CS2 Update Triggers Market Shock — Skin Prices Crash, Market Cap Halves

Just two days after the massive CS2 update, the in-game economy has experienced one of its sharpest shifts in years. The key reason lies in the new Trade Up Contract mechanics, which now allow players to exchange five Covert-quality items for a knife or a pair of gloves — something that was previously impossible.

A Sudden Collapse of the CS2 Economy

As a result, Covert skin prices have skyrocketed, with some items like the P90 | Asiimov multiplying in value overnight. Meanwhile, knife prices have dropped sharply due to the sudden influx of new supply.

Source: pricempire

According to market tracking platforms, the total capitalization of the CS2 skin market has fallen to around $3 billion, losing nearly half its value in just 48 hours. This marks one of the most turbulent moments in the CS2 trading scene since the game’s release, as players continue to adjust to the new economic reality shaped by Valve’s latest update.

Market Outlook: Volatility Ahead for CS2 Skins

Following the sharp correction caused by the introduction of the new trade-up mechanic (“5 Covert → knife/gloves”), the CS2 skin market is expected to remain volatile. This is partly because the supply of rare knives and gloves has already increased, reducing their scarcity and putting pressure on prices. At the same time, the heightened demand for Covert skins (used in exchanges) is temporarily driving their value upward. In the medium term, future gameplay updates or the release of new cases could stimulate fresh demand and help stabilize or even boost the market again. Until then, prices are likely to remain unstable, depending on how quickly players and traders adapt to the new conditions.