The best retro skins in CS2 reference video cassettes, the ZX Spectrum, the Sega Dreamcast, arcade cabinets and eighties movies: the Five-SeveN Retrobution, P250 Cassette, FAMAS ZX Spectron, Sawed-Off Analog Input, MAC-10 Button Masher, both Decimators, M249 Nebula Crusader, MAC-10 Neon Rider and UMP-45 Grand Prix. Most cost anywhere from a few cents to a couple of dollars, while the MAC-10 Neon Rider (about $110) and Tec-9 Decimator (from $15) are the priciest. Below is what each design references and what it costs on LIS-SKINS.
CS2 has skins inspired by almost every era, from ancient legends to a post-apocalyptic future. This list focuses on the recent past, and neon and synthwave finishes have their own article on the best retrowave skins.
Five-SeveN Retrobution
Let's start with a skin that has the word "retro" right in its name. Five-SeveN Retrobution is colored in muted tones reminiscent of the fifties or sixties. An abstract pattern of smooth curved lines definitely creates a retro-futurism vibe. Its name combines the words "retro" and "retribution." This Revolver Case skin costs about $1, or around $10 in Factory New.
P250 Cassette
The design of the P250 Cassette will evoke nostalgia in anyone who remembers video cassettes. The lower part of the body is painted in matte black, while the gray with multicolored stripes replicates the color of branded boxes in which Japanese manufacturers packaged video cassettes. However, the combination of bright stripes with gray and black gives the skin a stylish look, whether or not you know the reference. It is the cheapest skin on this list, under a dollar in any wear.
FAMAS ZX Spectron
Styled similarly is the FAMAS ZX Spectron, but this time the multicolored stripes on a black background refer to a legendary object in the history of computer games: a device called ZX Spectrum, which was released in the eighties and gave many their first gaming experience. The colorful stripes on the logo, as well as the name, referred to the fact that the Spectrum supported color graphics. This Operation Riptide skin starts at about $2, with Factory New around $20. More options for this rifle are in our list of the best FAMAS skins.
Sawed-Off Analog Input
This shotgun paint job is another example of how skin creators turn to the history of computer games for inspiration. The name Sawed-Off Analog Input translates to "analog input," and the colors of the wide stripes diagonally crossing the body were chosen for a reason: they were the colors of the buttons on the Sega Dreamcast controller, which is why each stripe carries a letter. The triangles depicted in several places on the body reproduce the shape of the Start button. This Kilowatt Case skin costs under a dollar, about $1 in Factory New.
MAC-10 Button Masher
Next is another skin inspired by retro gaming. The rectangular outline of the MAC-10 perfectly frames an angular controller like those of nineties consoles, including the NES clones that were popular at the time. Transparent plastic adds a three-dimensional effect to the MAC-10 Button Masher, making it even more stylish. This Snakebite Case skin costs under a dollar, about $3 in Factory New. More options are in our list of the best MAC-10 skins.
Tec-9 Decimator
Another facet of retro style is neon colors and bright geometric patterns that create a sense of dynamism. Tec-9 Decimator is a great example of this approach. The magazine and handle are covered with a grid of triangles that create an interesting three-dimensional effect, and the gradient from bright blue to bright purple highlights the shape of the weapon. This Classified skin from the Shattered Web Case costs about $15 in worn condition and around $100 in Factory New.
M4A1-S Decimator
A similar finish with the same name went to the M4A1-S Decimator, although it comes from a different case (Spectrum) and looks less bright. Its creator, Coridium, has said the design was inspired by futuristic movies of the eighties, such as "Tron" or "Robocop." Initially, he named the skin Decimator 2000, because many devices released in those years had some promising number in their names. When the skin was added to the game, the name was shortened. The M4A1-S Decimator starts at about $10, with Factory New around $40.
M249 Nebula Crusader
Another skin inspired by old games is next. The creators of the M249 Nebula Crusader clearly aimed to reproduce the aesthetics of arcade machines, and they succeeded. The colors, fonts and drawings on the body all follow one theme. The cherry on top is the SCORE: sign, right above the StatTrak counter. Unfortunately, in CS2 you can't insert a coin to continue after a loss. This Shadow Case skin costs about $1, or around $6 in Factory New.
MAC-10 Neon Rider
Few retro lists skip the Neon Rider, and this one is no exception. The finish exists on the AK-47 and the MAC-10. The Covert MAC-10 Neon Rider from the Chroma 2 Case costs about $110 to $120 in nearly every wear, and it has no Battle-Scarred version (its float tops out at 0.45). The AK-47 with the same finish is cheaper in worn condition (from $35) but costs about $210 in Factory New. Many players feel the design looks especially bold on the compact MAC-10.
UMP-45 Grand Prix
Last on the list is another racing-inspired skin. Unlike the bright Neon Rider, the UMP-45 Grand Prix favors muted colors. It exists only in Field-Tested, so if you want a skin that looks like a weapon with a history, this is a solid pick. It drops from the Chroma 2 Case and costs about $1.
FAQ
What is the cheapest retro skin in CS2?
On this list it is the P250 Cassette, which costs under a dollar in any wear. The Sawed-Off Analog Input, MAC-10 Button Masher and UMP-45 Grand Prix are also cheap.
Which skins reference old consoles and computers?
The FAMAS ZX Spectron uses the colors of the ZX Spectrum logo, the Sawed-Off Analog Input borrows the Sega Dreamcast button colors, the MAC-10 Button Masher shows a nineties gamepad and the M249 Nebula Crusader is styled like an arcade cabinet.
What is the most expensive retro skin here?
The MAC-10 Neon Rider, at about $110 to $120. The Tec-9 Decimator costs about $100 in Factory New, and the AK-47 Neon Rider about $210 in the same wear.
