The AK-47 | Case Hardened is a legendary skin in Counter-Strike 2, renowned for its distinctive look and unique pattern variations. It’s an immediate identifier of a player with a discerning eye, standing out in any inventory due to its metallic sheen and unpredictable patterns. As of January 2026, it remains a highly sought-after item, not just for its visual appeal but also for its collector’s value, especially certain rare patterns. You can find more details on its Minimal Wear variant here:
AK-47 | Case Hardened (Minimal Wear).
Design
The AK-47 | Case Hardened features a finish that mimics the real-world process of case hardening steel. This technique creates a unique, often iridescent blend of blue, purple, gold, and sometimes dark grey or silver tones across the weapon’s metal surfaces. The visual appeal comes from the random distribution of these colors, meaning no two Case Hardened skins are exactly alike. Players often refer to skins with a high concentration of blue on the top side of the rifle, particularly near the magazine and barrel, as “blue gems.” These blue-dominated patterns are by far the most coveted and valuable. Other patterns might feature more gold, purple, or a mix of all colors. The skin covers the main body of the AK-47, including the receiver and part of the barrel, leaving the wooden stock and foregrip in their default finish. The contrast between the vibrant metallic colors and the classic wood gives the AK-47 | Case Hardened a distinctive, premium feel.
Condition & Float Values
The Case Hardened skin is available in all wear conditions: Factory New (FN), Minimal Wear (MW), Field-Tested (FT), Well-Worn (WW), and Battle-Scarred (BS). How much wear a skin has is determined by its “float value,” which ranges from 0.00 to 0.9999999999.
- Factory New (0.00 – 0.07): In FN, the colors are most vibrant and saturated. The metallic sheen is prominent, and any blue or gold patterns appear sharp and clear, with minimal scratching. This is where “blue gem” patterns look their absolute best.
- Minimal Wear (0.07 – 0.15): MW conditions maintain much of the FN vibrancy, though minor scratches may begin to appear. The overall effect is still very striking, and the patterns remain largely intact and glossy. The average price for an AK-47 | Case Hardened (MW) is around $312.02 in January 2026, but this can fluctuate wildly based on the specific pattern.
- Field-Tested (0.15 – 0.38): Moving into FT, the skin shows more noticeable wear. Scratches become more frequent, and the metallic luster starts to dull slightly. The colors might appear a bit faded compared to FN or MW, but the underlying pattern is still very much discernible.
- Well-Worn (0.38 – 0.45): WW conditions bring significant scratching and dullness. The once-bright blues and golds will be muted, and larger areas of the gun may appear scuffed or abraded. However, the unique pattern remains visible, just less defined.
- Battle-Scarred (0.45 – 0.9999999999): In BS, the skin is heavily worn. The metallic finish is largely covered in scratches and scuffs, significantly dimming the colors and the overall sheen. While the distinctive Case Hardened pattern is still present, it is much less vibrant and can appear quite dark or obscured in places. Even in BS, a good pattern can hold some value, but it will be a fraction of what a similar pattern in FN or MW would command.
Crucially, the pattern index (which determines where the blue, gold, and purple appear) is generated independently of the float value. This means a perfect “blue gem” pattern can theoretically exist in any wear condition, though its value will always be highest in FN or MW due to the preserved vibrancy.
Market Value
The market value of the AK-47 | Case Hardened is highly variable and often driven by its specific pattern. While the average price for a Minimal Wear version is around $312.02 as of January 2026 on the Steam Community Market, this figure represents a broad average that includes all MW patterns.
For “blue gem” patterns, especially those with 80% or more blue coverage on the top side of the rifle, prices can skyrocket into thousands, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for the rarest FN or MW examples. These exceptional patterns are treated as premium collector’s items. In contrast, patterns with very little blue or primarily gold/silver will trade closer to, or even below, the average market price for their respective wear conditions.
Generally, prices on the Steam Community Market trend downwards from Factory New to Battle-Scarred, barring the pattern influence. A Factory New AK-47 | Case Hardened will typically fetch significantly more than Minimal Wear, which in turn is more expensive than Field-Tested, and so on. Buyers should always inspect the specific pattern of a Case Hardened skin before making a purchase, as two skins of the same wear condition can have vastly different market values due solely to their pattern. The lack of StatTrak or Souvenir versions for this skin means the pattern and wear condition are the primary price drivers.
Bottom Line
The AK-47 | Case Hardened is a standout skin that appeals to a wide range of players and collectors. If you’re looking for a unique AK-47 that has a storied history and offers a potentially eye-catching finish, this skin is definitely worth considering. For the average player, a Field-Tested or Minimal Wear version with a decent mix of colors offers a great aesthetic without breaking the bank. These versions still clearly display the Case Hardened effect, making your rifle distinct.
For serious collectors, hunting for a “blue gem” in Factory New or Minimal Wear conditions is where the true thrill (and potential investment) lies. These specific patterns are rare and highly sought after, often commanding prices far exceeding the average. However, it’s important to understand that the market for these rare patterns is niche, and their value is subjective to collector demand. No matter your budget or your intent, the AK-47 | Case Hardened remains a timeless classic in Counter-Strike 2, offering both visual appeal and a piece of the game’s rich skin history.
