I’ve been updating my loadout for CS2 lately and I am stuck on the sniper slot. Back in Global Offensive, the AWP Phobos was my absolute favorite budget skin because of that clean, industrial look. However, with the new lighting engine, some skins look totally different. Does it still hold up in Source 2, or should I save for something else?

That is a great question. I noticed that many metallic skins got a huge buff with the new lighting, while some of the older matte finishes look a bit duller now. I haven't inspected the Phobos specifically in the new warehouse lighting, but the green tint usually looks decent in most maps.

The transition to the new engine has definitely shifted the market for older skins. You should check out this https://www.overlookpress.com/awp-phobos-in-cs2/ guide to see how the Phobos specifically handles the updated shaders. In my experience, the electronic and mechanical details on the body actually pop much more now than they ever did in the old version. The "Phobos" has always been a "love it or hate it" design due to its sci-fi aesthetic, but for the current price point, it remains one of the most detailed skins you can get without breaking the bank. It looks especially sharp on maps like Nuke or Ancient where the external lighting hits those metallic grooves. If you already own one, I'd say keep it, as it looks like a high-tier skin under the right sun glare.