Counter Strike: Source Strategy Guide

My brother, Christian Aaltonen, has taken the time to put together the following strategy guide for Counter Strike: Source. Enjoy!

This is the first version of this strategy guide, which should be considered a work in progress. Please leave any feedback you feel would contribute to the guide, as well as any comments you have for the author.

Counter-Strike Strategy Guide: “From One of the Best… To the Rest…”

Written By: Christian Aaltonen, a.k.a. [Aa]Caalton85 (Ranked #1 – PAF CS:S Server)

Thank you for taking the time to read my strategy guide. I haven’t had any experience writing such pieces but I’d like to help those in need. For experienced players I doubt this guide will be of any assistance, seeming very basic. However, I didn’t plan on writing it for you. Instead this might help out those just beginning to play Counterstrike; so-called “nOObs.” Included you will find: weapon reviews, map reviews, game prep, and various other “tid-bits” of information. I don’t consider myself the best teacher, but I’ll try to instill some knowledge with this strategy guide. However, all my secrets won’t be revealed because that would lead to my demise in battle. I cannot tell you how to play the game, but I can instruct you what not to do. If you still have questions after reading this guide, find me on PAF and send me a message. Now let us begin…

I. Getting Started

Purchasing Weapons and Supplies:

“You Get What You Paid For”

If you’ve just started playing CS then I suggest that you spend time orienting yourself with each of the many various weapons. Everyone has their particular favorite(s) weapons. Since you’ll undoubtedly not always have enough money to buy the gun you desire, it is best that you are proficient with one from each category: Pistols – Shotguns – Sub Machine Guns – Rifles – Para. If you ask me, not buying a gun and saving for another round is a waste. With only a pistol, one does not stand a chance against an automatic rifle. If you continue to do this, your deaths will pile up and you kills will be few and far between. Say for instance you wait two rounds for money to purchase a Para and only produce one frag. For these three rounds your K:D [Kill-to-Death] Ratio would be around 1:3 which is not good. As a result, buy what you can, when you can and fight with what you have. Ex = a SMG round + a SMG round + a SMG round > a Pistol round + a Pistol round + a Para Round. While the expensive weapons are fun, I don’t believe dying constantly and having bad statistics is enjoyable.

“The Biggest Stick Is Not Always the Best”

As stated before, practice with all the weapons in a LAN game and find one of each category that suits your skills. Each of the guns has a different recoil and damage, and playing with an assortment will confuse a player’s aim. Personally I use the USP or Glock as my Pistol, MP-5 as my SMG, and either a M4A1 or AK-47 as my rifle. Depending on the map, I buy one over the other. If a map contains open spaces I’ll likely go with a Rifle over a SMG because of its long range power and accuracy. Although it will take many shots for a kill, the MP5’s low recoil makes it accurate in close quarters. Once you’ve chosen your favorite(s): practice, practice, practice. Knowing a gun’s accuracy and tendencies will help you in combat.

“Bare Essentials”

At the buy screen my number one priority is to first purchase my suit of Kevlar with helmet. Although you might question the effectiveness of the armor at times, it does provide protection. If for nothing else, Kevlar helps your self-confidence. Going into a round without armor, one has to feel less comfortable. My second selection at the buy screen is my weapon and its matching ammo. From here you’re ready for combat; that is unless you have a few bucks left for the “extras.” Grenades are a topic I will discuss later on, and when used properly can bail you out of sticky situations. Unless you’re a CT facing a T team who make’s a priority of planting the bomb, a defusal kit it unnecessary. You can defuse the bomb without one if you clear the bombsite of hostiles quickly enough. Also, a fallen comrade may have a defuse kit on their corpse which you can “borrow” after they’re gone. Nightvision = a complete waste of funds, thus you should not buy.

Movement:

“White Men Can’t Jump. I Beg to Differ”

The ability to transgress every obstacle will help you evade death. Ex = A Terrorist has you pinned you down with automatic fire and you need to retreat. Choice A: you can stumble over the file cabinets and be a sitting duck, or Choice B: execute a crouch-jump over the objects and around the next corner. As with weapon efficiency, practicing these maneuvers will help in -game. In CS:S most of the moveable objects can be hurdled if your timing and tactic of jumping is correct. Below are tips and explanations of the various jumps.

1. Normal Jump [Space Bar]
   • This jump is self-explanatory and basic. With this command you can jump over objects or boundaries of heights no greater than, let’s say two feet. If you so chose, one can use this to “hop” around a firefight in order to be a harder target. A negative side of jumping while shooting is that your accuracy will be lower than walking. Also if you’re hit in mid-air you are stopped dead and will be a much easier kill.
2. Crouch-Jump [Combination of Ctrl and Space Bar]
   • In order to climb those boxes and crates you’ll need this jump. To execute, approach the desired climb and hit the space bar. At the apex, or the top of your jump, hit the crouch button [Ctrl]. Often times it might take a few attempts, but once you’ve had practice you should be able to crouch-jump smoothly and with ease. So next time you see a guy in a hiding spot and state “how the heck did he get there,” you’ll know that he used a combination of normal and crouch jumps to do so. [Hint: your teammates can be used as stepping stones do reach otherwise unreachable heights.]
3. Running-Jump w/Knife
   • If an area of length is your target jump, the running-jump will be needed. There is really no difference between this and the normal jump except that you need momentum and your knife equipped.

“Run, Forest, Run”

If you’re wondering why others on your team are moving faster than you, it’s due to them equipping their knife instead of their primary weapon. You may not choose to run with a knife due to the fact that you’re vulnerable to an attack without a weapon out. However, in order to reach that bombsite before the Terrorists do, you’ll need to run faster.

“Shhhhh…Be Quiet”

Walking or sneaking around is most often necessary when you’re outnumbered by the other team and the only one on your team alive. By holding down Shift or Ctrl, you will hear footsteps approaching while silencing your own. However, if the other team is walking around it can provide quite a fright suddenly seeing a hostile. If you see one of your teammates sneaking around, please be courteous and do so as well. When he’s trying to hear the enemy, he doesn’t need your footsteps interfering. [Hint: If you’re a CT and in a silent mode, it is best to use a silenced weapon: either the H&K USP or Colt M4A1 can be equipped with a silencer by simply right-clicking. The Steyr TMP also comes with a fixed silencer. Using a silenced weapon against your opponent can allow you to remain hidden, while the other team cannot hear your shots.]

II. Weapon Reviews

Pistols:

Glock

Price: $400

Country of Origin: Austria

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Clip Capacity: 20 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 0.9 kg

Projectile Weight: 8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1132 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 475 Joules

Review: Standard issue pistol, you will spawn with this weapon every round you are on the Terrorist team. Equipped with two modes of fire, this weapon is versatile, but not powerful. While in a firefight against other pistols, the Glock may have 20 rounds, but it needs every one. Even with an accurately placed three-round burst, many body shots are needed for a kill. One of the better long-range pistols, the Glock is accurate but not powerful.

H&K USP

Price: $500

Country of Origin: Germany

Caliber: .45 ACP

Clip Capacity: 12 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 1 kg

Projectile Weight: 15.2 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 866 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 553 Joules

Review: Standard issue pistol, you will spawn with this weapon every round you are on the Counter-Terrorist team. Of all the pistols, the USP has the only silencer for those situations that require stealth. The USP is also the 2 nd largest caliber round pistol, behind only the Desert Eagle. While the USP is slight less accurate than the Glock, it can kill with less rounds. If you empty your primary weapon’s clip in a firefight, a USP is a worthy weapon to finish off your opponent. [Hint: Often times, it is better to switch to your secondary weapon instead of reloading your primary. Reloading may take time that you cannot spare, while a pistol can provide cover while you can retreat or kill your opponent.]

Sig Sauer

Price: $600

Country of Origin: Switzerland/Germany

Caliber: .357 SIG

Clip Capacity: 13 Rounds

Rate of Fire:> N/A

Weight (Loaded): 1.03 kg

Projectile Weight: 8.1 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1400 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 600 Joules

Review: Rarely used pistol that has pluses and minuses. A positive is that it has one more bullet than the USP, however it is not as accurate and that extra bullet will be needed. Many body hits will be needed to kill, with the .357 SIG ammunition slightly more powerful than that of the 9mm of the Glock.

Desert Eagle

Price: $650

Country of Origin: Israel

Caliber: .50 Action Express

Clip Capacity: 7 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 1.8 kg

Projectile Weight: 19.4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1380 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1650 Joules

Review: Most purchases pistol. Although it has a major flaw of only 7 rounds, each one of those could be fatal. Taking a point-blank hit by a .50 Desert Eagle will cause severe damage if not kill you. In a firefight, you will need to use extreme awareness of your ammunition. You can take more time to fire using a Desert Eagle because it will cause more damage than most other weapons, including automatic. Despite its close combat advantages, the Eagle is a very accurate long-range weapon. [Hint: If you should stumble upon an unaware sniper, be careful. I’d say 99% of all snipers buy a Desert Eagle to use close range.]

FN Five-Seven [Counter-Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $750

Country of Origin: Belgium

Caliber: 5.7 x 28mm

Clip Capacity: 20 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 0.61 kg

Projectile Weight: 2 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2345 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 465 Joules

Review: Although a favorite of mine, this gun really has no use in the game. Long range, no pistol can beat the 5-7’s aim. However, to kill someone you’ll need almost half of the guns’, large 20 round clips. Overall, this pistol has the most accuracy while having the least power.

Dual Beretta Elites [Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $800

Country of Origin: Italy

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Clip Capacity: 15 Rounds [Each]

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 1.15 kg [Each]

Projectile Weight: 8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1280 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 606 Joules

Review: Perhaps the weapon that yields the most “fun,” but these Berettas are highly inaccurate. Fifteen rounds in each gun, these pistols have the largest capacity by far and will win in any lengthy pistol fight. Despite using the same caliber rounds, the Beretta will yield more damage with a body shot than a Glock. Firing rapidly into a crowd will likely cause damage to everyone. [Hint: As with all non-automatic weapons, pistols only fire as fast as you can click. Most important with the Berettas, the fastest you can fire lead, the more of a chance you can damage your opponent.]

Shotguns:

Benelli M3 Super 90

Price: $1700

Country of Origin: Italy

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Clip Capacity: 8 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 3.5 kg

Projectile Weight: 3.8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1250 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 2429 Joules

Review: Much improved in CS:S than in previous versions. Not only is the M3 effective close range, but now it can be used in long range combat. Point blank, an M3 round will cause severe damage, including kill you in a single shot. I’d recommend using shotguns only when the map is close-combat orientated. [Hint: If you’re in a firefight with a shotgun you’d better kill the user quickly, because his shells will last longer than your automatic weapon clip.]

Benelli SPAS Shotgun

Price: $3000

Country of Origin: Italy

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Clip Capacity: 7 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 4 kg

Projectile Weight: 3.8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1250 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 2429 Joules

Review: The so-called “nOOb tube” has many downfalls. First, the 7 shells will fire so quickly that if you don’t hit your target the first time, you’ll likely not receive a second-chance. Second, unless you’re firing point-blank, you’re not going to deal much damage to anyone. As a result, this weapon is relatively useless in most situations.

Sub-Machine Guns [SMGs]:

Steyr TMP [Counter-Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $1250

Country of Origin: Austria

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 857 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 1.3 kg

Projectile Weight: 8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1280 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 606 Joules

Review: The Steyr TMP is rarely used in CS because many of the other, more expensive weapons provide more “pop.” However, if you need a silenced weapon, or just an accurate weapon, the TMP works well. While the TMP has a fairly accurate spray, you will need a few body hits before someone is killed.

H&K MP5

Price: $1500

Country of Origin: Germany

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 800 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 3.42 kg

Projectile Weight: 8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1132 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 637 Joules

Review: Of all the Sub-Machine Guns the H&K MP5 is the most widely used, and for good reasons. Unlike most other guns, when you point this weapon at an opponent and spray, you will notice that its accuracy will provide more body hits. However, it will take five or six hits to kill the other person.

H&K UMP

Price: $1700

Country of Origin: Germany

Caliber: .45 ACP

Clip Capacity: 25 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 600 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 2.27kg

Projectile Weight: 15.2 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 1002 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 625 Joules

Review: Probably the least used weapon in the game. This gun is more of a pistol with 25 rounds, with its high caliber rounds. If used like a pistol with single shots, the UMP can be deadly long-range. However, in close combat the UMP’s slow rate of fire doesn’t help its performance.

FN P90

Price: $2350

Country of Origin: Belgium

Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum

Clip Capacity: 50 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 900 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 3 kg

Projectile Weight: 2 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2345 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 465 Joules

Review: Relatively small accuracy grouping for a gun with such a high rounds per minute. For those who feel they run out of bullets too quickly in a firefight, this weapon is for you. This miniature Para has about twenty more rounds than the average gun, thus you will still be firing when the other is reloading. The P90 can also be used as support for team movement, much like the Para, but with better accuracy and cheaper cost.

Ingram Mac-10 [Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $1400

Country of Origin: United States of America

Caliber: .45 ACP

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 857 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 3.82 kg

Projectile Weight: 15.2 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 919 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 584 Joules

Review: Like the H&K UMP, the Mac-10 uses .45 ACP ammunition much like the USP pistol. If you look at the Mac-10 you’ll see that it is basically a one-handed weapon. Therefore, its recoil will cause the gun to jump wildly and the bullet spray will be wide, with little chance to hit much. Other than the Para, I’d say that this weapon is the most inaccurate. Unless you’re firing in a hallway you won’t hit anything. Don’t even think you’ll hit anything long-range with the Mac-10, you’re better off using your pistol.

Rifles:

FAMAS [Counter-Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $2250

Country of Origin: France

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Clip Capacity: 25 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 1100 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 3.40 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2212 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1712 Joules

Review: The Counter-Terrorist’s version of a cheap, accurate weapon, much like the Terrorist’s Galil. If you’re down on money, the FAMAS is an excellent choice, if you’re shooting long-range use the weapon’s 3-round burst. One or two bursts on this setting will kill an opponent with extreme accuracy. When fighting close combat use the full automatic setting which has SMG accuracy with rifle power. One major drawback of this weapon is the slightly smaller than average 25-round clips. If you want to have accuracy with each shot long range, this is definitely your weapon. Using the three-round burst you will be pin-point with each fire.

Steyr Scout

Price: $2750

Country of Origin: Austria

Caliber: 7.62 NATO

Clip Capacity: 10 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 3.3 kg

Projectile Weight: 8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2800 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 2200 Joules

Review: A real sniper’s choice of a rifle. Unlike the AWP or any of the auto sniper rifles, the scout actually takes skill. A well-place chest or head shot will kill someone, but anywhere else two shots are required. If you run into someone with this weapon out, it is useless without zoom. Therefore, be ready to switch to your pistol for close encounters. With the Scout being so lightweight, you are able to run as fast as when your knife is equipped.

Colt M4A1 [Counter-Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $3100

Country of Origin: United States of America

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 685 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 3.22 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2900 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1570 Joules

Review: In the opinion of most the M4A1 is the best all-around weapon in CS. Some prefer the Colt with a silencer attached, and some prefer no silencer. Either way, I don’t think that there’s much difference in the weapon’s performance. Long range with a well aimed single shot, one can take out an opponent easily. While it can be inaccurate spraying down a hallway, you can easily kill an opponent using full auto. My personal favorite, this weapon is proficient in every area and therefore will be the weapon most seen while playing.

Steyr AUG [Counter-Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $3500

Country of Origin: Austria

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 727 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 4.09 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2900 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1570 Joules

Review: A favorite weapon of mine for those maps with wide open areas. With its zoom feature, the AUG can be deadly accurate, and will rival any sniper rifle. If you use single shot while zoomed, you’re shots shouldn’t spray too wildly, and are likely to hit your target. However, I don’t recommend holding down your mouse button while zoomed. Despite its long range pluses, the AUG fairs well in close combat and thus should be used in each. Close range, you’ll likely receive results that match the Colt M4A1, with the AUG using the same caliber ammunition, and having the same muzzle velocity and recoil.

Sig 550 [Counter-Terrorist Weapon] [Not Allowed on PAF Server]

Price: $4200

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 7.02 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 3100 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1650 Joules

AWP [Not Allowed on PAF Server]

Price: $4750

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum

Clip Capacity: 10 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 6 kg

Projectile Weight: 16.2 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 3000 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 7000 Joules

Galil [Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $2000

Country of Origin: Israel

Caliber: .223

Clip Capacity: 35 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 675 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 4.35 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2013 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1712 Joules

Review: The cheapest rifle in the game, the Galil also has the largest capacity of ammunition; 35 rounds. Although the Galil doesn’t have an actual burst-round setting, clicking the fire button will shoot a few shots that rival the FAMAS’ accuracy. If you don’t shoot full-auto and merely hold fire for a few moments you will spray in a small area, must like that of an SMG. For price, you can’t beat the Galil for its power and accuracy.

AK-47 [Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $2500

Country of Origin: Russia

Caliber: 7.62 NATO

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 600 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 4.79 kg

Projectile Weight: 7.9 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2329 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1992 Joules

Review: Terrorist mainstay weapon, much like the Colt of the Counter-Terrorists. However, the AK is also the most inaccurate rifle. Long-range you’ll receive more power than a Colt, but you’d better hit the other person with the first two single shots. Medium-to-short range to hit an opponent you must basically “pray and spray.” Sometimes you’ll be a few feet away from a person and not hit them at all, and other times you’ll receive lucky headshots.

Sig 552 [Terrorist Weapon]

Price: $3500

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Clip Capacity: 30 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 727 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 3.1 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2900 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1570 Joules

Review: x

H&K G3 [Terrorist Weapon] [Not Allowed on PAF Server]

Price: $5000

Country of Origin: Germany

Caliber: 7.62 NATO

Clip Capacity: 20 Rounds

Rate of Fire: N/A

Weight (Loaded): 4.41 kg

Projectile Weight: 8 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 2800 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 2200 Joules

Heavy Weapons:

M249 Para

Price: $5750

Country of Origin: Belgium

Caliber: 5.56 Parabellum

Clip Capacity: 100 Rounds

Rate of Fire: 600 RPM

Weight (Loaded): 6 kg

Projectile Weight: 4 grams

Muzzle Velocity: 3000 Feet/ Second

Muzzle Energy: 1600 Joules

Review: The ultimate support weapon for that rush to the bombsite or down a crowded corridor. With a massive 100 round magazine, the Para can go for quite so time without being reloaded. However, when you need to reload, you’ll notice that it’ll take many venerable seconds. Overall, this gun is not worth the most expensive price tag in the game. You may be able to hit someone long range with your first, well-placed shot but after that, good luck. Even at close range, shooting at full-auto you’re not likely to hit anything. However when there’s a group of the enemy the Para will damage each one equally.

III. Map Reviews

Assault: Many versions of this map are played, but they are basically all the same map. The Counter-Terrorist team starts off outside the main warehouse containing the hostages. Being a Counter-Terrorist on this map is very difficult with the Terrorists camping the various entrances to the warehouse. The Terrorist team basically sits in their base and snipes at those trying to sneak inside. The front garage door is a “turkey shoot” for Terrorists with long-range weaponry. Your second option for entrance is the back door. However, if its being watched one has to escape crossfire from both the front and back. The last entrance into the warehouse is the most commonly used, and if flooded with Counter-Terrorists can be easily accessed. The hostages are rarely rescued in this map because of the difficulty for entrance and then exit. In my opinion this is the hardest map for which to be a Counter-Terrorist. Therefore, I recommend being a Terrorist and work on picking of the enemy long-range.

Aztec: A map filled with earthy tones and textures, this map provides great cover with it dark areas and color scheme. However the characteristics of Aztec provide for a difficult time seeing and hitting your opponents. Of all the maps I believe this one is the hardest to hit long-range targets. There are basically three areas to this map; the water, the bridge and the double doors leading to Terrorist spawn. Covering these entrances thoroughly will likely result in a Counter-Terrorist victory. Those who possess sniping skills will enjoy covering the bridge and picking off their enemy while they bravely run across. This map is either hit-or-miss, either team has a chance if they choose the right strategies. The water area of the map is the darkest and enemies often lurk in the depths waiting to pounce. With a proficient team of players one can dominate this map and slaughter the other team, but this doesn’t happen often and scores are generally kept even.

Chateau: An excellent flanking map; one can sweep around an opponent and rack up easy kills. For a Terrorist rushing bombsite A is a daunting task. The Counter-Terrorists cover this bombsite from the 10 different windows on three sides. The easier option is bombsite B with it’s slightly better cover and smaller area. A way for a Terrorist to flank the CT’s is to quickly rush site A and jump into a window on the sides. From here they can make their way upstairs and behind the camping enemy. On the Counter-Terrorist side, one can flank by breaking the boards near site B and coming through the water to the Terrorist spawn and then to site A. Basically a close-combat map, you’ll see more shotguns and SMGs used over Scouts and zooming weapons.

Cobble: European style village was the basis of this map’s creation. The easiest thing for the Counter-Terrorists to accomplish on this map is to camp the bombsite not located at the CT spawn. Be careful of the two different sniper’s nests in this map, only located near each team’s spawn. Because of the closeness of the two bombsites, one can cover both or defuse the bomb quickly with much time spent. The most common event when playing this map is the teams to be caught in a standstill at the entrance to the larger bombsite. As a result, if one can sweep around back of the other, easy kills can be had. Due to the maps large areas, the most common guns include zoom rifles and Scouts. A sub machine gun cannot hit a person a long ways off, a thus should not be bought on this map.

Dust: A classic and still the most popular map in all of Counter-Strike. Based in the Middle-East, Dust is one of the brighter maps and therefore the darker colors of your uniform will stand out. There are two ways to the bombsite in Dust, the fewest of any of the maps. You can either go through the hallways or the underpass. However, there are drawbacks to each. If the Terrorist don’t rush hard to Bombsite A, the hallways become a “bottle-neck” and a lengthy firefight. The only other way, the underpass is always guarded by snipers and is difficult to navigate. If the Terrorist team fails in their attempts to rush the bombsite they will likely start to camp outside the hallway entrance. When the T’s start to do this a Counter-Terrorist’s job becomes very difficult because the roles have been reversed and now they will have to rush.

Dust2: Second map in the line of Middle Eastern scheme. Dust2 has more choices than its predecessor, and a lot more route choices. The most direct route between spawns is through the middle with the large double doors. Using teamwork on this map is a must. With the ability to flank an opponent easily a team has to stick together in order to survive. For instance, a Terrorist team who sticks together is almost certain to win against a team of a few Counter-Terrorists. There are two routes to bombsite A: Long A and Short A. The longer route is to the Terrorist right and through the set of double doors. The shorter route runs parallel to the middle, between the bases. Bombsite B is one of the smallest and easiest to protect in the game, while bombsite A’s openness is more difficult.

Havana : Based in Cuba, this map is a combination of courtyards and hallways. Once you play this map, you’ll notice that routes are different each round. Sometimes an entrance will be closed and then be open other rounds. From the Counter-Terrorist spawn there is four separate routes to the objective; hostages on the second level. In my opinion this map is the easiest to rescue the hostages, with three rescue points. Because there are many entrances and exits, it’s often hard to find the opponent and cover the hostages. You can do one of two things on this map: 1. run constantly around the courtyards and look for your opponent or 2. Sit and wait for them to come to you. I’ve found that if the Terrorist don’t cover the entrances well enough, the Counter-Terrorist can easily rush the upper levels and wipe out everyone.

Inferno: No official map has been released by Valve, but there is an excellent custom map version. Instead of the dusty older version, the new Inferno is more of a European town. The maps’ layout is basically the same, except that new source models have been added and the overall brightness is lower. The two bombsites are on separate sides of the map, and each present many camping spots for the Terrorist to camp after planting the bomb. Because of the long, open corridors of fire, the Counter-Terrorists have the advantage of the Terrorists having to rush. If the Terrorist choose a slow approach to the bombsite, they’ll likely be flanked from behind.

Italy : Other than Assault, this is one of the maps that Terrorist camp the most, or any team for that matter. In this Italian village, the Counter-Terrorists have the daunting task of rushing an elevated house containing the hostages. The apartment route to the house is probably the most intense close combat firefight in all of CS. You must be very brave in order to choose this route. I recommend trying to flank around to the Counter-Terrorist base and then backtrack through the apartment. The Counter-Terrorist will likely be focused on the hostage house and will be easy targets. The long hallway from the market is sure to be guarded by snipers and is not often used as an entrance to the hostages. Instead, most Counter-Terrorists come from the middle or from the apartments. Italy is one of the toughest maps to be a Counter-Terrorist.

Militia: Like Assault, there isn’t an official map but it is a well-made custom. Very little was changed to the actual map’s makeup except for a few visual upgrades; ex: ivy on the building is a nice touch. Although not set at night, the map is unusually dark, despite being very orange. In my opinion, if you own the sewers than you can control the other team’s strategy. Not only will you cause the Counter-Terrorists to rely on a frontal-assault, but you’ll also be able to flank their rear. If you’re a Counter-Terrorist I’d work on eliminating the other team. The reason for this is that although every hostage is “dumb,” you’ll want to shoot these ones the most. Militia is another Terrorist-friendly map.

Office: Basis of all close combat maps. With the lack of large open areas, Office is basically a map consisting of small rooms and hallways. The Counter-Terrorists are usually the ones who rush the hostages and the Terrorist sit back and camp. You can either find the Terrorists hiding in the dark, hostage room or flanking the Counter-Terrorists through the garage door. This is one of the few maps that the teams are generally on a level playing field. Along with the Dust maps this is one of the most played, due to its fast, intense firefights.

Piranesi: A medieval castle setting, this map will seem like a maze to a beginner. Although there are two bombsites, there are many ways to each. Bombsite A is closer to the Counter-Terrorist spawn and is much harder to defend after planting the bomb. The reason for this is the large area the bombsite encompasses and the lack of cover. At bombsite A, the Counter-Terrorist can approach from three directions and shoot covering fire from the castle parapets and windows. As a result, bombsite B is more widely used and thus should be covered more. Bombsite B doesn’t have the high vantage points and the Terrorists can focus on covering a 90 degree arc instead of a 180. B also provides many dark nooks and doorways to which a Terrorist can camp. Before playing this map, I seriously recommend memorizing the layout so you’re not lost online.

Prodigy: In my opinion, Prodigy is the best remake of a CS original. With little changed in the level itself, the graphical improvements are very impressive. Instead of a bland cliff, there lies an incredible looking bunker system. The most detailed thing in this level is the rusty roof of the Terrorist base. There are two ways to the bombsites in this map: the canyon and the garage. Teams generally split which way they go, but I’d suggest going with your skills. If you’re good long range, go the canyon route and shoot your opponent down the waterfall. On the other hand, the garage is closer, face-to-face fighting. Whichever way you go, be sure to buy plenty of grenades, as they are likely to cause severe damage in the massive groupings on Prodigy. Because of the major flanking occurring on this map, beware of the campers in the Terrorist spawn. If you’ve continued to flank the opponent from the rear, it’s possible that they’ll leave a couple stragglers behind. Both bombsites are among the smallest in the game and are generally hard to break; most noticeable the computer room site.

IV. Teamwork

Teamwork is the basis of a successful Counter-strike match. Without an organized group of people you can’t possibly win. For instance, if everyone splits up and goes their separate ways, everyone will be eliminated one-by-one. However even if a team sticks together, it doesn’t necessarily mean that “teamwork” exists. If someone is being shot at, don’t wait until they die to shoot the enemy, help them out. When playing online I have frequently been shot when I was surrounded by teammates. This should not happen if a true team atmosphere exists. Instead one should focus on covering their teams’ back and hope that they’ll do likewise. An example for teamwork: going up the ladder from the sewers on Militia. In this situation, you should not let a teammate go up alone as they will be eliminated quickly. Flashbangs should be thrown up before the rush and the rest of the team should follow. Although some may die in this situation, at least it will not be the entire team.

“Don’t Irritate Your Teammates”

You see it in every Counterstrike server, a person whose sole purpose is to annoy. These few people choose to cause disruption and don’t care about what happens to you or them. They choose to constantly swear or verbally abuse both people on their team and their opponents. Because you need your teammates in order to succeed, I don’ recommend that you take to such actions. However, if you choose to annoy then you be aware that your teammates might not come to your rescue when you press the “Need Backup” message. I suggest that you remain polite and courteous, answering everyone’s questions and helping those who are inexperienced.

“Blinded by the Light”

Although you may not mean to do so, flashing a teammate can be almost as bad as killing them. If you throw a flashbang into a room when a teammate is nearby, he’ll be a sitting duck until the blinding affect wears off. In order to prevent this from occurring be sure to check before throwing flashbangs and to work on your grenade tossing. There is an art to throwing grenades, involving distance, ricochet, and trajectory. Distance: you can throw a grenade a great distance by moving forward and releasing while running. If you pull this tactic off, you’ll launch the grenade like Michael Vick does a football. Ricochet: although you may not be able to see the enemy around that corner, you are able to bounce a grenade off a wall and towards its destination. Be careful when throwing off walls, as the grenade can come back to bite you, literally. Trajectory: in order to throw a great distance you’ll have the correct level of launch. If you aim too low you’ll cause the grenade to hit the ground before reaching the opponent. Despite the ability to reach vast distances with a HE grenade, the weapon itself will detonate after a certain time. The most common cause of a miss-thrown grenade is not the player’s inexperience, but an ill-fated “bump.” For example, you’re moving to throw a grenade and a teammate runs into you, causing your throw to be offline and unsuccessful.

“Don’t Put to Sleep Those Who Watch Your Back”

If you’re the last person alive and are not likely to take out the remaining enemy you shouldn’t do one thing; camp. Choosing to camp will only accomplish a waste of time and the growing disloyalty of your teammates. One does not play Counterstrike to sit around waiting to start the next round; they want to be in the action. As a result, when people have to wait over 3 minutes they start to become annoyed. If this happens once, alright but if it happens multiple times you’ve lost your team. When your own team wants you dead, they won’t bother covering your back in a firefight. They’d rather see you die then have to wait more wasted minutes. The one exception to this is if the surviving teammate is a player of many skills, someone like me. In this situation, these types of players can take out multiple enemies before dying and therefore will provide a show for those watching.

“Keep Your Friends Close… and Your Enemy Dead”

Having good teamwork is good, having a close-knit group of friends… priceless. In my opinion a small group of three or four team members moving together can accomplish much. For me, these players are: RyanLeaveYaDying, |Bamboo|, Arnauld, and myself. You’ll notice on the PAF server that we are always on the same team and working together like clockwork. As a result of our combined effort and skills we all are currently in the Top 5 in rankings on PAF. In order to have this success you must befriend those who are both skillful and show teamwork. Basically, you are working in a clan-like manner without actually being in a clan.

“Are You Deaf? I Said Hold This Position”

In Counterstrike, the three groups of radio messages are important to the game. If one does not have a microphone at their disposal to voice commands with, then these can be used instead of typing. Typing messages can make you venerable to attack and stop your movement completely. Instead uses the keys [Z, X, C] and the corresponding numbers for radio commands. I use these messages numerous times during each round, and without them my team wouldn’t know of the situation at my position. Using the commands is one aspect of radioing, the other is more important: listening. When a teammate plants the bomb and wants assistance covering it, they’ll radio “hold this position.” A team can work fluently to plant the bomb, but if everyone ignores this message and goes their separate ways, a Counter-Terrorist can easily defuse.

V. Camping

“Difference Between a Camper and a Retarded Sloth…Nothing”

I don’t recommend making a habit of camping in Counterstrike. As I have stated above, your teammates will grow to dislike you on their side and hope you die quickly each round. There are both advantages and disadvantages of camping. One positive is that you might be able to kill a few opponents before they recognize were you’re hiding. However, proficient players know almost all camping sites and routinely check them as they pass the area. A major disadvantage is that when camping you are sitting still and thus you are easier to hit. Also, when shooting at an enemy from a camping position you will have to hit a moving target, a much more difficult task. If you’re not successful with your first few shots, you’re likely to be spotted. Reaction time is generally longer when you’re camping making your shots more important than those of your target.

“To Camp, or Not To Camp, That is the Question”

There is only two times in which you can camp without being ridiculed. If you’re a Terrorist and the bomb has been planted, you’re safe to camp and guard the area. [Hint: when covering the bomb, I suggest that you don’t sit directly on the bomb. Instead remain hidden until you hear the sound of the defuse beginning. When a Counter-Terrorist is defusing, they are a “sitting-duck.” Even if they stop their defusing, it will take a second or two in order to fire.] The second time in which camping is allowed is when Terrorists are guarding hostages. However, I suggest that one waited until the Counter-Terrorists are approaching to start camping. I don’t think any situation calls for a Counter-Terrorist is called upon to camp, unless he is guarding the bombsite.

VI. Game Preparation

1. Brightness: Adjust your settings to fit every map. Because each map has its own characteristics, different settings will be need to optimize gameplay. A map such as Havana is very dark in much of the areas and thus your monitor’s brightness should be higher than normal. On the lighter, Dust maps a much lower brightness level can be used without affecting your game. I don’t however recommend that one play Counterstrike with their brightness set very low. If you play like this, it’s unlikely that you’ll see anyone.
2. Rest: Do not play when you’re too tired or just awakening. If you wake up and want to play Counterstrike, I’d suggest taking a shower and refreshing yourself before playing. A nice warm shower will open your eyes and heighten your senses. On the other hand, playing Counterstrike for a lengthy period of time and growing tired will decrease your playing ability. If you care about your statistics and reputation don’t play if you need sleep. Likewise, if you notice your skills declining stop playing for a while and re-gather yourself.
3. Temperature: I have found that most people are affected by the temperature of their surroundings. Almost daily you’ll see someone state how their hands are freezing. Cold hands are probably the biggest threat to a person’s gameplay. One’s body loses warmth constantly and the first to lose heat is the extremities. Using freezing hands to play Counterstrike is similar to playing with your feet. Reaction time will be far, far slower when your hands are this way. Too much heat, on the other hand, isn’t good either. Becoming irritable and starting to sweat causes stress and a “slip” in performance [See below for more information on “slip”]
4. Food: Eating during play is up to the gamer, but I don’t suggest eating some foods. Greasy food such as pizza will cause both a slick mouse and a dirty keyboard. Nobody wants an unclean computer, but the damage will must likely be in gameplay. Trying to click your mouse when your fingers are either greasy or sweaty is a difficult task. You will not maintain solid contact with the fire button and thus you will often misfire. To prevent from having a slick system I recommend either not eating or constantly washing you hands. Cleaning with soap and water will dry your hands and improve your accuracy. Despite foods’ influence to gameplay, one must eat if playing for a lengthy time. If one does not eat they will grow physically weak and their body will tire. As I stated, it’s all up to the gamer, but if you want to eat while playing choose something with little crumbs and little grease.
5. Exercise: Before starting to play, I generally begin with a tapping regiment. Sure this may sound a bit strange, but drumming your fingers in different patterns helps out profoundly. Try rolling all your digits up and down, back and forth until they feel loose and ready to rock-and-roll. Stiff fingers will cause a drop in reaction time and fire effectiveness. In order to play Counterstrike you will need to use each hand simultaneously and with great precision. Because looking down at your keyboard will result in your demise, one must memorize the keys. This will come to a player after hours of playing CS. I’ve been often commented to have incredible movement skills. I accept this compliment because I am able to fly around the keyboard and multi-task. If you have heightened hand-eye coordination you will probably succeed at Counterstrike, much like me.
6. Watch: After you die in Counterstrike, you’ll go to a spectator mode in which you can watch those left alive. Use this time to study your opponent’s every move. If a particular enemy player is fairing well, observe where they go and how they act. Not only can you learn how a certain person behaves, but an entire team. If you’re wondering how your team is being annihilated, ascertain the other team’s strategies and tactics.

VII. Various Strategy Topics:

Shot Selection:

There are three types of firing methods in Counterstrike: full auto, burst, and single shot. Each should be used in different situations. The advantage of fully automatic firing is that you’ll spray rounds in the enemy’s direction at maximum clip. However, your accuracy will be greatly diminished holding down the fire button. Example: you’re pointing at an opponent point-blank. Here, you’re likely to go full auto and hit them only a few times. [Hint: because of each gun’s recoil, aim slightly downward when firing fully automatic. Your shots will jump upwards and aiming low might give you a better chance of hitting your opponent.] There are two methods of burst fire; fixed and manual. Some weapons have built-in burst fire modes, such as the Glock and the FAMAS. These particular weapons will shoot 3 rounds at a time when on this setting, while maintaining good accuracy. However, any gun can be fired in burst, simply hold the fire button down for short periods of time. I recommend using this shot selection when fighting long-to-medium range. The final type of shot selection is single shot. While basically self-explanatory, single shot is probably the most successful way to kill an opponent. Although you won’t be able to shoot as many shots as full auto or burst, you won’t have to. Clicking then waiting for your crosshairs to tighten will result the greatest accuracy you gun can have. As a result, you’ll be wasting fewer rounds and hitting at a higher percentage. This final type of shot selection shouldn’t be used in close combat situations. [Hint: when you spot an enemy a distance away, don’t panic and start spraying bullets. Instead, crouch and aim your shots before you fire.]

One Man Army:

Often times in Counterstrike you’ll find it necessary to become a “one man army.” When everyone else is dead and you’re left to face multiple enemies, one has to draw upon their skills. For a beginner, this task is daunting, but experienced players see this situation as a challenge. In original CS, I could take out an entire team of nine players by my lonesome. Unfortunately the aiming system in Source is a bit more complex and I’m only able to take on six at the most. However, I don’t expect most people to accomplish that task, not without much playing experience. As the last person on your team you have an advantage; any footsteps you hear will be the enemy. You should try separating the opposing force because if fought all at once, you’ll surely perish. Methodically eliminate one player then move onto the next. [Hint: once you kill an enemy, move to another spot. The others alive will see their teammate drop from radar and know where you’re located.]

Flanking:

Flanking an opponent is another name for stealthily coming up from their behind. This strategy, if executed successfully will lead to many easy kills. Despite its rewards, flanking is very difficult and should only be attempted by those possessing adequate skills. In order to flank, you’ll have to guess which way the enemy team is going to travel and go the opposite. However, because teams split up and travel every way during a map you will meet some enemies on your way. If you can manage to eliminate these few, you’ll be able to shoot the others in the back. [Hint: in order to be successful flanking each map, you must know the other team’s strategy and guess your routes correctly.]

Timing:

Many kills are enabled by timing of movement and firing. If you’re in a firefight with an enemy and neither of you have killed the other, conserve your ammunition. Wait until your enemy is reloading and then use your remaining shots to finish them off. Timing is also important when throwing grenades. You don’t want to have a grenade in hand when an enemy comes into site. Once you’ve played many hours in Counterstrike, timing will be learned. Until then watch those who are performing the best, as they can show you what to do and when.