Doppler knives are some of the most desirable skins in CS2, with their patterns that change color depending on the angle. This guide covers all 7 phases, their visual differences, rarity, and current market values.
What are Doppler Phases?
Doppler is a knife finish introduced in the Chroma Case. Each knife receives a pattern based on a larger digital image - where the knife "lands" on this image determines its phase.
There are 7 variations in total:
- 4 standard phases (Phase 1, 2, 3, 4)
- 3 rare variations (Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl)
Quick Reference Table
| Phase | Dominant Colors | Rarity | Relative Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Black, Dark Blue | Common | β β βββ |
| Phase 2 | Pink, Purple | Common | β β β ββ |
| Phase 3 | Green, Blue, Black | Common | β β βββ |
| Phase 4 | Bright Blue | Common | β β β ββ |
| Ruby | Deep Red | Very Rare | β β β β β |
| Sapphire | Deep Blue | Very Rare | β β β β β |
| Black Pearl | Black, Dark Purple | Extremely Rare | β β β β β |
The 4 Standard Phases
Phase 1
- Colors: Dark blue and light purple with black accents
- Visual: Dark base with blue/purple reflections
- Average price: $200 - $3,200 (depending on knife)
- Popularity: Common, more subtle visual
Phase 2
- Colors: Vibrant pink and purple dominant
- Visual: Very colorful and eye-catching
- Average price: $250 - $4,000
- Popularity: Most popular among standard phases
- Tip: Pairs perfectly with Vice gloves
Phase 3
- Colors: Mix of green, dark blue, and black
- Visual: More "cold" and mysterious tone
- Average price: $200 - $2,400
- Popularity: Less desired, less vibrant colors
- Fun fact: Looks much better in CS2 due to new lighting
Phase 4
- Colors: Bright blue predominant with little black
- Visual: Similar to Sapphire but with dark elements
- Average price: $250 - $3,500
- Popularity: Second most popular after Phase 2
- Tip: Great value for those wanting a blue look
The 3 Rare Gems
Ruby π
- Color: Completely uniform red, like a ruby
- Rarity: ~2% chance when dropping Doppler
- Prices by knife:
- Pairs with: Crimson Kimono gloves, Driver Gloves Crimson Weave
Sapphire π
- Color: Deep uniform blue with purple reflections, like a sapphire
- Rarity: ~2% chance when dropping Doppler
- Prices by knife:
- Pairs with: Pandora's Box gloves, Sport Gloves Amphibious
- Status: Most expensive and desired gem
Black Pearl π
- Color: Very dark purple, almost black, with subtle iridescence
- Rarity: ~1% chance when dropping Doppler (THE RAREST)
- Prices by knife:
- Fun fact: Despite being rarer, less valued than Ruby/Sapphire for being more "subtle"
- CS2 Visual: Much improved with new engine - colors more visible
Drop Probabilities
To understand the real rarity:
- Chance to drop a knife: ~0.26%
- Chance to be Doppler: ~16.67% (1 in 6 finishes)
- Overall Doppler chance: ~0.043%
- Chance of Ruby or Sapphire: ~0.00086% each
- Chance of Black Pearl: ~0.00043%
Knives Available with Doppler
Doppler finish is available on:
- Bayonet, Butterfly Knife, Falchion Knife, Flip Knife, Gut Knife
- Huntsman Knife, Karambit, M9 Bayonet
- Navaja Knife, Shadow Daggers, Talon Knife
- Ursus Knife, Bowie Knife, Stiletto Knife
- Paracord Knife, Survival Knife, Nomad Knife
- Skeleton Knife, Classic Knife, Kukri Knife
Float Value in Dopplers
Dopplers only exist in Factory New (0.00 - 0.08). There are no Minimal Wear or lower Dopplers.
Float Impact:- 0.00x - 0.01: 10-20% premium (cleaner)
- 0.01 - 0.03: Standard, no significant premium/discount
- 0.03 - 0.06: May have small discount
- 0.06 - 0.08: 5-10% discount (more scratched)
How to Identify Your Phase
- By color:
- Using websites:
Pro Players Using Dopplers
- ZywOo: Ruby M9 Bayonet
- jL: Sapphire Butterfly Knife
- Twistzz: Sapphire M9 Bayonet
- ohnePixel: Black Pearl Butterfly and Talon Knives
Buying Tips
β Do:
- Check the phase BEFORE buying (don't trust just the title)
- For expensive gems, inspect the float
- Use platforms that show the phase clearly
- Compare prices across multiple marketplaces
β Don't:
- Buy "Sapphire" without confirming it's #416
- Pay Phase 2 price for Phase 3 (easy to confuse)
- Trade outside platforms with escrow for expensive items
Doppler Investment
Ruby and Sapphire:
- β Excellent for long term
- β High constant demand
- β Easy to resell
Black Pearl:
- β Rarer, appreciation potential
- β οΈ Lower demand than Ruby/Sapphire
Standard Phases:
- Phase 2 and 4: Good for short term
- Phase 1 and 3: Cheaper, lower liquidity
*Updated February 2026
