CS2 Contraband Skins

In the world of Counter-Strike 2, skins are much more than mere cosmetics – they’re highly sought-after collectibles. Among these, the rarest of the rare is the Contraband rarity category (skins that have designs that were introduced into CS without the original creators’ permission), with the legendary M4A4 | Howl standing as the sole representative of this class.

In this article, we’ll dig into the backstory of the M4A4 | Howl, exploring its rise to legendary status and revealing why it remains the only skin in the Contraband category. We’ll also check out how the Howl’s design has evolved, dive into the history of the Howling Dawn sticker, touch on who’s currently rocking this skin, and wonder whether CS2 might ever see the introduction of more Contraband skins surface in the future.

CS2 Contraband Skins Explained

In CS2, Contraband skins are more like relics. They’re so rare that they’ve become almost mythical, reserved for only the most  elite and coveted items in the game. The M4A4 | Howl stands out at the top of this list as the sole Contraband skin, not just for its design but for the intriguing and controversial story behind it. So, what really went down?

Back in 2014, two creators, Auzzii and Sic, submitted a concept for the M4A4 skin and a Howling Dawn sticker to the Steam Workshop. They quickly gained traction and popularity, and Valve chose to feature the designs of the Howling Dawn items in the Huntsman Weapon Case. The events that followed have made them truly exceptional for the CS community.

However, things took a sharp turn when it was discovered that the design was not Auzzii’s original artwork creation. The true artist behind the design was CanisAlbus, who discovered that his “Aggression” artwork was copied without his knowledge. If you’re curious, you can even check out the CanisAlbus’s original post, where he shares his thoughts, screenshots, and insights on the situation.

Thus, shortly after the plagiarism was exposed, Valve stepped in, overhauled the Howl's design, and pulled it from the case. Any remaining copies of the skin were upgraded to the rare Contraband category. Since then, the only way to get your hands on one is to buy it from other players. However, with an extremely limited supply, combined with high demand, the price has skyrocketed. Snagging a Howl at a reasonable price is rare. Therefore, those looking to buy one must jump on it fast when an opportunity arises.

It's also interesting to note that the design of the Howl weapon, along with the respective Howling Dawn sticker, has gone through several changes over the years to at least partially distance it from the original artwork and avoid potential legal issues.

CS2 Contraband Skins Value

Today, the M4A4 | Howl isn’t just a skin — it’s a status symbol, a piece of gaming history, and the most expensive M4A4 skin in CS2. So, how much is it actually worth?

 As of now, the Howl’s price on the Steam Market can reach up to $10,000 or more, depending on the wear condition. There are less than 150 Howl copies available on open sale at any given time, and it’s estimated that only 3,000 to 5,000 of these skins exist active in players’ inventories, this skin is truly a collector’s dream. The Howling Dawn sticker isn’t far behind, costing over $1,000 on its own. Just imagine how much a fully loaded M4A4 | Howl with multiple Howling Dawn stickers could set you back. So, if you’re serious about adding this to your collection, keep your money ready!

Is It Possible to Craft More Howl Copies?

This paragraph is for those wondering how to get contraband skins in CS2, so read carefully now. To address the copyright issue, Valve slightly redesigned the M4A4 | Howl and reclassified it to a Contraband skin. Thus, a player can’t obtain a new Howl skin or sticker through a drop or craft – the only way to acquire one is to buy it from another player. Besides, the number of Howl skins in circulation is strictly limited, which further adds to its value.

If you’re interested, the web is full of free tutorials on some creative ways to craft “a fake Howl” using cheaper M4A4 skins and sticker combinations that mimic the look. While some may see this as a joke, others view it as a budget-friendly alternative to Howl. There are even guides that show you step-by-step how to make a convincing “fake Howl.”

However, no matter how close these alternatives may be colored and even share some common patterns with the original, the true value of a Contraband skin like the Howl goes far beyond appearance.

Who Has An M4A4 Howl?

Considering Howl’s rarity combined with a high price, it’s no surprise you won’t see it in average Premier or FACEIT games. However, if you do come across M4A4 | Howl users outside of tier 1–2 matches, chances are, you’re likely up against a seasoned collector, a wealthy gambler, or maybe even a CS legend.  Players like ohnepixel, JOISPOI24, Shroud have all been spotted using the Howl, but it’s mostly pro-tier players who flex this skin. Some of the most famous players known for their love of the Howl since CS:GO and still use it are legends, including NiKo, rain, and b1t. Check out b1t’s recent 4k with M4A4 Howl vs Liquid during a crucial round during BLAST Premier: Fall Groups 2024.

Will There Be More Contraband Skins in CS2?

With all the drama surrounding the Howl’s creation we’ve already mentioned, it seems unlikely that we’ll see new CS2 rare contraband skins anytime soon. The fact is that after the Howl incident, there have been more similar controversies since then (such as with the M4A4 | Griffin and AWP | Doodle Lore), but none of these skins apart from M4A4 | Howl were given contraband in CS2.

For those who don't know, the design of M4A4 | Griffin was simply updated without any change in rarity or supply whatsoever. As for the AWP | Doodle Lore, Valve completely replaced the rifle with another AWP skin, Duality, to avoid a repeat of the Howl situation. Therefore, if new Contraband skins haven’t been introduced yet, it’s safe to say we probably won’t see any in the future.

What do you think? Could the introduction of new CS2 contraband skins shake up the current market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!