Fade Patterns in CS2

CS2 Fade pattern is an enigmatic thrill that has captivated the attention of players for years with its striking appearance and rarity, yet it remains somewhat elusive. What exactly is a Full Fade? Are all patterns created equal? Is 100% the highest Fade percentage?

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about these unique skins, including the different types of Fade patterns, their scarcity, and the ways you can acquire one. Whether you’re a newcomer to the skins universe or a seasoned collector looking to add the perfect Fade to your inventory, we’ll break it all down for you.

What is Special About the Fade Skin?

Let’s jump into it right away and figure out what the Fade pattern in CS2 is and why it generates such excitement among people.

First and foremost, Fade weapons are visually stunning. For those of you who are unfamiliar with CS2 Fade patterns, each one features a beautiful and clean gradient of purple, pink, yellow, and gray. The clean and “fresh” look is enhanced by the fact that all Fade skins are available only in Minimal Wear or Factory New conditions. It’s even a common thing to compare Blue Gems and Full Fades, with the latter often deemed more fascinating and versatile.

It’s important to note that the gradient's distribution can significantly affect a skin’s desirability and value. Generally, it’s considered that the less gray – the better the skin is perceived. The Fade percentage is measured accordingly, with 80% featuring the most gray and 100% having no gray at all.

There’s even more! There are exceptions. Interestingly, some skins (such as Karambits, Falchion, and Talon knives) can exceed 100% Fade (up to 110%) as the pattern continues onto the handles of these knives. We’ll explore these rare Fade patterns later. For now, just keep in mind that the less gray — the higher the Fade percentage, and consequently, the higher the value.

Fade Patterns Types: From Rarest to Simple

Let's delve into the types of patterns and more details about the logic behind their rarity. Every Fade skin has a pattern number ranging from 1 to 999. As previously mentioned, the index is measured in percentages from 80% to 100%. Another factor that also plays a role is a float value with the range of 0 to 0.08 (FN–MW), representing the full spectrum of possible Fade skin conditions for the fight. The thing is, Minimal Wear skins are often rarer than those in Factory New condition, although it doesn’t always translate to higher prices.

Now, we’ll examine specific Bayonet Fade knives to understand how the things we’ve mentioned actually look. Its long, wide blade is just perfect to showcase the differences between low- and high-tier Fade patterns.

Note: As there are only 5 different knives on various markets, it's challenging to determine the price of the rarest patterns.

Pattern #403 (Full Fade) — 100%

The best Fade pattern in CS2 is undoubtedly the 100% Full Fade pattern #403, and it’s easy to see why. The deep, vibrant surface of the blade exudes style and energy. This Bayonet showcases one of the best Fade patterns, although there are more common options that look nearly identical.

Pattern #664 — 99%

Next up are the 99% Fades, which feature barely noticeable gray spots near the handle. For regular CS2 players, the difference is almost imperceptible. However, it's important to note that unscrupulous sellers may market such knives as 100% Full Fade, so it's best to always check the specific knife's pattern before purchasing.

Pattern #78 — 95%

Fades in the 95%-98% range are also considered to be highly valued, with more noticeable differences. These patterns are ideal if you love Full Fades but want to avoid overspending. For instance, the 95% #78 Bayonet Fade is nearly indistinguishable from the actual 100%.

Pattern #225 — 90%

Now we reach the 90% Fades. While they aren’t a “complete mess,” they lag behind the higher percentages due to significant gray areas near the handle. This category maintains a respectable following among admirers.

Pattern #701 — 80%

Looking at 80% patterns, it's clear why these are the most affordable out there. But is it even worth the investment? Take a close look at #701 80% Bayonet Fade and try to argue that it doesn’t resemble a half-painted garage project…

Examples of the Rarest Fade Pattern Skins

Now that we have the difference between CS2 Fade patterns explained, let’s examine some of the most rare and sought-after ones in the game. While Fade skins exist for various weapons, such as the Glock, MAC-10, and AWP, the most valuable and authentic versions are typically found on knives and gloves. The interplay of colors with various blade shapes with their curves and corners—along with a plain space unobscured by a viewmodel—creates a perfect synergy between Fade patterns and knife skins.

Let’s explore some examples right away to illustrate this point.

1. Falchion Knife: 41, 87, 93, 326, 341, 403, 468, 520, 521, 527, 575, 636, 651, 763, 897, 910, 911, 961

As mentioned earlier, the 100% full Fade patterns are particularly noteworthy. Fade Falchion Knives are unique in that they can reach up to 110% Fade. The thing is that this knife comes with coloring extending from the blade to the handle. Depending on the seed, the color at the top part transitions from gray to bright orange. Would you believe this subtle detail can lead to hundreds or even thousands of difference in price? Well, it definitely does.

1. Specialist Gloves: 589, 992, 263, 29 279 450 595 649 656 658 777 809 898 933

Among the various patterns for Specialist Gloves, #589 is the cleanest, featuring little to no gray on the “faded” parts of the skin. Another appealing option is Specialist Gloves | Fade pattern, #992, which is very bright and neat, too, though its main areas have slight yellow mixing.

1. Karambit: 16, 129, 146, 152, 241, 281, 292, 332, 344, 359, 393, 412, 541, 602, 628, 649, 673, 688, 701, 743, 777, 792, 918, 994

1. Talon Knife: 16, 129, 146, 152, 241, 281, 292, 332, 344, 359, 393, 412, 541, 602, 628, 649, 673, 688, 701, 743, 777, 792, 918, 994

Both the Talon and Karambit knives present a unique case in our CS2 Fade skin guide. For these skins, it’s not just a matter of 80–100% Fade; they can have variations like 80/17/3 Fade, with no gray shades in any pattern. Here, the percentages 80%, 17%, and 3% represent pink, purple, and yellow, with the most valuable Fade Karambits and Talons being primarily pink. In this context, purple functions similarly to gray in regular full Fades — the more of it present, the lower the price. Consequently, the ideal Fade skin for these knives would feature 90% pink and 10% yellow, with purple entirely absent.

How to Get CS2 Fade Skins?

Acquiring the rarest Full Fades can be a tricky thing to do, given the numerous factors to consider. Additionally, there are scammers, phishers, and other unscrupulous individuals who may be lurking, ready to take advantage of unsuspecting players. However, if you keep it straightforward and follow a step-by-step approach, the entire process should be manageable and take more than 10 minutes of your time. Given that you have a certain skin on your mind:

1. Decide on your preferred color scheme. You can use our Fade skins in CS2 guide for reference.
2. Compare cheaper look-alike alternatives that resemble actual full Fades in the game if you want to avoid overspending.
3. Use trusted third-party websites that allow you to enter the desired pattern and visualize how the skin looks before making a purchase.

Besides, keep in mind that it can be literally impossible to distinguish between full Fades and some 99% or even 95% versions just by looking. Therefore, always rely on credible and trustworthy platforms for research and transactions.

Conclusion

That wraps up our introduction to Fade patterns. You now know what these patterns are, the differences in price and appearance, and more. To sum up, it all boils down to the percentages of gray, purple and other colors: the less gray or purple present on the skin, the more expensive it is. If you still have questions or doubts related to Fade patterns in CS2, Feel free to share your thoughts and ask questions in the comments!