M4A1-S | Black Lotus skin in CS2
The M4A1-S Black Lotus stands out as a coveted item in the Steam market, captivating players with its aesthetic appeal and performance enhancements. Its unique design and rarity make it a must-have in any player’s inventory, underpinning its high price and popularity.
This article will delve into the history, rarity, and detailed pattern description of the M4A1-S Black Lotus, alongside discussing its market value and the effect of its float value on its appearance and price.
History
The M4A1-S Black Lotus is a relatively new addition to the Counter-Strike 2 arsenal, having made its debut just three months ago on January 31st, 2024. This exceptional skin was introduced as part of the Kilowatt Case during the “The First Actual CS2 Skins” update, a pivotal moment in the game’s ongoing development. The design of the Black Lotus was the brainchild of a community designer known as “moonfighter,” who contributed significantly to its unique aesthetic.
Players eager to acquire the M4A1-S Black Lotus can do so by opening a Kilowatt Case, which is part of The Kilowatt Collection. The skin stands out with its custom paintwork featuring a black lotus flower set against a striking blue and purple base, which adds a layer of visual appeal to the weapon in gameplay. Additionally, the Black Lotus is notable for its gameplay impact, granting users an additional 2 kills during rifle rounds before it is discarded.
The introduction of the M4A1-S Black Lotus not only enriched the game’s inventory but also underscored the collaborative nature of skin creation in the gaming community, involving artists like “moonfighter” and the broader player base through the Steam Community Workshop. This skin’s launch has been well-received, evidenced by its popularity and the buzz it has created in the market, where it maintains a notable presence.
Popularity and Rarity
With a staggering popularity rate of 99%, the M4A1-S Black Lotus has secured its position as one of the most sought-after items in Counter-Strike 2. This high demand is reflected in its daily sales volume and market price, making it a standout in the Steam inventory. Among the 268 rifle skins available, the Black Lotus’s allure is not just in its aesthetic but also in its exclusivity.
Classified as a ‘Classified’ rarity, the Black Lotus is an uncommon find, with a mere 3.2% chance of being unboxed from any given weapon case. This rarity is compounded when considering the even rarer StatTrak version, which appears only 0.32% of the time, making any acquisition a notable event.
Price fluctuations also tell a tale of desirability. The skin’s price range on the market can swing from as low as $13.08 to a high of $80.00, indicating significant interest and valuation variations based on condition and rarity. This price variability underscores the Black Lotus’s status not just as a game item, but as a collectible in the vibrant CS2 community.
Despite its recent introduction, the Black Lotus’s market activities are robust, with hundreds of transactions in the past week alone, highlighting its continuous high demand among players.
Pattern Description
The M4A1-S Black Lotus showcases a striking design that is both visually appealing and unique in its execution. Central to its aesthetic is the intricate black lotus flower, meticulously painted over a vibrant base of blue and purple hues. This combination not only enhances the weapon’s visual appeal but also integrates seamlessly into the gameplay, making it a coveted piece in player inventories.
- Base Design and Color Scheme The base of the M4A1-S Black Lotus features a deep blend of blue and purple, setting a dramatic backdrop for the black lotus flower that dominates the visual theme. This color scheme is consistent across various wear conditions, from Factory New to Battle-Scarred, ensuring that the weapon maintains its allure regardless of its usage.
- Floral Pattern and Details At the heart of the design is the black lotus flower. This floral pattern is not just a static image but part of a larger, dynamic artwork that interacts with the weapon’s form. The petals and leaves are detailed, offering a sense of depth and complexity that stands out during gameplay.
- Impact of Wear Conditions The M4A1-S Black Lotus is available in a range of wear conditions, each affecting the visibility and vibrancy of the pattern. From the pristine look of Factory New, where the colors are most vivid, to the more subdued and battle-worn appearance of the Battle-Scarred variant, the design adapts, giving players a spectrum of visual options.
- Customization and Crafts Players have the opportunity to customize their Black Lotus through various crafts, adding stickers or other modifications. These customizations can enhance the underlying design without overshadowing the original artwork, allowing for personal expression within the game.
This unique combination of artistic detail and customizable elements makes the M4A1-S Black Lotus not only a powerful tool in the game but also a statement piece in any player’s collection.
Effect of Float
The float value of the M4A1-S Black Lotus significantly influences its appearance and market value, ranging from 0.00 to 0.70. This range allows the skin to be available in all conditions, from Factory New to Battle-Scarred, each with its distinct visual characteristics and appeal.
Wear Ranges and Appearance
- Factory New (0.00 - 0.07): The skin appears pristine with vibrant colors and clear details, making it highly desirable and usually priced higher.
- Minimal Wear (0.07 - 0.15): Slight wear is visible but the skin maintains most of its initial vibrancy and detail.
- Field-Tested (0.15 - 0.38): Noticeable wear and tear with faded colors and less distinct patterns.
- Well-Worn (0.38 - 0.45): More pronounced wear, with further faded colors and increased abrasions.
- Battle-Scarred (0.45 - 1.00): Significant wear with very faded colors and large areas of abrasion, offering a rugged look.
Market Impact of Float Values
The float value not only affects the skin’s aesthetics but also its price on the market. Higher float values, closer to 1.00, generally decrease the skin’s price due to the increased wear. Conversely, lower float values, nearer to 0.00, enhance the skin’s value as they are closer to the Factory New condition. Collectors and players often seek lower float values for their visual appeal and rarity, influencing the M4A1-S Black Lotus’s market demand and price stability.
Each condition of the M4A1-S Black Lotus, including the StatTrak versions, offers players and collectors unique aesthetics and value propositions, reflecting their preferences in both gameplay impact and collection status.
