Which Counter-Strike update introduced weapon skins and the Arms Deal feature?

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive introduced weapon skins through the Arms Deal update.

Released in August 2013, the update added weapon finishes, weapon cases, and keys. Players could obtain cosmetic variants without changing a weapon’s performance, creating a major collectible market around Counter-Strike.

The update also helped establish the modern Counter-Strike economy outside matches. Skins became tradable digital items, while their visual rarity and condition made some highly desirable.

A common mix-up is calling the feature an “operation.” Operations were separate limited-time content releases; Arms Deal was the update that first added the skin system.