🐍 What is the AK-47 Fire Serpent?
The AK-47 | Fire Serpent is one of the original legendary skins in Counter-Strike, and it remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after rifles in CS2 over a decade after its release. Introduced in September 2013 as part of the Operation Bravo Collection, the Fire Serpent was among the first skins to establish the concept of a "grail" AK-47 — a template that skins like the Wild Lotus and Gold Arabesque would later follow.
The skin features a bold tribal-style fire-breathing serpent painted in bright green, gold, and orange tones over a teal-green base. The design draws heavy inspiration from ancient Mesoamerican (Mayan/Aztec) art, referencing the feathered serpent deity Quetzalcoatl. This gives the AK-47 an ornate, ceremonial look that stands completely apart from the modern or military-inspired designs found on most weapon skins.
Flavor Text: "Reckless warriors who have earned this design are said to be blessed by the Feathered Serpent Quetzalcoatl"
This guide covers:
- Operation Bravo history and why the case is so rare
- Wear & float breakdown with pricing for every condition
- StatTrak Fire Serpent — among the rarest tracked AK-47s in CS2
- Sticker craft guide — why Crown Foils are the "perfect match"
- Price history from $50 at release to $4,800+ today
- Comparison to other premium AK-47 skins
🔎 Check Current Fire Serpent Prices
Compare AK-47 | Fire Serpent prices across 13+ marketplaces instantly on SteamAnalyst to find the best deal before you buy or trade.
Featured: AK-47 | Fire Serpent
One of the earliest premium skins in CS history. The Fire Serpent's unique Mesoamerican art style, Operation Bravo rarity, and enduring demand have kept it among the most valuable AK-47 skins for over a decade.
Price Range: ~$1,200 (BS) - $40,000+ (ST FN)
📊 Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Weapon | AK-47 |
| Collection | Operation Bravo Collection |
| Case | Operation Bravo Case |
| Released | September 2013 |
| Rarity | Covert (Red) |
| Available Wears | Factory New – Battle-Scarred |
| Float Range | 0.00 – 1.00 |
| StatTrak Available | Yes (extremely rare) |
| Souvenir Available | No |
| Base Price (2025) | ~$4,800+ (Factory New) |
📜 History & Why It's Legendary
Operation Bravo — Where It All Began
Operation Bravo was the second CS:GO operation, launched in September 2013 — just one month after the Arms Deal update that first introduced weapon skins to the game. The Operation Bravo Case contained several skins that would become long-term legends, but the Fire Serpent stood out immediately as the crown jewel of the collection.
The Fire Serpent was one of the first skins to demonstrate that digital weapon cosmetics could have significant real-world value, establishing a precedent that would define the CS skin economy for years to come.
The Operation Bravo Case
The Operation Bravo Case is one of the rarest and most expensive cases in CS2 history:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operation window | September 2013 – February 2014 (limited drop period) |
| Case price (2025) | Hundreds of dollars per case |
| Restocking | Never re-released |
| Unboxing viability | Prohibitively expensive to open for new Fire Serpents |
The First "Grail" AK-47
While the AK-47 | Case Hardened (introduced in August 2013) technically predates the Fire Serpent, it was the Fire Serpent that became the first AK skin widely recognized as a premium, aspirational item. Its Covert rarity, distinctive Mesoamerican design, and limited supply established the template for what a "legendary" AK-47 skin looks like.
Enduring Appeal
More than a decade after release, the Fire Serpent remains relevant because:
- Timeless design — The Mesoamerican art style is unique in CS2's entire skin catalog — no other AK skin shares this aesthetic
- Historical significance — As one of the earliest premium skins, it carries OG prestige that newer skins cannot replicate
- Source 2 upgrade — The CS2 transition enhanced the skin's visual quality, with improved lighting making the green and gold details more vivid than ever
- Consistent demand — New generations of players continuously aspire to own a Fire Serpent
📈 From OG to Icon
The Fire Serpent has been continuously traded since 2013 — making it one of the longest-running valuable skins in CS history. It has survived multiple market cycles, engine transitions, and meta shifts without losing its status.
🎨 Wear & Float Guide
The Fire Serpent's appearance changes dramatically across wear conditions. Factory New copies are genuinely rare due to the natural float distribution of Operation Bravo Case unboxes.
Factory New (0.00 – 0.07)
Pristine condition with vibrant green tones, crisp serpent artwork, and clean gold accents. FN Fire Serpents are genuinely scarce. Ultra-low float copies (sub-0.01) command exceptional premiums.
| Float Range | Visual Quality | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 0.01 | Flawless, collector-grade | $7,000 – $10,000+ |
| 0.01 – 0.03 | Excellent, minimal scratches | $5,500 – $7,000 |
| 0.03 – 0.07 | Clean, standard FN | $4,800 – $5,500 |
Minimal Wear (0.07 – 0.15)
Excellent condition with only minor scratching visible. The serpent design and color saturation remain nearly identical to FN. Low-float MW copies (0.07–0.09) are popular alternatives.
Price Range: $2,500 – $4,000
Field-Tested (0.15 – 0.38)
The most commonly traded wear. Serpent artwork shows some fading and scratching, particularly around magazine and stock. Still highly recognizable and attractive. This is the standard entry point.
Price Range: $1,800 – $2,500
Well-Worn (0.38 – 0.45)
Noticeable deterioration with fading colors and visible scratching. The serpent design is still clearly present but lacks the vibrancy of better conditions.
Price Range: $1,500 – $2,000
Battle-Scarred (0.45 – 1.00)
Significant wear with heavy paint loss. The green base becomes muted and serpent artwork is partially obscured. Still carries Fire Serpent prestige at a more accessible price.
Price Range: $1,200 – $1,600
Wear Pricing Summary
| Condition | Float Range | Approx. Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory New | 0.00 – 0.07 | $4,800 – $10,000+ | Ultra-low float = major premium |
| Minimal Wear | 0.07 – 0.15 | $2,500 – $4,000 | Near-FN appearance at lower cost |
| Field-Tested | 0.15 – 0.38 | $1,800 – $2,500 | Entry point for most collectors |
| Well-Worn | 0.38 – 0.45 | $1,500 – $2,000 | Budget option, still prestigious |
| Battle-Scarred | 0.45 – 1.00 | $1,200 – $1,600 | Most affordable Fire Serpent |
⭐ StatTrak Fire Serpent — The Crown Jewel
StatTrak AK-47 Fire Serpents are among the rarest tracked AK-47 skins in CS2, and certain conditions represent some of the most valuable non-knife items in the game.
Why StatTrak Fire Serpents Are So Rare
- Limited case supply — Operation Bravo Cases cost hundreds of dollars each
- StatTrak odds — Only ~10% of unboxes are StatTrak
- Covert rarity — Fire Serpent is the highest tier in the Bravo Case
- Compounding probability — The combined chance of a ST FN Fire Serpent is astronomically low
StatTrak Pricing
| Condition | Non-StatTrak | StatTrak | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory New | ~$4,800 | ~$25,000 – $40,000+ | 5–8x |
| Minimal Wear | ~$2,500 | ~$8,000 – $15,000 | 3–6x |
| Field-Tested | ~$1,800 | ~$4,000 – $6,000 | 2–3x |
| Well-Worn | ~$1,500 | ~$3,000 – $4,500 | 2–3x |
| Battle-Scarred | ~$1,200 | ~$2,500 – $3,500 | 2–3x |
The StatTrak Factory New Fire Serpent is one of the most coveted AK skins in existence, rivaled only by specific Blue Gem Case Hardened patterns and the rarest Wild Lotus copies.
🏷️ Sticker Crafts & Applied Value
The Fire Serpent's distinctive green and gold color scheme makes it one of the best canvases for premium sticker crafts.
Most Iconic Fire Serpent Crafts
| Craft | Stickers | Est. Added Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x iBUYPOWER (Holo) | Katowice 2014 | $400,000+ | Red iBP creates bold contrast on green base |
| 4x Titan (Holo) | Katowice 2014 | $500,000+ | Blue on green — visually stunning |
| 4x Crown (Foil) | — | $2,000 – $4,000 | Perfect match — gold Crowns complement Mesoamerican gold accents |
| 4x Reason Gaming (Holo) | Katowice 2014 | $80,000+ | Among the rarest Kato 2014 crafts |
| Mixed Katowice 2014 Holos | Various teams | $50,000+ | "Rainbow" crafts combining different team holos |
Crown Foil — The Perfect Match
The Fire Serpent is widely considered one of the best "Crown skins" in the game. The gold Crown Foil sticker complements the skin's Mesoamerican gold accents so perfectly that this combination has become a community-recognized "ideal craft."
| Placement | Applied Value (Crown Foil) |
|---|---|
| Wood (above grip) — single Crown | $100 – $300+ depending on wear |
| 4x Crown (all positions) | $2,000 – $4,000+ |
Sticker Placement Guide
| Position | Visibility | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (above grip) | Highest — most iconic AK-47 sticker spot | Best position, highest premium |
| Body (front) | High — visible during gameplay | Strong value impact |
| Body (rear) | Medium — visible during inspect | Moderate premium |
| Stock | Low — rarely visible | Minimal impact |
📊 Compare stickered Fire Serpent prices across marketplaces on SteamAnalyst to find the best deal on crafted copies.
📈 Price History & Investment Outlook
Historical Price Evolution
| Year | Event | Approx. FN Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Release during Operation Bravo | $50 – $100 |
| 2014–2015 | Appreciation as Bravo ends, case supply dries up | $200 – $600 |
| 2016 | Market dip (gambling regulation period) | $400 – $600 |
| 2017–2019 | Strong recovery and growth | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 2020–2022 | Skin market boom | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| 2023 | CS2 transition — Source 2 enhances visuals | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| 2025 | Consistent trading above $4,800 | $4,800 – $10,000+ |
Supply Dynamics
- No case restocking — Operation Bravo Cases have never been re-released
- Prohibitive unboxing cost — Cases cost hundreds of dollars each; virtually no new Fire Serpents enter through unboxing
- Trade-up difficulty — Possible via other Bravo Collection skins, but extremely expensive
- Natural attrition — Skins permanently lost over time through bans and abandoned accounts
- Growing demand — CS2's expanding global player base continuously introduces new buyers
🔄 Comparison to Other Premium AK-47 Skins
| Skin | Approx. FN Price | Supply Status | Key Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47 Fire Serpent | ~$4,800 | Slowly diminishing | OG prestige, unique Mesoamerican design |
| AK-47 Wild Lotus | ~$15,000 – $20,000 | Fixed (operation ended) | Ultra-rare, stunning floral design |
| AK-47 Case Hardened (#661) | ~$50,000+ | Pattern-dependent | Blue Gem holy grail |
| AK-47 Gold Arabesque (Souvenir) | ~$5,000 – $20,000 | Souvenir only | Luxury gold aesthetic |
| AK-47 Vulcan | ~$400 | Still unboxable | Futuristic design, accessible |
| AK-47 Redline | ~$15 (FT) | Still unboxable | Sticker canvas, market index |
The Fire Serpent occupies a sweet spot in the premium AK market: more accessible than the Wild Lotus or Blue Gem, but with stronger supply fundamentals and deeper historical significance than the Vulcan or Redline.
🎯 Loadout Pairing Suggestions
The Fire Serpent's green, gold, and orange Mesoamerican palette pairs best with nature-inspired and green/gold themed loadouts.
Glove Pairings
| Gloves | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sport Gloves - Hedge Maze | Deep green leather perfectly complements the serpent's green base |
| Specialist Gloves - Emerald Web | Green tones with web pattern echo the exotic aesthetic |
| Hand Wraps - Giraffe | Golden-brown tones match the Mesoamerican gold accents |
| Moto Gloves - Spearmint | Clean mint green provides a fresh complement |
| Specialist Gloves - Forest DDPAT | Military green blends naturally with the skin's base |
Knife Pairings
| Knife | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Karambit - Gamma Doppler (Emerald) | The ultimate green knife for a green-themed loadout |
| Butterfly Knife - Lore | Gold and green Lore finish echoes the Fire Serpent's palette |
| M9 Bayonet - Gamma Doppler (Phase 2) | Green-heavy gamma complements naturally |
| Karambit - Tiger Tooth | Gold metallic accent for a warm, luxury feel |
🛒 Where to Buy — Marketplace Comparison
When purchasing a Fire Serpent, especially higher-value StatTrak or low-float variants, compare on SteamAnalyst across our 13+ integrated marketplaces.
Buying Checklist
- Float verification — The jump from 0.07 (best FN) to 0.08 (MW) is a significant price cliff. Always verify exact floats
- StatTrak confirmation — The price gap between ST and non-ST is massive. Double-check before purchasing
- Sticker applied value — Fire Serpents with Katowice 2014 holos or Crown Foils carry significant premiums. Compare stickered vs. clean pricing
- Cross-marketplace pricing — Prices can vary 5–15% across marketplaces
- Wear condition nuance — Within Field-Tested (0.15–0.38), lower-float copies look significantly better and carry premiums
🔍 Compare Prices Across 13+ Marketplaces
Don't overpay — check real-time prices for every skin in this guide on SteamAnalyst. We aggregate pricing from Buff163, Skinport, CSFloat, DMarket, Steam Market, and more so you always get the best deal.
❓ Fire Serpent FAQ
Can I still unbox a Fire Serpent?
Technically yes, from the Operation Bravo Case. However, Bravo Cases currently cost hundreds of dollars each, making unboxing extremely expensive relative to simply buying a Fire Serpent on the market.
How many Fire Serpents exist?
The exact number is unknown, but given the Bravo Case supply and the years since release, total circulating supply across all conditions is estimated in the tens of thousands. Factory New copies are significantly rarer, and StatTrak FN copies number in the low hundreds at most.
What makes the Fire Serpent design special?
The Mesoamerican (Mayan/Aztec) art style is completely unique in CS2's skin catalog. The design references Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, using a color palette and artistic style not replicated by any other AK-47 skin. This uniqueness contributes to its enduring appeal across market cycles.
Fire Serpent vs. Wild Lotus — which is the better investment?
Both are considered blue-chip AK-47 skins with strong fundamentals. The Fire Serpent offers a lower entry point (~$4,800 FN vs. ~$15,000+ FN for Wild Lotus) and deeper historical significance, while the Wild Lotus has a smaller total supply and higher price ceiling. Many serious collectors hold both.
Is the Fire Serpent available as a Souvenir?
No. The Operation Bravo Collection is case-exclusive and was never part of any map collection that produced Souvenir packages.
What is the best sticker for the Fire Serpent?
The community generally considers Crown (Foil) stickers the "perfect match" due to the gold color complementing the Mesoamerican gold accents. For premium crafts, Katowice 2014 holos (particularly iBUYPOWER and Titan) are the most prestigious options.
Does the Fire Serpent look better in CS2 than CS:GO?
Yes. The transition to Source 2 engine enhanced the Fire Serpent's visual quality significantly. Improved lighting makes the green and gold details more vivid, and the serpent artwork benefits from better texture rendering. Many collectors consider the CS2 version the definitive look.
➡️ Related Guides
