The M4A1-S | Fade is a standout skin in CS2, known for its vibrant and distinctive finish. Released as a Covert rifle skin in The Sport & Field Collection, it’s often seen as a premium choice for players who favor the silenced M4. In January 2026, it continues to be a highly sought-after item, making it worth a closer look for collectors and players alike. You can find more details on its dedicated item page: M4A1-S | Fade (Factory New).
Design
The M4A1-S | Fade is easily recognizable due to its signature gradient paint job. The skin features a metallic chrome base coat, over which transparent paints have been airbrushed to create a striking color fade. This gradient typically transitions through shades of purple, pink, and yellow, often culminating in an orange or red tip near the muzzle. The metallic sheen underneath gives the colors a vibrant, reflective quality that makes the skin pop in-game. Unlike some other “Fade” skins in CS2, the M4A1-S version covers the entire body of the rifle, from the stock to the silencer, ensuring a consistent and eye-catching aesthetic across the whole weapon.
Condition & Float Values
When it comes to the M4A1-S | Fade, the wear condition plays a significant role in its appearance, though not in the way some other Fade skins are affected. For this particular M4A1-S, the “Fade” pattern itself isn’t tied to specific float values in terms of its coverage percentage, as it is with certain knives. Instead, wear primarily affects the vibrancy and integrity of the paint job. A Factory New (FN) condition skin will display the most vivid, pristine colors with a strong, unblemished metallic shine. As the wear condition decreases through Minimal Wear (MW), Field-Tested (FT), Well-Worn (WW), and Battle-Scarred (BS), the skin gradually loses its luster. The colors become duller, scratches and abrasions appear on the surface, and the metallic base coat might show through more prominently in worn areas. In Battle-Scarred conditions, the vibrant fade can appear significantly faded out and heavily scratched, detracting from its signature look.
Market Value
As of January 2026, the M4A1-S | Fade remains a premium item on the Steam Community Market. The average market price for a Factory New condition is around $552.01, reflecting its Covert rarity and desirable design. Prices for this skin vary considerably across different wear conditions. Factory New examples command the highest prices due to their pristine appearance and intense color vibrancy. Minimal Wear skins will fetch a slightly lower, but still substantial, price, offering a good balance between cost and visual quality for many buyers. Once you move into Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and especially Battle-Scarred conditions, the price drops off more sharply. For instance, a Battle-Scarred M4A1-S | Fade might be available for a fraction of its Factory New counterpart. The main factor affecting its market value is almost exclusively the wear condition. Unlike some other skins, there are no StatTrak or Souvenir versions available, simplifying the pricing structure. This means buyers primarily focus on float value and pattern for other Fade skins, but for this M4A1-S, it’s simply about how much wear and tear the skin has accumulated.
Bottom Line
The M4A1-S | Fade is a fantastic choice for players who want a visually striking and high-tier skin for their silenced M4. Its unique gradient design ensures it stands out, truly making it, as the in-game description says, “a conversation piece.” If you prioritize vibrant aesthetics and don’t mind paying a premium, a Factory New or Minimal Wear version is definitely worth considering. These conditions preserve the skin’s core appeal. However, if your budget is tighter, stepping down to Field-Tested or even Well-Worn can still get you into a Fade, albeit with a noticeable reduction in color intensity and increased visible wear. It’s a reliable investment for those who appreciate colorful, clean designs, and its consistent demand on the Steam Community Market suggests it will remain a popular choice among CS2 enthusiasts for the foreseeable future. Before buying, always check the specific item’s condition and how the wear manifests on that particular skin.