In this complete guide, we help you understand everything about Counter-Strike: what it is, how it works, what the weapons are, maps, positions, rules and much more. Become a true expert and clear up all your doubts.
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What is Counter-Strike
First of all: what is Counter-Strike? One of the most popular first-person shooter games. It was originally released as a mod for the Half-Life game in 1999, but grew to the point where it became a franchise in its own right. Over the years, the game has evolved through various versions, such as Counter-Strike: Source and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. In September 2023, the most recent title came out: Counter-Strike 2.
How Counter-Strike works
The mechanics of how Counter-Strike works are simple. Players are divided into two teams: the terrorists, who can plant the bomb in designated locations, and the counter-terrorists, who must stop the terrorists from planting the bomb, disarm it and rescue hostages.
When you enter a game of Counter-Strike (CS), you can choose whether you want to play as a terrorist or a counter-terrorist. Before the round begins, you can also buy weapons and equipment with the games currency (which you have earned in previous rounds).
What is the story of Counter-Strike?
Counter-Strike doesn’t have a continuous narrative or an elaborate story between the games themselves. Instead, each game in the series is focused primarily on competitive and multiplayer gameplay, without a unified plot.
What is the goal of Counter-Strike?
The objective of Counter-Strike changes depending on the game mode. If you’re playing as a Terrorist, the idea is to plant the bomb in a specific location. If you’re playing as a Counter-Terrorist, your objectives include defusing the bomb and eliminating the terrorists.
What are the weapons in Counter-Strike?
All about Counter-Strike: melee weapons
- Knives
- Pistols
- 9x19mm Sidearm (Glock 18)
- K&M .45 Tactical (USP)
- 228 Compact (SIG Sauer P226)
- Night Hawk .50C (Desert Eagle)
- ES Five-seveN (FN Five-seveN)
- Dual Elites (Double Berettas 92)
All about Counter-Strike: scopes
- Leone 12 Gauge Super (Benelli M3)
- Leone YG1265 Auto Shotgun (Benelli M1014)
All about Counter-Strike: submachine guns
- Schmidt Machine Pistol (Steyr TMP)
- Ingram MAC-10 (Ingram MAC-10)
- K&M Sub-machine Gun (H&K MP5)
- K&M UMP45 (H&K UMP-45)
- ES C90 (FN P90)
All about Counter-Strike: machine guns
- M249 (M249 SAW)
All about Counter-Strike: rifles
- IDF Defender (IMI Galil)
- Clarion 5.56 (FAMAS)
- CV-47 (AK-47)
- Malverick M4A1 (Colt M4A1)
- Schmidt Scout (Steyr Scout)
- Krieg 552 (SIG SG 552)
- Bullpup (Steyr AUG)
- D3/AU-1 (H&K G3)
- Krieg 550 Commando (SIG SG 550)
- Magnum Sniper Rifle (L96 Artic Warfare Magnum)
All about Counter-Strike: Grenades
- HE Grenade (hand grenade)
- Smoke Grenade
- Flashbang (blinding grenade)
What are the Counter-Strike maps?
There are several Counter-Strike maps, each with its own layout and unique features.
- Dust II: set in a desert and is widely played in both casual matches and professional competitions.
- Mirage: characterized by its urban setting and versatile layout.
- Inferno: set in an urban environment with narrow streets and winding passageways.
- Cache: mix of indoor and outdoor environments.
- Overpass: contemporary urban environment.
- Train: set in an abandoned train station.
- Nuke: a nuclear facility and features two main floors with multiple entry and exit points.
All about Counter-Strike: positions
The positions in Counter-Strike refer to the areas of the map where players take up strategic positions to defend or attack.
A Site/Bomb Site A
An area of the map where Terrorists can plant a bomb. Counter-Terrorist players usually defend this area to prevent the bomb from being planted or to defuse it if it has been.
B Site/Bomb Site B
Another area where the Terrorists can plant the bomb. As in A Site, Counter-Terrorist players try to prevent the bomb from being planted.
Mid
Central area of the map, connects the two bomb sites. Controlling the middle can be crucial to outflanking the enemy.
Long
Area of the map characterized by long, open corridors Important route for the Terrorists to advance towards the A Site.
Short
A shorter route, often found near bomb sites. It can be an area of intense confrontation between the teams.
Apartments
Residential areas, which allow an important position to control access to bomb sites and gain control of the map.
Connector
Area that connects different parts of the map, allowing you to move quickly between them.
What are the rules of Counter-Strike?
The rules of Counter-Strike state that players must not enter a match with the intention of losing or hindering their teammates.
In addition, it is forbidden to use automation for any reason. Valve also recommends that players play the entire match. Not cheating and not insulting other players are also on the list.
“Failure to follow these guidelines can result in various penalties, including timeouts, communication restrictions and game bans,” says the company on its official website.
All Counter-Strike games released to date
To date, the Counter-Strike franchise counts five titles: Counter-Strike (2000), Counter-Strike: Condition Zero (2004), Counter-Strike: Source (2004), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012), Counter-Strike 2 (2023). Here are more details on each of the games released to date.
Counter-Strike (2000)
The original game became popular due to its competitive and balanced gameplay, laying the foundations for the series.
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero (2004)
An updated version of the original Counter-Strike, with improved graphics, new maps and a single-player campaign. Responsible for bringing some innovations to the game.
Counter-Strike: Source (2004)
An updated version of the original Counter-Strike. Using Valve’s Source engine, it brought graphical and physical improvements. Although it was initially criticized for some changes in game mechanics, it ended up becoming popular with players.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012)
CS:GO brought updated graphics, new game modes, maps and significant improvements in gameplay. It has become a mainstay of the eSports scene.
Counter-Strike 2 (2023)
Meanwhile, Counter-Strike 2 represents the biggest technical advance in the history of the franchise, guaranteeing new features and updates.
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