🌈 What is the Glock-18 Fade?
The Glock-18 | Fade is the most expensive pistol skin in CS2 — more valuable than any Desert Eagle, USP-S, or P250 skin in the game. Released in mid-2013 as part of the Assault Collection, it was one of the earliest skins introduced to CS:GO and has only grown in prestige and value over the past decade.
The skin features a stunning gradient effect that transitions through red, pink, purple, blue, and yellow tones across the weapon's slide and body. What makes the Fade truly special is that not all copies are equal — each Glock Fade has a fade percentage determined by its Pattern Index, and the difference between a low fade and a Full Fade (100%) can mean thousands of dollars.
Flavor Text: "This isn't just a gun, it's a conversation starter"
This guide covers:
- Assault Collection origins and why the collection is discontinued
- Fade percentages explained — how to identify 80%, 90%, 95%, and 100% fades
- Top pattern seeds for Full Fade and Absolute Max patterns
- Wear & float breakdown with pricing
- Investment outlook and why supply is permanently capped
🔎 Check Current Glock Fade Prices
Compare Glock-18 | Fade prices across 13+ marketplaces on SteamAnalyst. Use the Loadout Builder to verify fade percentage by Pattern Index.
Featured: Glock-18 | Fade
The most expensive pistol in CS2. Each Glock Fade has a unique fade percentage determined by its Pattern Index — Full Fades with maximum purple coverage are worth significantly more than average copies.
Price Range: ~$1,200 (80% Fade) - $3,500+ (100% Full Fade FN)
📊 Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Glock-18 |
| Collection | Assault Collection |
| Released | Mid-2013 |
| Rarity | Restricted (Purple) |
| Available Wears | Factory New – Minimal Wear only |
| Float Range | 0.00 – 0.08 |
| StatTrak Available | No |
| Souvenir Available | No |
| Collection Status | Discontinued (no longer drops) |
| Base Price (2025) | ~$1,200 – $3,500+ depending on fade % |
📜 History & Why It's Legendary
The Assault Collection
The Glock Fade was introduced with the Assault Collection in 2013, one of CS:GO's original map-based collections. The Assault Collection has since been discontinued — it no longer drops in-game, meaning no new Glock Fade skins can enter the market through random drops.
Why It's the Most Expensive Pistol
- Discontinued collection — No new supply through drops
- Iconic gradient — The Fade finish is one of the most recognizable in CS
- Pattern variation — Fade percentage creates a tiered value system
- OG prestige — One of the earliest skins, carrying historical significance
- Limited supply — Estimated ~6,000 in total circulation
🌈 Fade Percentage Guide
The most critical factor in Glock Fade valuation is the fade percentage — determined by the skin's Pattern Index (seed). Higher fade percentages mean more purple/pink coverage on the slide.
Fade Tiers
| Fade % | Description | Visual | Value Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% (Full Fade) | Maximum purple coverage extends to the tip of the slide | Purple dominates, yellow barely visible | +100-150% over base |
| 98% (Max Fade) | Near-full purple with tiny yellow remnant | Almost identical to Full Fade | +80-120% over base |
| 95% | Strong purple with small yellow section | Very desirable, noticeable purple | +40-60% over base |
| 90% | Good purple coverage, moderate yellow | Above average | +15-25% over base |
| 85% | Balanced fade with visible yellow section | Average | Base value |
| 80% | Minimal purple, more yellow/green visible | Below average | -5-10% from base |
Understanding "Absolute Max" vs "Full Fade"
- Absolute Max — The absolute highest fade percentage possible. Purple takes over the entire slide with minimal to no other color visible. Extremely rare.
- Full Fade (100%) — Maximum practical coverage. Purple extends to the very tip. Highly desirable.
- Max Fade (98%) — Near-perfect coverage with a tiny yellow spot remaining. Still very premium.
🔢 Top Pattern Seeds
Best Full Fade Patterns (100%)
| Pattern Seed | Fade Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 763 | Absolute Max (#1 pattern) | The best Glock Fade pattern — maximum purple coverage |
| 575 | Full Fade | Consistently ranked top-tier |
| 897 | Full Fade | Premium pattern |
| 636 | Full Fade | Highly sought-after |
| 38 | Full Fade | Clean Full Fade |
| 413 | Near-Full Fade | Excellent coverage |
⚠️ Pattern Verification
Always verify the Pattern Index before purchasing a Glock Fade, especially at premium prices. Use the SteamAnalyst Loadout Builder to check fade percentage by pattern seed. The difference between a 95% and 100% fade can be $500+.
🎨 Wear & Float Guide
The Glock Fade has a uniquely tight float range — it only exists in Factory New and Minimal Wear conditions.
| Condition | Float Range | Approx. Price (avg. fade) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory New | 0.00 – 0.07 | $1,400 – $3,500+ | Price heavily dependent on fade % |
| Minimal Wear | 0.07 – 0.08 | $1,200 – $2,800+ | Extremely tight MW range; looks identical to FN |
Because the MW range is only 0.07–0.08, Minimal Wear Glock Fades look virtually identical to Factory New — making them excellent value alternatives. The primary value driver is fade percentage, not wear condition.
📈 Price History & Investment Outlook
Historical Price Evolution
| Year | Event | Approx. Price (avg. fade FN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Release with Assault Collection | ~$11 |
| 2015–2016 | Early appreciation | ~$100 – $200 |
| 2018–2019 | Steady growth | ~$400 – $600 |
| 2022 | Market boom | ~$890 |
| 2023 | CS2 transition | ~$1,200 – $1,500 |
| 2025 | Consistent appreciation | ~$1,400 – $1,800 (avg), $3,500+ (Full Fade) |
📈 From $11 to $1,800+
The Glock Fade has appreciated from approximately $11 in 2013 to $1,800+ in 2025 — one of the strongest long-term returns of any skin in CS history. Full Fade copies have appreciated even more dramatically.
🎯 Loadout Pairing Suggestions
Glove Pairings
| Gloves | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Specialist Gloves - Fade | Perfect match — Fade on Fade |
| Sport Gloves - Vice | Pink/purple tones complement the gradient |
| Moto Gloves - POW! | Colorful comic style matches the vibrant Fade |
Knife Pairings
| Knife | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Butterfly Knife - Fade | Full Fade loadout — Fade knife + Fade Glock |
| Karambit - Fade | Classic Fade pairing |
| Karambit - Doppler Ruby | Red gem finish complements the red end of the Fade gradient |
🔍 Compare Prices Across 13+ Marketplaces
Don't overpay — check real-time prices for every skin in this guide on SteamAnalyst. We aggregate pricing from Buff163, Skinport, CSFloat, DMarket, Steam Market, and more so you always get the best deal.
❓ Glock Fade FAQ
Why do some Glock Fades cost twice as much as others?
The fade percentage — determined by Pattern Index — creates enormous value differences. A Full Fade (100%) with maximum purple coverage can be worth 2-3x more than an 80% fade with the same float value.
Can I still get a Glock Fade as a drop?
No. The Assault Collection has been discontinued and no longer drops in-game. The only way to obtain a Glock Fade is through market purchases or trades.
How do I check the fade percentage?
Use a pattern checker tool like the SteamAnalyst Loadout Builder. Enter the Pattern Index (seed) to see exactly where the skin falls on the fade scale.
Is the Glock Fade only available in FN and MW?
Yes. The Glock Fade's float range is 0.00 – 0.08, which means it can only exist in Factory New (0.00–0.07) and a very narrow Minimal Wear band (0.07–0.08). No FT, WW, or BS copies exist.
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