The M4A4 Howl is the only Contraband skin in CS2, making it one of the most unique and valuable items in the game. This Factory New specimen features a solid 0.03 float value.
The Howl features a striking red and black wolf design that wraps around the body of the rifle. As a Contraband item, it's no longer obtainable through cases, making each one a piece of CS history.
The M4A4 Howl holds a unique place in Counter-Strike history as the only skin to ever receive the "Contraband" rarity classification. This Factory New specimen features a striking wolf design with a bold red and black color scheme that makes it instantly recognizable in-game.
With a float value of 0.03, this Howl is in excellent Factory New condition. The artwork appears vibrant and clear, with minimal wear visible on the surface of the weapon. The red coloration is particularly vivid on this specimen, making it stand out even among other Factory New Howls.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Howl represents a fascinating piece of CS:GO and now CS2 history. Its contraband status ensures that no more will ever be created, making each existing specimen increasingly valuable as time goes on. For collectors and investors, the Howl represents not just a beautiful skin, but a unique investment opportunity in the CS2 ecosystem.
| Weapon | M4A4 (Rifle) |
|---|---|
| Skin Name | Howl |
| Condition | Factory New |
| Float Value | 0.03 |
| Collection | Originally Huntsman Collection |
| Rarity | Contraband (the only one in CS2) |
| Pattern Index | 429 |
| Stickers | None |
| StatTrak™ | No |
The M4A4 Howl has perhaps the most interesting backstory of any skin in Counter-Strike history. Originally released in May 2014 as part of the Huntsman Collection, it was initially classified as a Covert (red) rarity skin.
Shortly after its release, it was discovered that the artwork used for the Howl had been plagiarized by the community contributor who submitted it. The original artwork belonged to a DeviantArt user who had not given permission for its use. In response to this copyright infringement, Valve took unprecedented action.
Rather than removing the skin entirely (which would have been unfair to players who had already obtained it), Valve created an entirely new rarity tier: Contraband. The Howl was reclassified with this new orange-colored rarity, and the artwork was completely redesigned by Valve to avoid copyright issues. The new design featured the now-iconic wolf/fox head with a different style and color scheme.
Simultaneously, Valve removed the Howl from all future case openings, meaning that no new Howls would ever be added to the game. This immediately transformed existing Howls into collectors' items, as their supply was permanently fixed.
Over the years, the Howl has become one of the most valuable non-knife skins in the game. The transition to CS2 has preserved its contraband status and unique place in Counter-Strike history, ensuring its continued prestige and value.
