In the world of Counter-Strike skins, few stories are as captivating as that of the M4A4 Howl. From its controversial beginnings involving stolen artwork to its rise as CS2’s most iconic and unique skin, the Howl represents a blend of rarity, artistry, and lore that is unmatched in the game.
Here’s how a stolen design became a legendary piece of CS2 history.
The Theft: A Controversial Start
In June 2014, DeviantArt user CanisAlbus discovered that their artwork, a fierce and stylized wolf, had been stolen and used as the design for a Counter-Strike skin. The Howl, created by modders sic and Auzzii, was a direct copy of this artwork, sparking outrage across the community.
Valve quickly responded after receiving a DMCA takedown notice. The company acknowledged the theft and clarified their workshop policy: while artists could submit skins without prior Valve approval, submissions required a legal agreement stating that the work was original. Both modders were banned from Steam as a result of this incident.
Valve’s Response: Introducing Contraband
To address the issue, Valve removed the original Howl design from the game, along with its associated Howling Dawn sticker. Both were redesigned by Valve’s team to avoid copyright infringement. But Valve went further than simply re-releasing the skin. They introduced a new rarity level, Contraband, and assigned it to the M4A4 Howl, ensuring no new copies would be added to the game.
This decision made the Howl the only Contraband skin in CS2, cementing its exclusivity and legendary status.
The Rise of the M4A4 Howl
The scarcity of the Howl quickly drove up its value. By the end of 2014, it was listed for around $270. As Counter-Strike’s popularity surged and the esports scene expanded, the price for Factory New Howls soared to $1,800 and beyond. Lower-quality versions and non-StatTrak models remain valuable collector’s items.
Professional players and collectors alike embraced the Howl. For example, GuardiaN of Natus Vincere is known to own six StatTrak Factory New Howls, worth an estimated $12,000 in total.
What Makes the Howl Special?
The Howl’s appeal is rooted in its unique story and features:
Rarity: The only skin with Contraband rarity in CS2, ensuring its exclusivity.
Design: A striking red and black beast, reimagined by Valve after the redesign.
Historical Significance: Its origins and rarity make it a standout piece in the history of Counter-Strike skins.
How to Get an M4A4 Howl
Due to Steam Marketplace price caps, the Howl is primarily traded through third-party platforms. While Factory New models are the most sought after, even lower-quality versions hold significant value. For budget-conscious collectors, the Howling Dawn sticker, also removed from cases, remains available at prices starting around $150.
A Skin Born from Controversy
The story of the M4A4 Howl is a testament to the complexity of the CS2 skin economy. What began as an act of theft evolved into one of the most legendary and sought-after items in Counter-Strike history. Owning a Howl is not just about having a skin—it’s about holding a piece of the game’s rich and storied past.
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