The M4A4 | Howl is the only Contraband-rarity skin in CS2, making it one of the most prestigious and valuable items in the game. This Field-Tested specimen features a respectable float value of 0.1673, offering a good balance between price and appearance.
The Howl showcases a fierce wolf design in red and black, which has become iconic in the CS2 community. As a Contraband item, it cannot be obtained from cases anymore, making its supply permanently limited and ensuring its value continues to increase over time.
The M4A4 | Howl holds a unique position in CS2 as the only skin with Contraband rarity. It features a striking red and black design with a howling wolf, making it instantly recognizable in-game.
This particular specimen has a float value of 0.1673, which is in the Field-Tested range (0.15-0.38). Despite being Field-Tested, the Howl maintains much of its visual appeal, with wear mainly visible on specific parts of the weapon rather than affecting the central wolf design.
Due to its Contraband status and limited supply, the Howl is not just a skin but also a long-term investment. Its value has consistently increased over the years, making it both a prestigious in-game item and a valuable digital asset.
The M4A4 is one of the most frequently used weapons for CT sides, ensuring that this skin will get plenty of visibility during gameplay.
| Skin Name | M4A4 | Howl |
|---|---|
| Weapon | M4A4 |
| Rarity | Contraband |
| Wear | Field-Tested |
| Float Value | 0.1673 |
| Pattern ID | 229 |
| StatTrak™ | No |
| Collection | Huntsman Collection |
| Release Date | May 1, 2014 |
| Contraband Date | June 11, 2014 |
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The M4A4 | Howl has perhaps the most interesting history of any skin in CS:GO/CS2. It was originally introduced in the Huntsman Case on May 1, 2014, as a Covert (red) rarity item.
Shortly after its release, it was discovered that the artwork used for the Howl was plagiarized. The original artist who submitted the design had copied artwork from a DeviantArt user without permission.
In response to this copyright issue, Valve removed the Huntsman Case from the store temporarily and replaced the Howl's design with a new one created in-house. When the case returned to the store, the Howl was no longer included in the possible drops.
Additionally, Valve created an entirely new rarity tier—Contraband—specifically for this skin. The Contraband rarity, indicated by a distinctive brown color, has never been used for any other skin since.
Since that day, no new M4A4 | Howl skins have entered the game economy, creating a permanently limited supply. This unique situation has caused the Howl to become one of the most valuable and desirable skins in the game, with its price consistently increasing over time.
Many beginners focus only on the skin's appearance without checking the float value, which significantly affects both the visual quality and price of the skin.
Always verify the legitimacy of a marketplace before trading. Look for secure payment methods, verified reviews, and proper security measures.
Some marketplaces advertise low prices but add substantial fees during checkout. At Skinsmonkey, we're transparent about our low 2% fee.
Special patterns like Case Hardened "Blue Gems" can be worth significantly more than the market average. Learn about pattern variations before trading.
Always research current market prices before buying or selling. Price volatility means values can change rapidly in the CS2 market.
The most expensive CS skin ever sold was a Factory New StatTrak M4A4 Howl, which sold for over $100,000 due to its contraband status and rarity.
The CS skin trading economy is valued at over $1 billion, with millions of transactions taking place daily across various platforms.
Weapon skins were introduced to Counter-Strike in the Arms Deal update in August 2013, fundamentally changing the game's economy.
Every skin has a float value between 0 and 1, with lower values indicating better condition. Factory New skins have values below 0.07.
Many popular CS2 skins are designed by community artists who receive a portion of the revenue when their designs are accepted by Valve.
The Contraband rarity was created specifically for the M4A4 Howl after its original artwork was found to be plagiarized, making it impossible to obtain new ones.
