I can still recall the first time I ever saw an M4A4 Howl. I wasn’t just impressed; I was obsessed. The fiery, red-hot wolf, the black base, the snarling detail, it was as though the skin was its own entity. It wasn’t just any weapon; it was a flex.
But let’s be real. When you see this you may be wondering: Is the M4A4 Howl good or not? Does it actually enhance your CS2 experience, or is it simply pricey pixel art?
In this guide, I’m going to deconstruct everything from the history and value of the Howl to my own tactics, loadout tips and how I avoid getting scammed when buying one. Whether you want to buy some (or just know why everyone speaks of it with the reverence of a cauldron of liquid gold) this guide has your back.
1. The Story Behind the M4A4 Howl
The M4A4 Howl wasn’t always the rare unicorn it is now. When he first open it as part of the Huntsman Weapon Case in 2014, it exuded a totally different vibe — same wolf, different legacy.
What changed everything? The artwork. It then emerged that the original design was stolen from an artist without permission. Valve was struck with a copyright problem and had to respond quickly. So they got a little wild: they refurnished the art to the one we see now and called it “Contraband”.
Even now, Howl is still the one and only Contraband skin in CS2, and that alone would make it a legend. No more will ever be added. The ones in circulation? That’s it. That rarity, that backstory, that drama — it all creates value.
This is not merely a vanity item. That’s a slice of Counter-Strike history. And that, to me, is what makes it much more than a flashy skin.
2. M4A4 Howl Prices: When You’re Not Paying What You’re Actually Paying
Here’s where it gets spicy. The M4A4 Howl cost isn’t for the weak.
(Non-Stattrak) Factory New:
Factory New: ~$6,000–$10,000
Minimal Wear: ~$3,000–$5,000
Field-Tested: ~$2,200–$3,000
Well-Worn: ~$1,900–$2,500
Heavily Played: ~$1700-2300
Stattrak Version (even more ridiculous):
Factory New: On the low side over $12,000+
Field-Tested: $4,500–$6,000 or so
Battle-Scarred: Still Well above $3,500+
If you’re still on the fence about the Stattrak: You’re just going to have to decide for yourself. I decided to treat myself to a Field-Tested Stattrak. Why? Simply because seeing my kill count trundle along over hundreds of games is insanely satisfying. It’s a badge of honor. Though only pick up Stattrak if you really care about stat tracking and intend on using that skin all the time.
How about property tags as the pattern ID or float value? Don’t ignore them. Having a lower float (more toward Factory New) could bring the price up hundreds, even thousands. Always check float and pattern before purchase.
3. What is M4A4 Howl gameplay like, does it make you any better?
Let’s get the elephant out of the room — does having a $5,000 skin make you a better player?
Technically, no. But confidence? That’s real. Every time I pull it out of my handbag, I feel like I have something to prove. It’s psychological. You play a little more reserved, work the angles a little crisper, and the next thing you know your A-site defense is impenetrable.
Here’s how I use my Howl personally (in my own opinion) :
Full Buy Rounds: Always full buy. It’s my go-to rifle.
Eco or Half Buys: I do not let it rip. I change to a $ skin or an M4A1-S.
Show-Off Matches: You know the type. Many viewers — I haul it out for the flex.
You also get an appearance that is super clean in-game. That red and black contrast helps me keep on task. Some of the skins are gaudy and distracting. Not this one. It sounds dangerous, nothing raucous about it.
And yes, opponents notice. Mid-round, I’ve had “Nice Howl” in chat. Sometimes they stalk you for it. Other times? They hesitate. You can use that.
4. Loadout Tips – Making the Howl Look Even Better
Owning a Howl is great. Combine it with a fire loadout if you’re feeling spicy. That’s the next level.
Here’s what I use to match the Howl’s vibe:
Gloves:
Driver Gloves | Crimson Weave – Red and black, it’s like these gloves were made specifically for the Howl.
Sport Gloves | Scarlet Shamagh -Bright contrast with a clean, bold graphic in game.
Knives:
Karambit | Crimson Web – Old Karambit. Red webbing and Howl are a match made in heaven.
Butterfly Knife | Fade or Slaughter – The Flashy Non-Clashing Knife.
Agents:
Phoenix or Guerrilla agents – Dark, edgy gear that fits the theme.
HUD & Crosshair:
I make mine red or light grey, low opacity. It’s just busy enough to work alongside the Howl’s flame red styling, but not too much.
Also, keep your Howl clean. If you use skins with stickers don’t just smack random ones on your Howl. Either embrace collector mode, embracing tasteful stickers (like Howling Dawn or Titan Holo), or leave it completely bare. One bad sticker and the whole aura is lost.
5. Where I Buy M4A4 Howl Skins—and What to Avoid
The Steam Community Market is the default, but here’s the truth: it’s overpriced, slow, and full of competition.
If you’re serious about buying an M4A4 Howl, look into trusted third-party marketplaces. Although you can’t get the M4A4 Howl by openng now, I still want to recommend a case opening website Gocsgo, which has various case discounts and many ways to play, such as daily cases, Upgrader, etc.
Here’s how I make sure I’m not getting scammed:
Check the float and pattern ID before buying
Avoid deals that look too good to be true
Use sites with buyer protection (like gocsgo.com)
Inspect the skin in-game using the preview link
Pro tip: Don’t buy a Howl during peak hype periods (like after a Major). Prices can spike. I’ve found the best time to buy is mid-season, when the hype dips a little.
FAQs
Q1: Why is the M4A4 Howl so expensive in CS2?
Because of its crazy backstory and limited availability. The M4A4 Howl was originally part of the Huntsman Case, but once Valve found out the artwork was stolen, they pulled it from circulation. That move turned it into the only Contraband skin in CS2 history. Combine that with high demand, iconic design, and zero future drops. You get one of the priciest skins on the market.
Q2: Is the Stattrak M4A4 Howl worth the extra price?
If you’re the kind of player who likes tracking your kill count—or just loves having the flashiest version possible—then yes, it’s worth the upgrade. Stattrak Howls are rarer and feel more personal, especially if you plan to use it in every game. But if you’re more of a collector or investor, the regular version is still a flex.
Q3: Can you open the M4A4 Howl from a case?
Nope. The Howl hasn’t been in a case since it was pulled from the Huntsman Weapon Case in 2014. Since then, it’s only been available through trade or purchase from other players. That scarcity is a big reason why it’s worth so much today.
Conclusion
If you’re still wondering whether the M4A4 Howl is worth it, let me put it this way: it’s not just a skin—it’s a status symbol. It’s a nod to CS2 history, a power move in any lobby, and a personal motivator that actually changes how I play.
I won’t pretend it’s cheap. But if you’re serious about CS2 and love collecting high-end gear that holds value (and then some), the Howl’s in a league of its own.
Whether you grab one to show off, boost your confidence, or invest in something rare—just make sure you’re buying smart and playing harder.
If you want to learn more about other skins, more skin information and guides, you can follow Gocsgo blog.