Killing and being killed are realities every CSeR must face, and good weapons along with essential skills are the guarantees for survival.

Weapon Overview

In my CS dictionary, there are no terms like pistols, rifles, or submachine guns. Instead, weapons are categorized into close-combat weapons, assault weapons, and long-range weapons. Here, I recommend some weapons I consider to be the best.

Close-Combat Weapons

Close-combat weapons are generally high-powered but less accurate or have limited range. In my view, the standout weapons in this category are the Desert Eagle, the Benelli XM1014, and the AK47. The Desert Eagle is the go-to choice when funds are tight and can be purchased in the first round (snipers should also carry one). The shotgun is ideal for narrow alleys, while the AK47 is the top choice for close-range suppression and combat! Note that the Desert Eagle has a small magazine, so you should reload whenever possible. The shotgun also has a small magazine but can be fired while reloading, a feature you should utilize in combat. You can shoot as long as there’s one bullet in the chamber, without waiting for the full reload, which could save your life. When using the shotgun, aim for the chest—it’s the only weapon where chest shots deal more damage than headshots. The AK47 has three main characteristics: high damage, low accuracy, and strong recoil! Therefore, avoid holding down the trigger; instead, use two-shot bursts for greater effectiveness. In close combat, the AK47’s damage is comparable to a shotgun. However, avoid using it in open areas or against distant enemies, as you’ll become an easy target.

Assault Weapons

Assault weapons offer moderate power with higher accuracy, suitable for charging or mid-range suppression. The top picks are the M4A1, the Sig SG 552 Commando, and the Steyr AUG. These weapons are highly accurate, with the Steyr AUG and Sig SG 552 even capable of sniping. The M4A1 is best used with its silencer activated (using its special function), which slightly reduces damage but increases armor penetration and significantly improves accuracy. The M4A1 has moderate recoil and a fast firing rate, making it my favorite for long-range combat. The Sig SG 552 is one of the best all-around weapons, with its only drawback being strong recoil. Firing in bursts while using the scope can greatly improve accuracy. The Steyr AUG is similar to the Sig SG 552, with slightly less power but still an excellent weapon.

Long-Range Weapons

Long-range weapons are essentially sniper rifles. In CS, there are four main sniper rifles: the Sig SG 550 SWAT, the Steyr Scout, the Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM), and the Heckler & Koch G3/SG-1 (G3). The Sig SG 550 SWAT and G3 are very similar, both semi-automatic with 2x scopes and significant recoil. The Sig SG 550 SWAT is slightly less powerful and accurate than the G3. The Steyr Scout is a manually loaded sniper rifle, comparable in function to the AWM but with lower accuracy and damage. The AWM is the most powerful weapon in CS, capable of easily killing armored enemies with high accuracy, thanks to its powerful scope. I highly recommend the AWM for its one-shot kill potential. The G3 and Sig SG 550 SWAT are less recommended due to their lower cost-effectiveness and lack of the AWM’s lethal impact. The Steyr Scout is only worth using if you can consistently land headshots.

Other Weapons

Other notable weapons include the MP5, Steyr Tactical Machine Pistol (TMP), M249, and P90. The MP5 is the most powerful weapon during the transition period, affordable in the second round with a 30-round magazine and 120 rounds carried. Its high accuracy and low recoil make it ideal for this phase. The TMP is the cheapest light automatic weapon, equipped with a fixed silencer, making it suitable for stealth. While slightly less powerful than the MP5, it has a faster firing rate and lower recoil, resulting in higher accuracy. If you prefer silent kills, the TMP is a great choice.

The P90 is the most expensive light automatic weapon, with a 50-round magazine, allowing for extended combat without reloading. However, its strong recoil makes burst firing essential unless at point-blank range. In close combat, the P90 gives a significant advantage, allowing you to overwhelm enemies while they reload.

The M249 is not recommended due to its high cost, strong recoil, low accuracy, and heavy weight. Its only advantages are a large magazine and fast firing rate, making it suitable only for those who prioritize firepower over mobility.

Recommended Weapons: Desert Eagle, AK47, Benelli XM1014, M4A1, Steyr AUG, Sig SG 552, AWM, MP5.

Combat Techniques

Close Combat

In close combat, some players prefer crouching, but this is a mistake. While crouching improves accuracy, close combat requires mobility. Even less accurate weapons perform well at close range, and crouching makes you an easy target. Instead, strafe side-to-side while shooting. If your aim isn’t terrible, victory is likely. Avoid jumping attacks, as CS 1.1 reduced accuracy while jumping. If you run out of ammo, switch to your pistol immediately (use the Q key)—this could save your life.

Movement

Movement techniques vary between safe and dangerous zones. In safe zones, switch to your knife and run straight to save time. In dangerous areas, run in a zigzag pattern for safety. Speed is important, but survival is paramount.

When approaching corners or sniper spots, avoid slowly peeking. Instead, quickly peek out and back to observe. Slow movements expose your elbow first, making it an easy target. Quick peeks are safer.

Also, don’t always look straight ahead. When turning corners or passing obstacles, glance behind or to the side to avoid ambushes.

Sniping

As a sniper, remember these points: 1. Always carry a high-powered pistol (like the Desert Eagle or SG228) for close encounters. 2. Stay alert to sounds around you. 3. Don’t fire unless you have at least a 70% chance of hitting (or killing) your target. A sniper who fires recklessly is not a good sniper. 4. Avoid staying in one spot. Unless you’re certain of your safety, relocate after a few shots.

Shooting

Regardless of your weapon, recoil affects accuracy. Unless at point-blank range, use burst fire—three-round bursts are ideal (try five-round bursts with the MP5 or TMP). This is more effective than full-auto fire. These are my CS experiences, which may seem basic to experts but are valuable for beginners and intermediate players. Whether you’re a terrorist or a counter-terrorist, these tips will help you excel!