartel Minimal Wear has minimal abrasions, mainly around the edges, retaining much of the original luster.

Field-Tested
AK-47 | Cartel Field Tested shows moderate wear, with the design still clearly visible but with some dulling of the engraved accents.

Well-Worn
AK-47 | Cartel Well Worn loses some of its detailing, the silver abrasions become more apparent, and it appeals to budget-minded buyers.

Battle-Scarred
AK-47 | Cartel Battle Scarred exhibits extensive wear and heavier scratches, which can give it a rugged look preferred by some collectors.

StatTrak™ versions
The AK-47 | Cartel StatTrak is available in all wear levels and commands a premium, especially in Factory New and Minimal Wear. These versions track kills and are highly collectible.

Pricing varies greatly with float value, with Factory New and StatTrak commanding the highest, and Battle-Scarred at the lower end. The AK-47 | Cartel finish remains striking at any level, preserving its reputation among CS2 fans.

AK-47 | Cartel Price & Market Value

The AK-47 | Cartel in CS2 (CS:GO) has a dynamic price range based on wear level and StatTrak status. As of mid-2024, the regular Factory New version trades between $40 and $55 USD, while Minimal Wear versions go for $25-$35. Field-Tested sits in the $12-$20 range, Well-Worn between $10-$16, and Battle-Scarred generally sells for $9-$14. The CS2 (CS:GO) AK-47 | Cartel StatTrak variants add significant value, with Factory New StatTrak reaching $90-$120 or more.

There are no Souvenir versions, so pro signatures and tournament-specific variants do not exist. AK-47 | Cartel price tends to fluctuate based on float value (lower floats bring higher prices), applied rare stickers, and overall supply-demand shifts in the market.

How much is the AK-47 | Cartel worth? The AK-47 | Cartel price is affordable by classified skin standards and offers a stylish option for collectors and players. Is AK-47 | Cartel worth buying? For its design, availability, and moderate AK-47 | Cartel price, it remains a solid, value-for-style choice in 2024.

What Is the Souvenir AK-47 | Cartel

Souvenir skins in CS2 are special rare items dropped during major tournaments and feature gold autographs and event stickers, often commemorating notable pro matches. However, there is no Souvenir version of the AK-47 | Cartel in CS2 (CS:GO).

As a result, fans won’t find tournament signatures from pros such as s1mple, dev1ce, or GuardiaN on this skin, nor has it set any record-breaking auction prices typically seen with other Souvenir skins.

Famous Players & Streamers with AK-47 | Cartel

The AK-47 | Cartel has appeared in the inventories of various pro players and streamers over the years. Notable esports professionals such as Shox and FalleN have equipped the skin during major tournaments, giving it live exposure to global audiences. Popular streamers like n0thing and KennyS have also showcased the Cartel in their streams, further boosting its popularity.

These high-profile endorsements have helped cement the AK-47 | Cartel as both a respected choice for experienced players and an aspirational item for fans looking to emulate their favorite pros.

Alternatives to AK-47 | Cartel

Alternative AK-47 skins for players who like the Cartel include the AK-47 | Redline for a clean red-black theme, the AK-47 | Elite Build for a tactical aesthetic, and the AK-47 | Jaguar for a bold, animal-themed look. These vary in price and wear levels but offer unique visuals.

Final Thoughts for Collectors and Players

The AK-47 | Cartel in CS2 (CS:GO) is a stylish, collectible, and reasonably affordable option beloved by players and pros alike. The CS2 (CS:GO) AK-47 | Cartel offers a balance of elegance and value, making it a worthy addition for any inventory. This content was generated with the assistance of AI and carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and verified by a human editor.

AK-47 Cartel