Great first knives for players looking to enter CSGO's skin game

Alongside its competitive esports scene, Counter-Strike's player-driven economy is the beating heart of the game's mass appeal. While it will always be a game rife with tactical depth to its hardcore fans, Counter-Strike will never shake the idea that its competitive matches are a place to show off a player's flashiest skins.

At the top of CSGO's loot list are its infamous knives. Uncommon in the lower ranks, knives serve as something for new players to strive for as they get better at the game. While Counter-Strike players can't put a different sight on their gun or add an under-barrel, no one has beaten them on style just yet. CSGO's knives come in all shapes and sizes with most having unique animations built in by the game's developers.

When it comes to Global Offensive's bevy of knives, type and finish determine how much each is worth. Once a player knows what's popular, they can shop around for a nice balance between the two.

A quick tour of CSGO's market shows some of the game's most sought-after items, as well as its least-desired knives and finishes.