10 Most Expensive CS2 Cases To Open

CS2 cases have become more than just a way to get skins—they’re now digital collectibles with real value behind them. Some cases have exploded in price over the years due to discontinued drops, iconic skin pools, or pure nostalgia from early Counter-Strike eras. Whether you’re curious about market history or just want to know which cases are considered premium today, this list breaks down the most expensive CS2 cases you can open right now. From classic operation cases to rare drops that barely appear anymore, these are the cases that collectors chase and traders watch closely, all because of the skins and legacy locked inside.

#10: Operation Riptide Case

Estimated price: ~$7.50
Release date: September 22, 2021

The Operation Riptide Case sits at the bottom of the list, but it’s still one of the priciest CS2 cases you can open today. What makes it interesting isn’t just the skins inside—it’s the timing. This case came from Operation Riptide, which many players consider the final true Counter-Strike operation. Since then, no full operation has followed, and that alone pushed demand way up once drops stopped.

While the skin pool isn’t stacked with ultra-rare classics, it does feature several modern favorites that still hold solid value. The case also includes a massive knife pool, which adds to its appeal for players who enjoy opening newer cases with high upside potential. Its price is driven more by scarcity and historical importance than pure skin value, making it a popular pick for collectors rather than casual openers.

Notable Operation Riptide Case drops include:
• A large selection of knife finishes
• AK-47 | Leet Museo
• Desert Eagle | Ocean Drive
• M4A4 | Spider Lily
• Glock-18 | Snack Attack
• USP-S | Black Lotus
• MP9 | Mount Fuji
• SSG 08 | Turbo Peek

As the most recent case on this list, Operation Riptide represents the end of an era in Counter-Strike. That alone keeps its price climbing and secures its spot among the most expensive CS2 cases to open.

#9: CS:GO Weapon Case 3

Estimated price: ~$7.25
Release date: February 12, 2014

CS:GO Weapon Case 3 is one of those cases that feels very different from most others, mainly because it’s almost entirely focused on pistols. Released back in early 2014, this case doesn’t include any rifles or SMGs at all, which makes it stand out instantly. If you’re a fan of sidearms, especially the CZ75-Auto, this case was clearly made with you in mind.

A big reason why Weapon Case 3 sits lower in the Weapon Case lineup price-wise is exactly that pistol-heavy loot pool. Four different CZ75-Auto skins dominate the case, which limits its appeal for players hunting high-tier primary weapons. Still, its age, discontinued status, and large knife pool keep the price higher than many newer cases on the market.

Notable CS:GO Weapon Case 3 drops include:
• A wide selection of classic knife finishes
• CZ75-Auto | Crimson Web
• CZ75-Auto | The Fuschia Is Now
• CZ75-Auto | Victoria
• Desert Eagle | Heirloom
• Glock-18 | Blue Fissure
• P250 | Undertow
• USP-S | Stainless
• Five-SeveN | Copper Galaxy

CS:GO Weapon Case 3 isn’t about flashy rifle skins or huge jackpots. Its value comes from rarity, nostalgia, and being a snapshot of early Counter-Strike skin design. For collectors and long-time players, that alone makes it worth a spot among the most expensive CS2 cases to open.

#8: eSports 2013 Winter Case

Estimated price: ~$9.50
Release date: December 18, 2013

The eSports 2013 Winter Case earns its spot on this list mainly because of its age and history rather than raw hype. Dropping near the end of 2013, this case comes from an era when CS skins were still finding their identity. Even today, it usually sells for around $9.50, which says a lot for a case that’s well over a decade old.

What keeps the price from climbing higher is the skin lineup itself. While there are some clean and recognizable designs inside, none of them are considered true “must-have” skins by modern standards. Still, collectors value this case because it’s discontinued and tied to early CS esports events, which gives it long-term appeal even without a massive jackpot item.

Notable eSports 2013 Winter Case drops include:
• A large pool of classic knife finishes
• AK-47 | Blue Laminate
• AWP | Electric Hive
• Desert Eagle | Cobalt Disruption
• M4A4 | X-Ray
• FAMAS | Afterimage
• Galil AR | Blue Titanium
• P250 | Steel Disruption
• PP-Bizon | Water Sigil

The eSports 2013 Winter Case is a perfect example of a “legacy” case. It’s not about chasing insane profits from a single skin, but about owning a piece of Counter-Strike history. For players who appreciate older designs and discontinued cases, this one still holds solid value in the CS2 market.

#7: eSports 2014 Summer Case

Estimated price: ~$9.25
Release date: July 10, 2014

The eSports 2014 Summer Case is a solid pick for players who enjoy opening older CS cases without spending a fortune. Released in mid-2014, this case sits right in the sweet spot between nostalgia and value. It’s still affordable compared to many discontinued cases, yet it contains several skins that longtime players genuinely care about.

What makes this case stand out is its balanced skin pool. You’ve got eye-catching rifles like the AK-47 Jaguar and M4A4 Bullet Rain, paired with classics such as the Desert Eagle Crimson Web and AWP Corticera. On top of that, the knife pool includes some highly desirable finishes, with Karambits being a big reason collectors still chase this case today.

Notable eSports 2014 Summer Case drops include:
• A wide selection of classic knife finishes
• AK-47 | Jaguar
• M4A4 | Bullet Rain
• Desert Eagle | Crimson Web
• AWP | Corticera
• USP-S | Blood Tiger
• MP7 | Ocean Foam
• Nova | Bloomstick
• P90 | Virus
• XM1014 | Red Python

Overall, the eSports 2014 Summer Case is a great example of why older CS cases still hold value. It combines recognizable skins, strong knife potential, and esports history into one package, making it a popular choice for collectors and players who appreciate classic Counter-Strike cosmetics.

#6: CS:GO Weapon Case 2

Estimated price: ~$10
Release date: November 8, 2013

CS:GO Weapon Case 2 earns its spot among the most expensive CS2 cases mainly because of its age and rarity rather than hype around a single must-have skin. Released back in 2013, this case has been out of circulation for years, which means supply keeps shrinking while collector interest slowly grows. That scarcity alone is what pushes its price into double digits today.

While it doesn’t contain many flashy, modern favorites, the appeal here is nostalgia and classic Counter-Strike history. Skins like SSG 08 | Blood in the Water and Five-SeveN | Case Hardened still have their fans, and the overall design style reflects early CS aesthetics that long-time players appreciate. On top of that, the knife pool adds extra excitement, since opening an older case always carries that “what if” feeling.

Notable CS:GO Weapon Case 2 drops include:
• A large pool of classic knife finishes
• SSG 08 | Blood in the Water
• Five-SeveN | Case Hardened
• USP-S | Serum
• M4A1-S | Blood Tiger
• P90 | Cold Blooded
• MP9 | Hypnotic
• SCAR-20 | Crimson Web

Overall, CS:GO Weapon Case 2 isn’t about chasing the hottest skins—it’s about owning and opening a piece of Counter-Strike history. That combination of age, limited supply, and classic designs is exactly why this case continues to rise in value within CS2.

#5: Huntsman Weapon Case

Estimated price: ~$9.50
Release date: May 1, 2014

The Huntsman Weapon Case is one of those CS2 cases that still holds serious value years later, and it’s easy to see why. This case is best known for introducing the iconic AK-47 | Vulcan, a skin that remains extremely popular and can be worth a lot in higher float conditions. Even today, Vulcan is considered one of the cleanest AK designs ever released, which keeps demand for this case alive.

Another huge reason this case stays expensive is the introduction of the Huntsman Knife. Its aggressive blade shape and unique pull-out animation made it an instant favorite, and many players still rank it among the best-looking knives in the game. With only a limited knife pool and strong weapon skins overall, opening this case always feels high-risk, high-reward.

Notable Huntsman Weapon Case drops include:
• Huntsman Knife finishes
• AK-47 | Vulcan
• M4A1-S | Atomic Alloy
• M4A4 | Desert-Strike
• USP-S | Caiman
• P2000 | Pulse
• SCAR-20 | Cyrex
• Galil AR | Kami

Overall, the Huntsman Weapon Case strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia, valuable skins, and an iconic knife. That combination is exactly why it continues to rank among the most expensive CS2 cases to open and why collectors and gamblers still chase it today.

#4: Operation Bravo Case

Estimated price: ~$40
Release date: September 19, 2013

The Operation Bravo Case is one of the true OG cases in Counter-Strike history, and its price reflects just how legendary it is. Released back in 2013, this case comes from an era when skins were still simple but incredibly iconic. Today, opening one feels more like cracking a museum relic than a regular CS2 case, especially with its steep price tag hovering around $40.

What really drives the value of the Operation Bravo Case is its skin lineup. This is the case that introduced the AK-47 | Fire Serpent, a skin that has remained one of the most respected and expensive AK finishes ever created. Alongside it, you’ll also find classics like the Desert Eagle | Golden Koi and P90 | Emerald Dragon, which are still highly sought after by collectors. Even the lower-tier skins carry a nostalgic charm that newer cases simply can’t replicate.

Notable Operation Bravo Case drops include:
• AK-47 | Fire Serpent
• Desert Eagle | Golden Koi
• AWP | Graphite
• P90 | Emerald Dragon
• USP-S | Overgrowth
• P2000 | Ocean Foam
• M4A1-S | Bright Water
• MAC-10 | Graven

Because of its age, limited supply, and legendary skins, the Operation Bravo Case is not something most players open casually. It’s a high-risk, high-reward case meant for collectors, long-time fans, or players chasing one of the most iconic AK skins ever released. That legacy alone is what keeps this case firmly among the most expensive CS2 cases to open.

#3: Operation Hydra Case

Estimated price: ~$20
Release date: May 23, 2017

The Operation Hydra Case sits in a really interesting spot when it comes to expensive CS2 cases. While it isn’t as old as some of the early classics, its value has held strong mainly because of one thing: gloves. This case offers a chance at 24 different glove finishes, which instantly makes it more attractive than many weapon-only cases from the same era.

At around $20 per case, it’s definitely not cheap, especially for something released in 2017. That said, compared to other high-priced cases, Operation Hydra actually feels like it gives you a more realistic shot at pulling something valuable. Gloves alone can easily justify the price, and even the weapon skins inside are far from forgettable.

The skin lineup is solid across the board. The AWP | Oni Taiji is the clear standout and remains one of the most respected AWP skins in the game, while the M4A4 | Hellfire and Five-SeveN | Hyper Beast are fan favorites that still look great years later. Even mid-tier drops like Galil AR | Sugar Rush and USP-S | Blueprint have strong demand thanks to their clean designs.

Notable Operation Hydra Case drops include:
• AWP | Oni Taiji
• M4A4 | Hellfire
• Five-SeveN | Hyper Beast
• AK-47 | Orbit Mk01
• Galil AR | Sugar Rush
• USP-S | Blueprint
• P90 | Death Grip
• 24 possible glove finishes

Because of the glove potential and a surprisingly strong skin pool, the Operation Hydra Case is often seen as one of the better-value expensive cases in CS2. It’s still risky, but compared to older cases with sky-high prices, this one feels like a more balanced gamble for players chasing both rarity and style.

#2: eSports 2013 Case

Estimated price: ~$70
Release date: August 14, 2013

The eSports 2013 Case is a true piece of Counter-Strike history and easily earns its spot as one of the most expensive CS2 cases you can open today. Released all the way back in 2013, this was one of the very first cases ever introduced to the game, which is a big reason why its price has climbed to around $70 over the years. Supply is extremely limited now, and demand keeps growing as collectors and long-time players chase early-era items.

Most people opening the eSports 2013 Case aren’t doing it for the weapon skins alone. The real appeal comes from the 65 possible knife finishes, including some of the most legendary patterns ever seen in CS, such as Case Hardened Blue Gems on knives like the Karambit. That potential alone is what keeps this case relevant and highly sought after despite the risky odds.

That said, the weapon skins inside still carry a strong nostalgic charm. Skins like AWP | BOOM and AK-47 | Red Laminate are iconic and instantly recognizable to veteran players. Others, such as P90 | Death by Kitty and FAMAS | Doomkitty, are beloved for their unique designs and early CS style, making them appealing to collectors even today.

Notable eSports 2013 Case drops include:
• 65 possible knife finishes (including rare Case Hardened patterns)
• AWP | BOOM
• AK-47 | Red Laminate
• P90 | Death by Kitty
• FAMAS | Doomkitty
• P250 | Splash
• M4A4 | Faded Zebra
• Sawed-Off | Orange DDPAT

Overall, the eSports 2013 Case is less about guaranteed value and more about history, rarity, and high-risk excitement. It’s an expensive gamble, but for collectors chasing legendary knives or players who appreciate early Counter-Strike cosmetics, this case represents one of the purest forms of CS2 nostalgia.

#1: CS:GO Weapon Case

Estimated price: ~$90
Release date: August 14, 2013

Taking the top spot is the original CS:GO Weapon Case, the case that started everything. This was the very first case ever released in Counter-Strike, and that alone is enough to explain why it now sells for around $90. It’s not just expensive because it’s old, but because it represents the beginning of the entire CS skins economy that still dominates the game today.

Most players opening this case are chasing one thing above all else: the AK-47 | Case Hardened. With its famous blue gem patterns and massive collector value, this skin has become legendary over the years. Pair that with the chance to unbox one of 65 possible knife finishes, and you get a case that still draws attention more than a decade later, despite the brutal odds.

Beyond the AK, the weapon lineup is packed with classic early-era skins that defined the original CS aesthetic. Items like AWP | Lightning Strike and Desert Eagle | Hypnotic are instantly recognizable and still hold strong value today. Even simpler designs like Glock-18 | Dragon Tattoo and M4A1-S | Dark Water have aged well and remain highly desirable due to their clean, timeless look.

Notable CS:GO Weapon Case drops include:
• 65 possible knife finishes
• AK-47 | Case Hardened
• AWP | Lightning Strike
• Desert Eagle | Hypnotic
• Glock-18 | Dragon Tattoo
• M4A1-S | Dark Water
• USP-S | Dark Water
• AUG | Wings
• MP7 | Skulls

The CS:GO Weapon Case isn’t about smart value or safe returns. It’s pure nostalgia, history, and high-risk excitement. If you’re opening this case, you’re paying for a shot at one of the most iconic skins ever created and owning a small piece of Counter-Strike history. For collectors and long-time players, nothing tops this case.

Conclusion

Opening the most expensive CS2 cases is less about chasing profit and more about the thrill, history, and prestige behind each one. These cases are priced high because of their age, rarity, and the iconic skins or knives they can drop, not because they offer safe returns. From early Operation cases to the very first CS:GO Weapon Case, each one represents a key moment in Counter-Strike’s skin economy and why collectors value them so highly today. If you decide to open any of these cases, it should be for the experience and nostalgia rather than guaranteed value, as the odds are unforgiving. In the end, these cases show how far CS2 has come and why its cosmetic market remains one of the most legendary in gaming history.