Valve just made a surprising move in the Counter-Strike 2 store. The Anubis collection package, which had been available for purchase, suddenly disappeared with zero announcement or warning. This silent removal has sparked speculation about what’s coming next, and the evidence points to an exciting collection refresh that could reshape the CS2 skin economy.

Why Was the Anubis Collection So Special?

The Anubis package holds a unique place in Counter-Strike history. It’s the only time Valve has ever allowed players to directly purchase an entire collection from the store. Most collections come through operations or the Armory Pass system, but Anubis was different—it was a quick solution when the map launched in CS2 without a corresponding collection ready.

When Anubis first released in CS2, Valve faced a problem: they didn’t have a collection ready for drops. Unlike other active maps with established collections—Overpass through the Armory Pass, Inferno with its legacy collection, or Mirage with Operation skins—Anubis arrived without a proper release structure. So Valve did something unprecedented: they made the collection directly purchasable.

This decision made the Anubis package historically significant and collectible. Smart investors who recognized this rarity began stockpiling them, and now that move is paying off massively.

The Price Explosion Nobody Expected

When news of the removal hit, the market reacted immediately. The Anubis package spiked from around €5 to nearly €10 within hours as collectors realized they were holding something genuinely rare. While prices have settled back down to around €5, the volatility proves that the community understands what just happened.

People who took the risk of buying multiple Anubis packages—like the community member who randomly purchased 500 Anubis capsules in CS:GO years ago—are now sitting on valuable assets. These items are impossible to obtain anymore, making them a unique investment in the CS2 ecosystem.

The Eye of Horus M4 from the collection tells an even more dramatic story. In just one month, the price climbed from around $900 to over $2,000. This isn’t normal price movement—it’s the market recognizing scarcity. The souvenir Eye of Horus drops are extremely rare, with fewer than 1,000 in existence, making them particularly valuable to serious collectors.

What’s Actually Coming Next?

The real story here is what Valve’s recent workshop update reveals. Valve explicitly stated they’re looking for weapon skin submissions inspired by two specific themes: Arabesque art and Arabian mythology. This is basically a confirmation that a new Anubis collection is coming. The removal wasn’t random—it was preparation. Valve is clearing the old collection to make room for fresh designs that fit the same thematic space.

But there’s more. The workshop post mentions a second collection theme: spy and tech. This could mean several things. It might replace one of the current Armory Pass collections, or it could be designed for an entirely new map. Some community members speculate it could be for a Snowy Cobblestone remake, though that seems less likely given the theme doesn’t match winter aesthetics.

The spy and tech collection is more mysterious, but it’s definitely coming—Valve doesn’t request submissions for themes they’re not planning to implement.

The Rarity Implications for Existing Skins

Now that the Anubis collection is officially discontinued, every skin from that set becomes progressively rarer. Look at the numbers: there are approximately 23,000 M4 Eye of Horus skins in circulation. Compare that to the OP Desert Hydra with 15,000, and you see the gap isn’t as dramatic as you’d expect from a store-purchasable collection.

But here’s where it gets interesting: as the collection ages and players use or trade away their skins, these numbers will only decrease. Affordable staples from the collection like the Black Nile AK are already becoming harder to find at budget prices. What was once a clean, affordable skin is now becoming a rarity investment. The same applies to other collection pieces—they’re transitioning from accessible options to genuine collectibles.

If you’ve been holding Anubis collection skins, now is the time to recognize their increasing value. If you’re looking to complete a set before prices climb further, the window is closing fast.

Timing and the Bigger Picture

What makes this move brilliant is the complete lack of warning. Valve didn’t tease the removal or hint at what’s coming. They just pulled the collection from the store. This rewards the players who were paying attention and taking calculated risks on rare items.

The community members who recognized the Anubis package as a one-of-a-kind opportunity are now validated. This is exactly how Valve operates with limited releases—they don’t announce discontinuations in advance because that would create artificial demand spikes and speculation.

The fact that they’re now actively requesting submissions for Arabesque and Arabian mythology skins confirms the new Anubis collection is in active development. Valve is serious about this refresh, and the timeline could be months away or sooner depending on workshop submissions and internal timelines.

For players interested in CS2 skin investments, this is a masterclass in how Valve manages scarcity and collection cycles. The lesson: pay attention to what’s removed, not just what’s added.

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FAQ

Why did Valve remove the Anubis collection without announcement?

Valve typically doesn’t announce collection removals in advance to avoid artificial speculation and demand spikes. The removal signals preparation for a new collection replacement, which they confirmed through their recent workshop call for submissions.

Will the Anubis collection ever return?

It’s highly unlikely. Valve’s strategy is to retire collections and replace them with fresh designs. The Anubis package’s uniqueness came from being purchasable directly—that model won’t repeat. Once discontinued, CS2 collections stay discontinued.

How rare will Anubis skins become?

As the collection ages and players use or trade skins away, they’ll become progressively rarer. The M4 Eye of Horus and other pieces will likely follow the pattern of older discontinued collections, becoming genuine investments over time.

What’s the “spy and tech” collection for?

The exact purpose is unclear. It could replace an existing Armory Pass collection, or it could be designed for a new or remade map. The workshop submission request confirms it’s in development, but Valve hasn’t specified its intended use.

Should I buy Anubis collection skins now?

That depends on your investment timeline. Prices have already spiked and settled, so you’re not catching the initial jump. However, long-term rarity suggests these skins will continue appreciating as they age and become harder to find.

When will the new Anubis collection release?

There’s no official timeline. Valve’s workshop submissions are still open, so the collection is in early-to-mid development. Expect an announcement once submissions close and designs are finalized, likely several months away.