AWP | The Prince—The Sniper That Truly Exudes Aristocratic Aura
If you’ve played CS2 (or even old CS:GO), you know that feeling of “I know it’s no ordinary skin the moment someone shows it off.” Yes, I’m talking about AWP | The Prince.
This skin isn’t just expensive; it’s also incredibly classy. That “it’s not just because I’m rich, it’s because I’m classy” aura is perfect for the AWP. When you first see it, you might think, “Isn’t this too extravagant?” (Then you check the price, and your smile fades…)
But seriously, AWP | The Prince isn’t just a skin that relies on rarity. It has a story, details, and artistic flair—most importantly, it’s truly worth it.
Design and Story: A Nobleman in the Sniper World, the Crown of the Canals Collection
The AWP | The Prince is from the Canals Collection. The collection itself has a vintage feel, and the Prince is more like its crown.
The entire gun features a deep red base, gold engravings, and purple accents. The exaggerated details evoke a medieval royal weapon. It’s that “dazzle the crowd before you kill” style.
Interestingly, the visual differences between different levels of wear are quite noticeable:
Factory New: The gold trim is so shiny it reflects light, and the details are impeccable.
Minimal Wear: Slightly worn, like a family heirloom.
Field-Tested: The pattern is slightly faded, but still elegant (with a sense of battle-worn nobility).
Battle-Scarred: The color has faded, but it actually has a more “legendary” feel.
Sometimes, I think even a little paint chipping adds character to this skin. (After all, even a true prince isn’t always spotless, right?)
Price and Investment: Gold price fluctuations are less stable than this one
We all know that AWP skins have always been expensive, but the Prince’s price curve is incredibly stable.
In the early days (when it was first released), an FN AWP Prince was around $60 to $70. But now? The FN version can easily fetch over $200. Even some low-float versions are selling for double that.
What’s the investment potential?
In a word—stable and worthwhile.
This skin doesn’t rely on “trend” popularity; it’s a collector’s item. Unlike other skins that rely on color, Prince relies on design and rarity. After the CS2 transition, many older series have been removed from sale or become increasingly difficult to obtain, and the Canals series is one of them. Scarcity + classic styling = long-term appreciation.
If you’re planning to add it to your collection, I recommend targeting Factory New or Minimal Wear. Items below FT are more for gaming, not investment. (After all, no one wants to collect a flaking Prince.)
How to get one? Besides relying on luck, there are several other ways.
Don’t expect too much; the drop rate for these skins is extremely low. But there are still a few ways to try:
1. Unboxing the Canals Collection
This AWP comes from here. Want to try it? Sure, but be prepared. It’s Covert-tier (the highest rarity), and the drop rate is impressive.
2. Trade-up (Crafting Contract)
Crafting 10 low-tier skins from the Canals collection has a chance of dropping a Prince.
(The key word “chance” is “chance.” You’ll either make a killing or suffer a huge loss.)
3. Buying from the Market
Honestly, this is the most realistic way. They’re available on the Steam Community Market or third-party platforms. When buying, be sure to check the float value—lower float values look much more attractive and are more valuable.
4. Event Drops
Occasionally, Valve will release drops from the Canals series during certain events or quests. While the chances are low, who knows? You might just log in one day and be pleasantly surprised.
Sticker Combinations: Make Your Nobility Even More Noble
If you already own Prince (congratulations, I’m envious), your next step should be to consider sticker combinations. Don’t overdo it; this skin is so elegant that adding a random funny emoji would ruin the artwork.
Here are a few proven combinations:
- Crown (Foil): The classic crown sticker perfectly complements the “Prince” theme.
- Gold Foil / Golden Web: Continuing the golden hue, this is a shimmering yet elegant look.
- Katowice 2014/2015 Holo Stickers: A collectible combination with a powerful visual impact.
- Fun Stickers (in moderation): If you’re going for a contrasting look, a little humor can also be a standout.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to coordinate your entire loadout:
Recommended gloves: “Sports Gloves | Pandora’s Box” or “Driving Gloves | Royal Plaid.”
Recommended knives: “M9 Bayonet | Lore” or “Butterfly Knife | Fade.”
The overall gold and purple color scheme creates a truly impressive, overwhelming feeling.
Why are players so obsessed with the AWP | The Prince?
To put it bluntly, it fulfills three fantasies:
Players who want to show off (“Look how expensive this gun is”);
True collectors (“I value historical value”);
Aesthetics (“Just looks good, that’s all that matters”).
Carry it into a map, and regardless of your performance, your teammates will notice the golden glint. It’s both a status symbol and a game experience. Sometimes, having fun is more important than looking good, right?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How rare is the AWP | The Prince?
Very rare. It belongs to the Covert tier of the Canals Collection, making it nearly impossible for ordinary players to obtain.
Q2: Which wear is the most worth buying?
Factory New is the best. It looks the best and holds its value the best. Minimally Worn is also good, offering a slightly better value.
Q3: Can it be crafted through trade-ups?
Theoretically, it can, but in practice it’s quite difficult. Getting all ten skins from the same series depends on luck.
Conclusion:
If I had to sum up the AWP | The Prince in one sentence, it would be—it’s not just a gun, it’s a status symbol.
Its existence tells you that CS2 skins aren’t just cosmetic; they have stories, artistic value, and collectible value.
To be honest, the AWP | The Prince won’t make you better at aiming, but it will make you feel like the prince of sniping.
And in CS2, that feeling is priceless.