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How to Obtain and Open CS:GO Weapon Loot Boxes on Steam Marketplace

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) features weapon skins that players can apply to their guns and knives in-game. These skins come in varying rarities and conditions, making some highly desirable and valuable on the Steam Marketplace. Players can obtain new skins by opening loot boxes called “weapon cases” which require keys to unlock. This guide will cover how to get weapon cases and keys, open cases to receive skins, and sell your skins on the Steam Marketplace.

Obtaining Weapon Cases

There are a few methods to obtain weapon cases in CS:GO:

  • Random drops – All CS:GO players have a chance to earn random weapon case drops at the end of matches. You can receive up to 2 case drops per week.
  • Buying from Marketplace – Weapon cases can be purchased directly from the Steam Marketplace, with prices ranging from a few cents to hundreds of dollars depending on the case.
  • Trading – You can trade weapon skins and cases with other players. Websites like CS.Money facilitate trading between players.
  • Operations – Special “Operations” events allow you to earn stars and redeem them for exclusive weapon cases.

The most valuable and coveted cases are the rarest ones from retired Operations, majors, and collections. Cases like Operation Bravo, Operation Wildfire, Cobblestone Collections, and more can sell for high prices due to their exclusive skins.

Getting Case Keys

Case keys are required to open CS:GO weapon cases. They can be purchased in-game or from the Steam Marketplace for a standard price of $2.50. Every weapon case requires a specific key type to unlock. Keys are not interchangeable between cases.

Here are some tips when buying case keys:

  • Buy keys ahead of time before obtaining cases. Trying to sell valuable cases to fund key purchases can be risky.
  • Purchase keys in bulk if you intend on opening many cases. Buying 5-10 keys at once saves multiple Marketplace transactions.
  • Look for key sales during special CS:GO events and Operations, as they may be discounted.

Opening Cases and Receiving Skins

Once you have a weapon case and matching key, you can open the case in-game and receive a random skin. The rarity and wear of the skin determines its value and desirability.

Here are the skin rarities from lowest to highest value:

  • Consumer Grade (White)
  • Industrial Grade (Light Blue)
  • Mil-spec (Blue)
  • Restricted (Purple)
  • Classified (Pink)
  • Covert (Red)
  • Special (Gold)

The condition of the skin also impacts value. Battle-Scarred skins are the most worn and least valuable, while Factory New skins are pristine.

Opening desirable Covert and Special tier skins, especially if they have a rare StatTrak or unusual pattern, can result in skins worth hundreds or thousands. However, the odds are low. Make sure to evaluate the case and its potential rewards before spending keys on openings.

Selling Skins on the Marketplace

Skins can be sold on the Steam Marketplace for Steam Wallet funds or cashout through third-party services. High-tier skins will sell faster due to more demand.

Here are some tips for selling skins:

  • Research your skin on the Marketplace to gauge average price and demand. New and popular skins tend to sell for higher prices after release.
  • Adjust pricing based on wear level and pattern. A Factory New or rare pattern skin can dramatically increase value.
  • Consider listing at a slightly lower price than average to sell quicker, unless you have a rare skin.
  • Cashout funds through third-party services for real money. Popular options include Skinport, SkinBaron, and CS.Money. Otherwise funds are stuck in your Steam Wallet.
  • Cashout any expensive skins over $400+ in value through reputable high-tier traders. Avoid scams.

Following these steps allows you to reliably obtain cases and keys in CS:GO, open them for rare skins, then sell those skins for real money. Entire businesses have been built around supplying keys and cases to players due to the profitable skin trading economy. Just make sure to cashout your earnings, otherwise they remain trapped in your Steam Wallet!

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