What is Counter Strike GO?
You've probably heard that Counter-Strike (now CS:GO, Counter Strike Online) is one of the most well-known multiplayer FPSs on the planet. It has been around for 21 years, gracing the spotlight since it launched in 2000.
It was developed by NEXON Corporation of South Korea with oversight from the license holder Valve Corporation. The game is based on classic Counter-Strike and new modes. Certain weapons and other items can be bought with real cash or virtual points.
Gameplay
In contrast to other first-person shooters that require players to kill all enemies within a short amount of time frame, Counter Strike focuses on multiple objectives. It's an action-packed tactical game that combines fast-paced gameplay with precise strategy. It's a breeze to learn, but hard to master. It's one of the most popular esports in the world and tournaments draw large crowds. The prize pools are among the top five.
The first Counter-Strike was a mod for Half-Life and its popularity led to a variety of spin-offs. The most recent installment, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a direct sequel to the original game. It includes regular updates that include new maps, weapons as well as other improvements to enhance the gaming experience. It's available on Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.
A new version of Counter-Strike for the Asian market, dubbed CS Online, was developed by Nexon Corporation and licensed by Valve. The version was released in 2014. It has online game modes that are either modified versions or brand new CS games. It also features the "donation model" where players can purchase weapons that are more powerful than their free counterparts.
CS Online offers a variety of game modes, including teams deathmatch, where terrorists and counter-terrorists battle to kill the most enemies in short time. It also has Gun Deathmatch, in which all players start with excellent weapons, but after a certain number of deaths, they are replaced with less powerful weapons. Another mode, VIP Assassination puts the terrorists up against a single target, which they must defeat.
Other options include Bomb Defuse where the special forces defuse the explosive and the terrorists set it up, and Hostage Rescue where the CTs have to rescue all the hostages within the specified time. These unique gameplay mechanics set Counter-Strike apart from other multiplayer games and make it an extremely engaging and addictive title. The game incorporates features that are typical in modern multiplayer games, like realistic recoil patterns and payment system and more.
Weapons
CS Online offers all the classic Counter-Strike guns and a few brand new versions. Players can purchase weapons using earned points or real cash. These expire after a specific time frame however they could be permanent when a promotion is on. The player can also purchase upgrades for their weapon. The weapons are classified into pistols, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles.
Pistols are one of the cheapest weapons in the game and can kill a foe with just a single shot. Pistols require good accuracy to be effective, but with time they can become very deadly. SMGs are cheaper than pistols and have more firepower. They are more precise than rifles in general, however their accuracy decreases when the user fires rounds faster. SMGs can be very effective in combat if they are used correctly.
Sniper rifles are the most expensive weapon, however they are incredibly effective in a range of situations. They can be utilized for close combat or to take out an opponent from afar. Sniper rifles can be more difficult to use and require patience. The shooter must stand crouch, re-aim and then shoot.
The AK-47 assault rifle is the most common in CS: GO. It is affordable and reliable if fired in short bursts. It is the primary rifle of both the counter-terrorist and terrorist factions in the game. The SG-552 or Krieg as it is known by many players is an excellent weapon for assault terrorists. It is extremely stable and holds angles, which makes it a beast in post-plant situations. The MR556 also known as Redemption is a brand new sniper rifle that has been a favorite of the counter-terrorists. It has improved accuracy, and a larger mag.
The AWP is a weapon that can be purchased by terrorists. It is inaccurate when fired completely automatic, but it can be extremely effective in a confined space. cs2 cases is a rifle chambered for 7.62 NATO and comes with a 10-round magazine. Terrorists can also purchase the ER-15 Sniper rifle. It has a longer magazine and can be bought with suppressor.
Maps
Counter-Strike Online is a spin-off from the classic Counter-Strike series developed by Nexon for the Asian market. It includes popular legacy game modes in a free to play online multiplayer shooter. The game is accessible on PC and Mac. It has a wide range of game modes, including bot support as well as different game modes.
The game is always updated and features thousands of maps. The older maps have had new textures, lighting and gameplay tweaks added to them. The majority of maps can be customized through the Steam Workshop.
In addition to the traditional bomb defusal maps Counter-Strike Online includes a hostage rescue mode where terrorists attempt to save civilians from a mass of dead counter-terrorists. This mode requires teamwork to succeed and is a fantastic opportunity to test your skills against the AI.
The most played maps of the CS franchise are Inferno, Overpass, and Train. Each map has its own distinct charm and gameplay style that keeps players coming back to it year after year. Inferno, a fast-paced and thrilling map has been at heart of a variety of esports competitions. It is heavily CT sided, but an organized team can overcome this.
Overpass is a huge map that has lots of long-range battles and is extremely CT-oriented. It's an excellent map for top-level players, and requires a thorough understanding of the callouts and the best angles to attack.
Vertigo was a surprise addition to CS:GO map pool in March of 2019 replacing the fan-favorite Cache. Despite the initial polarization, the community warmed to the new map and it quickly became one of the most played in the pool's active.
In 2021, a reworked version of the iconic Train map was made available. It was then added to the Dynamic Competitive Pool. It's a very CT-oriented map, and is known for being difficult to work for teams that are not casual. However, its iconic status has made it one of the most played maps in the history of CS-GO. The new version of the map features some major changes, most notably lighting, however everything else remains the same.
Community
The Counter-Strike series has a large group of players from all over the world. It's a multiplayer, first-person shooting game that was originally a mod for Half-Life in 1999. Valve then turned it into a standalone game. It has received lots of favorable reviews and has a huge player base, despite its age.
This is a tactical first-person shooter where terrorist teams face off against teams of counterterrorists. It's different from other first-person shooters because it focuses more on completing the task rather than killing the enemy team. This makes it more difficult to win, but it also creates a more challenging experience for the player. Counter-Strike games feature many different game modes, such as hostage rescue, bomb defusal, and assassination. It also includes a range of maps and weapons to help players improve their abilities.
Counter-Strike is a very popular game for gamers and has inspired numerous spin-offs. Valve developed the primary Counter-Strike game series, but other developers have also contributed to its creation. Turtle Rock Studios developed the second installment in the series. Hidden Path Entertainment created the fourth, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
The Counter-Strike franchise has been released on various platforms that include Microsoft Windows, OSX, and Linux. It has also been released on consoles, such as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The first release in the series, Counter-Strike, was ported to consoles using the GoldSrc engine from Half-Life.
While the majority of Counter-Strike games are free, there are some that offer micropayments or cosmetics that you can buy using real money. The games have also been featured on TV shows and movies.
Counter-Strike's popularity has led to a rise in esports. One of the most prestigious events is Intel Extreme Masters, or IEM. The event brings the top teams and players from all over the globe together to compete in a competition. It is now one of the most esports-focused tournaments in the world, and an important draw for fans.