The History of the AWP | Oni Taiji in CS2 (CS:GO)

The AWP | Oni Taiji in CS2 (CS:GO) was designed by acclaimed community artist Zaphk, known for exceptional attention to cultural detail. Released on May 23, 2017, as part of the Operation Hydra Case, it instantly became a fan favorite. Its name, “Oni Taiji,” translates to “Demon Slayer,” perfectly matching its stunning design, which depicts a samurai locked in battle with a fierce demon. This release came during a surge of interest in Asian-themed cosmetics, and its bold, anime-inspired artwork quickly resonated with players worldwide.

The Oni Taiji’s popularity skyrocketed when it started appearing in official matches, especially in the hands of well-known players like shroud, abE, and Aleksib. Every pro-level showcase fueled more hype across community forums and social media, making it one of the most recognized and coveted AWP skins in the game.

Even today, the Oni Taiji holds its place among top-tier AWP skins, available in all wear levels, with or without StatTrak. Its combination of intricate artwork, early surge in popularity, and lasting presence has kept it highly sought after by collectors and professional players alike. With the transition to CS2, it remains a legendary skin a perfect mix of history, prestige, and visual impact.

How Rare Is the AWP | Oni Taiji?

The AWP | Oni Taiji belongs to the Covert group, which includes some of the hardest skins to get in CS2. It's one of 146 sniper skins in the game, but what sets it apart is how rarely it drops. It was originally released in the Operation Hydra Case, and like all Covert skins, the odds of unboxing it are low.

The StatTrak version also makes the Oni Taiji skin rare. Since StatTrak Covert drops are even harder to get than regular versions, these skins are priced higher and much harder to find on the market. Players who want the Oni Taiji design and the ability to track their kills in-game usually have to pay more for Factory New or Minimal Wear conditions.

AWP | Oni Taiji Wear Levels and Conditions

The AWP | Oni Taiji is available in all five wear levels: Factory New, Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred. The float range for this skin goes from 0.00 to 0.50, meaning you’ll see a wide variety of visual wear across different versions. Here's a list of what to expect at each level:

Factory New (0.00 – 0.07)

Minimal Wear (0.07 – 0.15)

Field-Tested (0.15 – 0.38)

Well-Worn (0.38 – 0.45)

Battle-Scarred (0.45 – 0.50)

Even with visible wear, many players still use lower-condition versions of the Oni Taiji because the design holds up well and keeps its theme clear across all float values. The choice often comes down to budget and personal preference.

AWP | Oni Taiji Price & Market Value

The price of the AWP | Oni Taiji depends heavily on its condition and whether it includes StatTrak. For example, an AWP | Oni Taiji Factory New version typically sells for around $410, while the StatTrak version in the same condition can reach up to $840. These higher-tier versions keep most of the original detail, which is why they sit at the top of the price range.

AWP | Oni Taiji Minimal Wear versions tend to cost about $300, offering a nearly untouched design with slight wear around the edges. StatTrak Minimal Wear options usually go for around $600, combining visual quality with the added tracking feature.
AWP | Oni Taiji Field-Tested is where prices start to become more manageable. You’ll often see them listed for around $215. The StatTrak Field-Tested version usually lands near $400. These still show most of the artwork but may have some visible wear during gameplay.

AWP | Oni Taiji Well-Worn models drop to about $165, with more noticeable fading and marks throughout the rifle. StatTrak versions in this condition can sell for around $320.

AWP | Oni Taiji Battle-Scarred is the lowest price range, usually starting around $150. These show heavy wear, with parts of the artwork more faded or scratched. If you’re going for a StatTrak Battle-Scarred version, expect prices near $280 to $300.

Why Is AWP | Oni Taiji So Popular?

AWP | Oni Taiji is so popular because it combines detailed artwork with a strong theme that sets it apart from many other skins. Inspired by Japanese folklore, the artwork shows a samurai locked in battle with a demon (an Oni), which adds meaning and depth to the skin beyond its surface.

The color palette also plays a big role in its popularity. The colors are rich and balanced, with deep reds, warm browns, and soft cream tones working together across the weapon. The pattern doesn’t repeat like other skins. It covers the rifle from end to end with consistent artwork that looks great no matter the condition. Even in lower wear levels, the style holds up and keeps that intense, action-packed feel.

Also, the AWP | Oni Taiji pairs nicely with several glove and sticker combos. Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono and Hand Wraps | Slaughter match the red tones and add touch during reloads and inspections. On the sticker side, many players go with Tyloo (Foil), HellRaisers (Holo), or even IEM Katowice stickers, which help complete the theme and keep the skin looking well-matched in-game.

It was also released during the Operation Hydra event, which already had strong attention from players. Being part of a special case tied to an event helped it catch on faster and build long-term interest. Plus, with StatTrak™ versions available and support for all wear levels, it gives players a wide range of options across different budgets. You can also sell CS2(CS:GO) skins on the marketplace to upgrade later.

On top of that, the theme hits home with fans of Japanese culture, anime, and traditional myth. The samurai-versus-demon concept feels intense and powerful, which not many other skins explore in this way. In short, that’s why this skin is so popular among all players.

What Is the Souvenir AWP | Oni Taiji

Souvenir skins in CS2 are unique variants dropped with special gold stickers during major competitive events and often feature pro player autographs. However, there is no Souvenir version of AWP | Oni Taiji in CS2 (CS:GO). As this skin was never part of a souvenir package, you won’t find any AWP | Oni Taiji featuring legendary signatures like s1mple or dev1ce. This higher exclusivity, without the tournament memorabilia, focuses the market's attention on rare floats and StatTrak models instead.

Famous Players & Streamers with AWP | Oni Taiji

Several esports pros and renowned streamers have showcased or played using the AWP | Oni Taiji, amplifying its popularity within the Counter-Strike community. Notable names include pro players like kennyS, who has been seen wielding the skin during streams and in competitive play. Influential content creators such as Anomaly and MOE have also highlighted the skin in their videos, sparking increased interest and desire among fans. Their high-profile usage often drives up both value and demand for the AWP | Oni Taiji, making it a coveted piece for aspiring snipers and collectors alike.

Alternatives to AWP | Oni Taiji

AWP | Oni Taiji is a favorite for many players, but it's not the only one worth checking out. There are other AWP skins that offer strong visuals and a unique presence in-game. Some are more subtle, while others are full of detail and color, but all leave their mark when you hold them.

One of the most famous options is the AWP | Dragon Lore. It’s been around for years and has built a legendary status thanks to its rare drops and rich design. With a detailed dragon graphic and warm colors, it leaves an impression every time it's used in a match. It’s not the most affordable, but many still see it as one of the top-tier choices in CS2 history.

Another option is the AWP | Asiimov. This one’s been around for a long time, and its bright white and orange colors are easily recognizable. It feels different from the Oni Taiji, but it still has a strong visual style that players notice.

Another option worth looking at is the AWP | Hyper Beast. It’s full of color and has a layered design that catches the eye. It’s a bit more playful in style, but it still packs plenty of energy and looks great during matches.

How to Get a AWP | Oni Taiji

If you want to add the CS2 (CS:GO) AWP | Oni Taiji to your inventory, there are several ways to do it:

The first method is to open an Operation Hydra Case, the original container where the Oni Taiji was introduced. However, this case is no longer part of the active drop rotation, which has caused its price to rise significantly. On top of that, the odds of unboxing a Covert skin like the Oni Taiji are very low — around 0.64%, making it a risky and expensive approach.

A far easier and more reliable option is to buy CS2 (CS:GO) skins directly from third-party marketplaces or the Steam Market. Trusted sites like Skin.Place allow you to choose the exact wear level you want, with or without StatTrak. Prices vary depending on condition and whether the skin includes StatTrak, typically ranging from $160 to $800.

Lastly, you can try your luck with a trade-up contract. This method requires 10 Restricted skins from the Operation Hydra Collection and some luck, as there are multiple Covert outcomes possible. While not guaranteed, it’s an exciting option for players who enjoy the thrill of the trade-up process.

Final Thoughts for Collectors and Players

Overall, the AWP | Oni Taiji has maintained its status as one of the most recognizable skins in CS2. Its detailed, story-driven design and early popularity among pro players helped it rise to fame. From its release in the Operation Hydra Case to its continued use today, it has become a true piece of CS2 history.

Players admire it not only for its rarity and rich backstory but also for its striking appearance in matches. Whether it’s a low-float Factory New or a heavily worn Battle-Scarred version, the Oni Taiji retains its unique identity, keeping it highly sought after across all wear levels.

Get your own AWP | Oni Taiji today on Skin.Place and add this legendary skin to your collection while it’s still within reach.