How Do Doppler Phases Work in CS2 (CS:GO)

The Doppler skin is one of the most popular options for knife skins, boasting mesmerizing black and silver metallic paints. However, this skin family is also unique, as Doppler knives feature various phases and color schemes. If you’re looking to get your hands on a Doppler knife, make sure you understand how its phases work!

What Are Doppler Phases In CS2?

Doppler phases function as a differentiation between the finishes for Doppler knife skins. These phases are divided into categories and distinguished by their color scheme and pattern.

Though almost all Doppler phases follow the same color palette, various phases mix in different proportions to give unique appeals.

There are four distinct Doppler phases that are commonly found in knife skins, but there are also three rare ones that are more difficult to obtain and highly desired.

How Are Doppler Phases Determined?

Similar to skins such as the Case Hardened or Crimson Web, Doppler knife skins are immediately assigned to a hidden pattern index when unboxed. This pattern index value determines what phase a Doppler knife falls under.

You have no control over which Doppler phase you receive, as it is entirely random at the time of unboxing the knife. However, you can always see what phase a Doppler knife falls under when trying to purchase it from someone else.

Though Valve does not reveal the official odds, the community speculates the odds of unboxing one of the four main Doppler phases is around 90%, leaving an estimated 10% chance divided among the three rare phases.

The Four Main Doppler Phases

As previously stated, you are most likely to see a Doppler knife in one of the four distinct phases. These phases are simply named in numerical order.

Phase 1

The first phase of Doppler knife skins is primarily dominated by black colors, with small portions of red and pink colors in the mix. This mixture of palettes creates a dark purple-ish look.

Generally speaking, Phase 1 isn’t the most popular one out there, and is usually one of the cheaper phases you can get.

Phase 2

The second phase is slightly similar to the first one. Doppler knives in Phase 2 feature black, pink, and purple colors. However, pink and purple are more dominant in this phase, making it livelier than Phase 1.

Phase 2 Doppler knives are generally more sought after in the community, and you’ll tend to see them priced higher than some other phases.

Phase 3

Things get a little funky with the third phase. Phase 3 features a confusing mix of blue, black, and green, and knife skins under this category don’t display a true dominant color.

Having green colors on the Doppler makes knife skins less alluring, making Phase 3 one of the least preferable options among the available phases. As a result, Phase 3 is the most affordable one out of the four.

Phase 4

The final distinct phase is Phase 4, which is focused on a blue and black color scheme. It’s vibrant and eye-catching, making it one of the most desirable Doppler phases to purchase on a reasonable budget.

Due to blue being a very popular color, Phase 4 of Doppler knives is extremely popular among collectors, and you will likely see this phase with the highest price tags among the four common phases.

The Rare Doppler Phases

The three rare phases make the Doppler one of the most unique knife skins in the game. Let’s check out the hidden gems in this skin family.

Ruby

As the name suggests, the Ruby variant features an alluring ruby red color scheme. The vibrant red color dazzles under proper lighting, and this Doppler phase really looks like a polished piece of ruby in real life.

With a glossy and reflective surface, the Ruby is one of the most sought after Doppler phases in the game, and is easily the most eye-catching finish in the skin family.

Sapphire

If you want to go for a more regal approach, the Sapphire might be a good choice. A rich, deep blue tone distinguishes the Sapphire phase. Not being too flashy, this phase exudes a sophisticated and cool vibe.

The Sapphire variant is arguably the most sought after type in the Doppler family, and is most often the most expensive option among the different knife types in Counter-Strike.

Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is the final Doppler phase available in the game. This phase offers a near-black matte appearance, with sprinkles of red, blue, and purple hues.

Unlike the other rare phases, the Black Pearl features a mysterious and understated appearance, perfect for players who prefer a more muted aesthetic appeal.

Do Gamma Doppler Knives Work The Same Way?

Yes, they do. The Gamma Doppler skin family follows a similar system. There are four distinct phases in the Gamma Doppler, just like the Doppler, but the only difference is that the former only has one rare phase: the Emerald.