Consider downloading the Steam app by clicking the “install” button next to the login button. After installing Steam on your computer, you will be able to log into the service without opening your browser.

CS:GO now has a free version. This version doesn’t include multiplayer, but it’s a good way to get accustomed to playing the game before deciding on a purchase.

Maps are recognizable by the prefix in their name. For instance, maps that start with CS are hostage rescue maps. The terrorist team prevents the counter-terrorists from rescuing them. The DE prefix indicates bomb defusal maps. The terrorist team protects the explosives from the counter-terrorists. AS means an assassination map. A counter-terrorist player becomes a VIP. The rest of the team has to protect them from the terrorists. One of the most popular game types is deathmatch, which takes place on DM maps. The emphasis is on combat and killing other players gets you better weapons.

Reduce your own latency as much as possible. Having a strong, direct Internet connection helps you become a better player.

The teams spawn at different points of the map and have a slightly different weapon selection. Press “M” during the match to switch sides. You will be eliminated from the current round and respawn on your new team when the next round begins.

Clicking the left mouse button allows you to switch between players. Pressing the spacebar shows you different camera angles.

In Counter-Strike, you do not need to move forward or backward to strafe. That means that, if you’re standing still, pressing the “A” and “D” buttons is all you need to move to the left and right, respectively. Moving, turning, and shooting requires coordination. It may feel a little tricky at first, but you get used to it as you play. Test your mouse sensitivity. Most pros access the settings menu to move the sensitivity slider down to 2. 0, giving themselves more precision when aiming. Start low and increase the sensitivity as you play. To make adjustments to your mouse sensitivity, open your system’s Control Panel and look for the mouse settings.

These keys are important to remember for map navigation. Mix some stealthy maneuvers into your playstyle to get the drop on enemies and reduce the amount of damage you take.

Press “Q” to switch between your primary and secondary weapon. The “R” button allows you to reload your weapon. Do this before you enter a firefight. You mainly switch weapons by purchasing them at the start of the round, but the game lets you take weapons you find by pressing “G. ”

Navigate the menu by clicking the prompts are using keypad numbers. You start with a pistol and a knife, so you don’t need to spend your in-game currency right away. Buying weapons and armor is all up to your preferred strategy. Some players get armor and grenades right away, while others save for a submachine gun.

Pressing “Y” allows you to send a message to the entire server. Don’t use this command while strategizing with your team. The game also has pre-recorded commands activated by typing words into the chat box. For instance, type “coverme” to make your character say “Cover Me!” Few players pay much attention to these commands, so they aren’t important to memorize.

The AK-47 is by far the most popular weapon. It’s a relatively inexpensive but powerful assault rifle. Other popular rifles include the M4A4 and M4A1-S. For sniper rifles, many players choose the Magnum or AWP. It’s expensive, slow, but very powerful. [13] X Research source The USP-S and Glock 18 are a couple of powerful pistols to try. The P250 is a cheaper alternative. [14] X Research source Players often go with the penetration power of the inexpensive UMP-45 when choosing a submachine gun. [15] X Research source

The losing team also gets a bonus. They get about half of what the winning team earns, followed by a bonus for consecutive round losses. Some modes do not have money at all. Play arsenal or deathmatch maps if you would rather not deal with the money system.

Counter-Strike is a fast-paced game. Keep moving even while you’re shooting. Stay with your team so you are able to defend them against surprise attacks and pick off weakened enemies.

Spraying bullets everywhere is only useful in close-quarter combat or when you’re using an inaccurate weapon like a submachine gun Every gun has its own spray pattern. Practice with different guns so you know exactly how they react when you fire them.

Flash grenades blind enemies temporarily. Throw them when you need to enter an area or escape a pursuing enemy. [20] X Research source Smoke grenades emit a smoke cloud used for coverage. Enemies may not be able to see you in the cloud, but they can still shoot you. Use them as a distraction. [21] X Research source

For example, if someone on your team has the expensive Magnum Sniper Rifle (also called the AWP), you don’t need to get one. Instead, get something faster that works at a closer range. For instance, a player in a “fragger” role is usually aggressive, meeting the enemy head-on. A person in a “lurker” role sneaks around the enemy, picking them off while gathering intel.

If the voice chat begins to annoy you, disable it by typing “ignoremsg” in the chat box. Counter-Strike has been around for a long time now, and unfortunately, some players go overboard on the trash talking.