Counter-Strike 1.6 Weapons Overview

In the intense world of Counter-Strike 1.6, weapon selection isn't just about raw firepower – it's a meticulously crafted art that combines **strategy, precise timing, and seamless team coordination**. Every single weapon in CS 1.6 feels distinct, has its own unique personality, and demands mastery to wield effectively. This comprehensive guide will give you a complete breakdown of all the weapon types available, diving deep into their individual strengths, inherent weaknesses, optimal use cases, and invaluable expert tips. Whether you're carefully saving your cash in a critical "eco round," or confidently charging into battle with a powerful "full buy," intimately knowing your weapon is absolutely essential not just for surviving, but for truly dominating the battlefield. Let's explore the arsenal that makes CS 1.6 a timeless classic!

1. Pistols: The Trusty Sidearms and Eco Round Kings

Pistols are your starting weapons, but don't underestimate them! They're crucial for pistol rounds, force buys, or as last-resort sidearms when your primary runs dry. Mastering pistols can turn the tide of an eco round and secure unexpected victories.

Glock 18 (Terrorist Starting Weapon)

• Cost: $0 (starts with it)
• Magazine Size: 20/120 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Free: Always available.
  • High Ammo Capacity: Large magazine allows for sustained fire or spamming.
  • Burst Fire Mode: Unique 3-round burst mode (primary fire) for higher damage output at close range, though less accurate. Single-shot (secondary fire) for precision.
• Weaknesses:
  • Low Damage: Especially against armored opponents.
  • Low Accuracy: Highly inaccurate at range, especially when spamming.
• Use Cases: Pistol rounds (spamming close angles), eco rounds, or as a follow-up shot if you run out of primary ammo.
• Expert Tip: In pistol rounds, if facing multiple enemies at close range, switch to burst fire and aim for the body. At medium range, use single shots and aim for the head.

USP .45 (Counter-Terrorist Starting Weapon)

• Cost: $0 (starts with it)
• Magazine Size: 12/50 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Free: Always available.
  • High Accuracy: Exceptionally accurate, particularly with its silencer attached.
  • One-Shot Headshot Potential: Can one-shot an unarmored enemy with a headshot at close to medium range.
  • Silencer: Makes your shots quieter and removes tracers, concealing your position.
• Weaknesses:
  • Low Ammo Capacity: Small magazine means frequent reloads.
  • Lower Damage: Less effective against armored opponents beyond headshots.
• Use Cases: Pistol rounds (headshots!), eco rounds, stealth plays, or as a precise backup weapon.
• Expert Tip: Always aim for the head. Practice quickly tapping for headshots. Keep the silencer on for stealth, but consider removing it if you need slightly more damage or are in a desperate close-quarters fight (though rare).

Desert Eagle (Deagle)

• Cost: $650
• Magazine Size: 7/35 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Incredible Damage: Can one-shot kill armored opponents with a headshot at impressive ranges. High body shot damage too.
  • Range: Effective at longer ranges compared to other pistols.
• Weaknesses:
  • High Recoil: Very high recoil, making rapid follow-up shots difficult without pausing.
  • Small Magazine: Only 7 rounds, demanding precision.
  • Expensive: Most expensive pistol, making it a gamble on eco rounds.
• Use Cases: Force buys (if you trust your aim), or as a powerful sidearm for AWP users. A high-risk, high-reward weapon.
• Expert Tip: Treat the Deagle like a mini-AWP. Aim for the head, fire one shot, wait for the recoil to settle, then fire again. Don't spam!

P228 (Both Teams)

• Cost: $600
• Magazine Size: 13/52 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Good All-Rounder: Decent balance of damage, accuracy, and rate of fire for a pistol.
  • Medium Ammo Capacity: More forgiving than the USP or Deagle.
• Weaknesses:
  • No Silencer: Lacks the stealth of the USP.
  • Mediocre Against Armor: Not ideal against armored foes without headshots.
• Use Cases: A solid upgrade from starting pistols for players who want a reliable, more forgiving pistol than the Deagle on a budget.
• Expert Tip: A good choice for general backup. Practice quick headshots for maximum efficiency.

Five-Seven (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $750
• Magazine Size: 15/45 rounds
• Strengths:
  • High Armor Penetration: Excellent against armored targets, making it more reliable than other pistols for body shots.
  • Decent Magazine Size: Good for sustained engagements.
• Weaknesses:
  • Expensive for a Pistol: Its cost can be a barrier on eco rounds.
  • Slightly Lower Headshot Damage than USP: Against unarmored.
• Use Cases: A strong force-buy pistol on CT side, especially if you anticipate close-quarters combat against armored Ts.
• Expert Tip: Use it if you struggle with consistent headshots with the USP, as its armor penetration makes body shots more viable.

Dual Elites (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $800
• Magazine Size: 30/120 rounds (15 per gun)
• Strengths:
  • High Fire Rate: Can unleash a lot of bullets very quickly.
  • Very High Ammo Capacity: 30 rounds per "magazine" for sustained aggression.
• Weaknesses:
  • Low Accuracy: Highly inaccurate, especially beyond close range.
  • Low Damage: Very weak against armor, making them almost useless outside point-blank range.
• Use Cases: Purely for close-quarters "spray and pray" on force buys. Niche, often considered a "fun" weapon rather than a competitive one.
• Expert Tip: Only use these if you're literally running into an enemy's face. Don't bother aiming, just spray.

2. Shotguns: Devastation in Close Quarters

Shotguns are highly situational, shining in tight corridors and urban maps. They are ideal for holding narrow angles or pushing through confined spaces.

M3 Super 90 (Both Teams)

• Cost: $1700
• Magazine Size: 8/32 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Devastating Close Range: Can one-shot kill armored opponents at very close distances.
  • Low Cost: Relatively inexpensive for its impact in specific situations.
• Weaknesses:
  • Slow Fire Rate: Manual pump-action, making follow-up shots slow.
  • Terrible at Range: Damage drops off drastically, making it useless beyond short range.
• Use Cases: Holding tight corners (e.g., Catwalk on Dust2, Apartments on Inferno), or for eco rounds where enemies will rush you.
• Expert Tip: Don't reload until you have to! Always be ready for a follow-up shot. Wait for enemies to commit to pushing before firing.

XM1014 (Both Teams)

• Cost: $3000
• Magazine Size: 7/32 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Automatic Fire: Much faster fire rate than the M3, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
  • Good Close Range: Still highly effective at close range.
• Weaknesses:
  • Very Expensive: Its high cost makes it rarely seen in competitive play.
  • Terrible at Range: Same range limitations as the M3.
• Use Cases: Niche situations where sustained close-range area denial is needed. Rarely used in competitive play due to cost.
• Expert Tip: While it fires faster, the damage per pellet is slightly lower than the M3. It's more forgiving if you miss your first shot.

3. Submachine Guns (SMGs): The Rushers' Best Friend

SMGs are fast, lightweight, and offer good movement speed, making them excellent for aggressive pushes or anti-eco rounds when the enemy has little armor. They generally have high rates of fire and are relatively inexpensive.

MP5 Navy (Both Teams)

• Cost: $1500
• Magazine Size: 30/120 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Highly Accurate: Very accurate for an SMG, even at surprising ranges.
  • Low Recoil: Easy to control, making it a spray-friendly weapon.
  • Affordable: Great for eco or force-buy rounds.
  • Good Movement Speed: Allows for fast pushes and rotations.
• Weaknesses:
  • Low Armor Penetration: Struggles against armored opponents beyond headshots.
• Use Cases: Anti-eco rounds, close-to-medium range engagements, fast pushes, or holding tight angles. A reliable all-rounder SMG.
• Expert Tip: Aim for the head and let the spray fly. Its accuracy makes it viable for head-tapping even at medium ranges.

TMP (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $1250
• Magazine Size: 30/120 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Very Fast Fire Rate: Unleashes bullets incredibly quickly.
  • Silencer: Provides stealth for flanking or holding quiet positions.
  • Cheapest CT SMG: Great for tight budgets.
• Weaknesses:
  • Low Damage: Very weak against armored opponents.
  • Moderate Accuracy: Only effective at close range.
• Use Cases: Anti-eco rounds where you're sure enemies won't have armor, or for quiet flanks on hostage maps.
• Expert Tip: Best used in very close quarters. Aim for the chest and let the high fire rate do the work.

MAC-10 (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $1400
• Magazine Size: 30/120 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Extremely Fast Fire Rate: Similar to the TMP, pours out bullets rapidly.
  • Affordable: Good for force buys or anti-eco.
• Weaknesses:
  • Very Low Accuracy: Highly inaccurate at anything but close range.
  • Low Damage: Struggles against armored opponents.
• Use Cases: Aggressive close-range pushes on bomb sites. Rarely seen due to its inaccuracy.
• Expert Tip: Best used in tight spaces. You really need to be up close and personal for this weapon to be effective.

UMP45 (Both Teams)

• Cost: $1700
• Magazine Size: 25/100 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Good Damage: Surprisingly decent damage for an SMG, even against light armor.
  • Moderate Recoil: Manageable for spraying.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lower Fire Rate: Slower than other SMGs.
  • Smaller Magazine: 25 rounds can feel limiting.
• Use Cases: A good alternative to the MP5 if you need slightly more punch against light armor, but still want an affordable option.
• Expert Tip: Use short bursts for better accuracy at medium range.

P90 (Both Teams)

• Cost: $2350
• Magazine Size: 50/100 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Massive Magazine Size: 50 rounds, allowing for continuous spraying.
  • Fast Fire Rate: High bullet output.
  • High Movement Speed: Very fast while firing, making it a good "run-and-gun" option.
• Weaknesses:
  • Expensive for SMG: Nears rifle prices, reducing its economy advantage.
  • Low Accuracy: Highly inaccurate at range, especially when moving.
  • Poor Armor Penetration: Still struggles against fully armored opponents.
• Use Cases: Aggressive pushes, holding very tight corners, or as a "panic gun" for new players. Less common in high-level play due to its cost and inaccuracy.
• Expert Tip: Its large magazine makes it forgiving for new players learning to spray. Focus on close-range engagements.

4. Rifles: The Backbone of Competitive Play

Rifles are the most versatile and powerful weapons in CS 1.6, essential for competitive play. They offer a balance of damage, accuracy, and range, but require significant practice to master their recoil patterns.

AK-47 (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $2500
• Magazine Size: 30/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • One-Shot Headshot Potential: Can one-shot an unarmored opponent with a headshot at ANY range. Crucial for eco-frags.
  • High Damage: Excellent damage against armored opponents.
  • Versatile: Effective at all ranges with good recoil control.
• Weaknesses:
  • Difficult Recoil: Has a distinct "T" shaped recoil pattern that is challenging to master for spraying.
• Use Cases: The primary go-to rifle for Terrorists in almost all buy rounds. Essential for entry-fragging, holding angles, and clutch situations.
• Expert Tip: Practice its recoil pattern relentlessly. Learn to tap at long range, burst at medium range, and control your spray at close range. Always aim for the head!

M4A1 (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $3100
• Magazine Size: 30/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • High Accuracy & Control: Very precise and has an easier-to-control recoil pattern than the AK-47.
  • Silencer: Comes with an attachable silencer that makes shots quieter and removes tracers, ideal for stealth and confusing enemies.
  • Good Damage: Very effective against armored opponents.
• Weaknesses:
  • No One-Shot Headshot (Armored): Cannot one-shot armored opponents with a headshot at long range like the AK-47.
  • More Expensive: Costs more than the AK-47.
• Use Cases: The primary go-to rifle for Counter-Terrorists in almost all buy rounds. Excellent for holding angles, retaking sites, and supporting teammates.
• Expert Tip: Utilize the silencer for stealth and consistent spray control. Practice tapping and bursting for maximum accuracy. Aim for the head and follow up with body shots.

AUG (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $3500
• Magazine Size: 30/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Scope: Offers a 2.5x zoom scope for increased accuracy at longer ranges.
  • High Damage: Good damage output.
• Weaknesses:
  • Expensive: Most expensive CT rifle, often not worth the trade-off.
  • Slower Movement: Slightly slower movement speed while holding it.
  • Clunky Scope: Can feel awkward to use in fast-paced engagements.
• Use Cases: Niche situations for holding long lines of sight, but generally outperformed by the M4A1 in most scenarios.
• Expert Tip: Only use the scope for very long distances. Practice quick scope-ins and outs.

SG552 (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $3500
• Magazine Size: 30/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Scope: Offers a 2.5x zoom scope for increased accuracy at longer ranges.
  • High Damage: Good damage output.
• Weaknesses:
  • Expensive: Most expensive T rifle, rarely bought over the AK-47.
  • Slower Movement: Slightly slower movement speed.
  • Recoil: Can be challenging to control while scoped.
• Use Cases: Similar to the AUG, for holding long lines of sight, but the AK-47 is generally preferred for its one-shot headshot potential.
• Expert Tip: If you must use it, practice controlling its recoil both scoped and unscoped.

FAMAS (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $2250
• Magazine Size: 25/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Burst Fire Mode: Primary fire is a 3-round burst, offering high burst damage at close-to-medium range.
  • Affordable: A good force-buy rifle for CTs.
• Weaknesses:
  • Low Damage (Auto Mode): Less effective in full-auto mode compared to M4A1.
  • Small Magazine: 25 rounds can be limiting.
• Use Cases: Force buys, anti-eco rounds when the M4A1 is too expensive, or for holding very tight angles where burst damage is key.
• Expert Tip: Use burst mode for precision and higher damage output in closer encounters. Switch to auto only if you need to spray.

Galil AR (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $1800
• Magazine Size: 35/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Affordable: Cheapest T rifle, excellent for force buys.
  • Large Magazine: 35 rounds allows for more sustained fire.
  • Good Movement Speed: Relatively fast for a rifle.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lower Damage: Less damage than the AK-47, especially against armor.
  • Moderate Recoil: Can be harder to control than the M4A1.
• Use Cases: The go-to force-buy rifle for Terrorists. Ideal for anti-eco rounds or when money is tight but you need more firepower than an SMG.
• Expert Tip: Treat it like a powerful SMG rather than a true rifle. Aim for the chest and spray, or tap for headshots at close range.

5. Sniper Rifles: Precision and High Impact

Snipers are highly specialized weapons, dominating long-range engagements but vulnerable in close quarters. They require excellent aim and map knowledge.

Scout (Steyr Scout) (Both Teams)

• Cost: $2750
• Magazine Size: 10/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Lightweight: Very fast movement speed while holding it, making it ideal for aggressive peeking.
  • Accurate: Highly accurate, especially when stationary.
  • One-Shot Headshot (Any Range): Always a one-shot kill to the head.
  • Affordable Sniper: Cheaper than the AWP.
• Weaknesses:
  • No One-Shot Body Shot (Armored): Cannot one-shot kill an armored opponent with a body shot (requires two body shots).
  • Lower Zoom: Less zoom than the AWP.
• Use Cases: Aggressive sniping, quick peeks, or holding long angles where you anticipate headshots. Popular on maps with long sightlines.
• Expert Tip: Practice "quick-scoping" and "flick shots." Its lightweight nature makes it a great "entry AWP" if you want to play aggressively.

AWP (Arctic Warfare Magnum) (Both Teams)

• Cost: $4750
• Magazine Size: 10/30 rounds
• Strengths:
  • One-Shot Kill: Capable of one-shot killing an enemy (even armored) to the chest or head at any range.
  • Long Range Dominance: The ultimate long-range weapon.
  • High Impact: Can single-handedly win rounds if wielded effectively.
• Weaknesses:
  • Very Expensive: The most expensive weapon in the game, a huge economic commitment.
  • Slow Movement: Very slow movement speed while holding it.
  • Vulnerable Close Range: Extremely difficult to use in close-quarters combat.
  • Loud: Distinct firing sound gives away your position.
• Use Cases: Holding key map areas, stopping pushes, or securing "picks" (eliminating an enemy early in the round). Requires a dedicated AWPer role.
• Expert Tip: Communicate your AWP's position. Always have a teammate cover you. Practice "stop-and-shoot" and quick-scoping. Don't push recklessly!

G3SG/1 (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $5000
• Magazine Size: 20/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Semi-Automatic Fire: Can fire multiple shots quickly.
  • Scoped: Provides zoom for long ranges.
• Weaknesses:
  • Very Expensive: Most expensive weapon in the game (tied with SG550).
  • Low Accuracy (Auto-Sniper): Less accurate than the AWP or Scout.
  • Heavy Recoil: Difficult to control when spamming.
• Use Cases: Rarely seen in competitive play due to its cost and inaccuracy compared to the AWP. Can be used for suppressing long angles but often wasteful.
• Expert Tip: Only use this if you have a massive money lead. Use short bursts for better accuracy.

SG550 Commando (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $5000
• Magazine Size: 30/90 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Semi-Automatic Fire: Can fire multiple shots quickly.
  • Scoped: Provides zoom for long ranges.
• Weaknesses:
  • Very Expensive: Most expensive weapon in the game (tied with G3SG/1).
  • Low Accuracy (Auto-Sniper): Less accurate than the AWP or Scout.
  • Heavy Recoil: Difficult to control when spamming.
• Use Cases: Similar to the G3SG/1, almost never bought in competitive play due to its cost and inefficiency compared to the AWP.
• Expert Tip: Best used for suppressing enemies from a distance if you have money to burn.

6. Machine Guns: Suppressive Firepower

Machine guns offer massive ammo capacity and suppressive fire, but are very expensive and make you slow.

M249 Para (Both Teams)

• Cost: $5750
• Magazine Size: 100/200 rounds
• Strengths:
  • Massive Ammo Capacity: 100 rounds allows for continuous, sustained fire.
  • High Fire Rate: Can suppress enemies and break through defenses.
• Weaknesses:
  • Extremely Expensive: Most expensive non-sniper weapon, very rarely bought.
  • Slow Movement: Heaviest weapon in the game, makes you extremely slow.
  • Poor Accuracy: Very inaccurate beyond close range, especially when moving.
  • Long Reload Time: Takes ages to reload.
• Use Cases: Niche scenarios for suppressing multiple enemies pushing a tight choke point, or for "fun" rounds. Almost never seen in competitive play.
• Expert Tip: Only use this if you have an overwhelming economic advantage and need to hold a very narrow passage.

7. Equipment & Grenades: The Tactical Edge

Beyond firearms, your equipment provides crucial tactical advantages, allowing you to manipulate the battlefield, gain information, or deal indirect damage.

High Explosive (HE) Grenade

• Cost: $300
• Strengths: Direct damage, can finish off low-health enemies, or flush them out of cover.
• Use Cases: Throw into common hiding spots, throw at bomb sites to clear enemies before pushing, or to damage grouped enemies.
• Expert Tip: Learn common grenade lineups for maximum effect. Throw them high to bounce over obstacles or low for a quick pop.

Flashbang

• Cost: $200
• Strengths: Temporarily blinds enemies (and teammates/yourself if looking at it). Crucial for entry, retakes, or escapes.
• Use Cases: "Pop flashing" (throwing so it bursts immediately after being seen), flashing corners before peeking, or blinding enemies attempting to defuse/plant.
• Expert Tip: Communicate your flashes! "Flashing long!" or "Popping B!" informs teammates to turn away.

Smoke Grenade

• Cost: $300
• Strengths: Creates a dense smoke screen, blocking line of sight for a short duration.
• Use Cases: Blocking enemy sniper lines, crossing open areas safely, obscuring bomb plants or defuses, or faking a push to distract enemies.
• Expert Tip: Learn "one-way smokes" – specific throws that allow you to see through a small gap in the smoke while obscuring you from the enemy.

Tactical Shield (Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $2200
• Strengths: Provides massive front-facing protection from bullets.
• Weaknesses: Extremely heavy, very slow movement, leaves you vulnerable from sides and back, cannot use primary weapon while holding it.
• Use Cases: Extremely niche, sometimes used for very aggressive pushes on bomb sites where you need to absorb a lot of initial damage, often for fun. Rarely seen in competitive play.
• Expert Tip: If using it, always have a teammate follow closely behind you to get kills while you absorb fire.

Defusal Kit (Counter-Terrorist Only)

• Cost: $200
• Strengths: Reduces bomb defusal time by 50% (from 10 seconds to 5 seconds).
• Use Cases: **Essential purchase for CTs on bomb defusal maps.** Always buy it if you can afford it.
• Expert Tip: Having a defuse kit can be the difference between winning and losing a round. If multiple CTs can afford it, it's often wise for at least one to buy it.

Night Vision Goggles (NVG) (Both Teams)

• Cost: $1250
• Strengths: Allows you to see in very dark areas.
• Weaknesses: Very expensive, only useful in specific dark spots, can be disorienting, creates lens flares that reveal your position.
• Use Cases: Extremely niche, primarily on dark custom maps. Almost never used in competitive play.
• Expert Tip: Avoid using them in areas with bright lights or against flashes, as it will completely blind you.

8. Combat Knife: The Silent Finisher

Your trusty knife is always available and free.

Combat Knife (Both Teams)

• Cost: $0 (always available)
• Strengths:
  • Free: Always there when you need it.
  • Silent Kills: Perfect for stealthily eliminating unaware enemies or for economic "knife kills."
  • Faster Movement: You move fastest when holding the knife.
  • High Damage (Backstab): A backstab is an instant kill, even against full armor.
• Weaknesses: Very short range, requires you to be literally in melee with the enemy.
• Use Cases:
  • Movement: Always switch to your knife when running long distances to get to the objective or rotate faster.
  • Eco Frags: A humiliating and economically rewarding way to kill an enemy if you can get close. A front stab is two hits, a backstab is one.
  • Executing Unaware Enemies: If an enemy is planting, defusing, or not looking, a knife kill is silent and guaranteed.
• Expert Tip: Practice quick weapon switching to your knife for faster movement. Don't be afraid to go for a knife kill if an enemy is completely unaware, the money reward is excellent!

Mastering Your Arsenal: Beyond the Basics

Understanding the statistics of each weapon is just the beginning. True mastery in CS 1.6 comes from hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of practice. This includes:

• Recoil Control: Each weapon has a unique spray pattern. Go into offline games with bots and practice emptying your magazine while dragging your mouse to compensate for recoil.
• Crosshair Placement: Always keep your crosshair at head height, even when moving. This reduces the time it takes to react and shoot for headshots.
• Economy Management: This is a weapon in itself! Knowing when to buy, what to buy, and when to save is crucial for ensuring your team has the right gear in the right rounds.
• Map Knowledge: Knowing where engagements typically happen on each map will inform your weapon choice. Shotguns for tight corners, AWPs for long sightlines, rifles for versatility.
• Team Communication: Informing your team what weapons you have (e.g., "Full buy," "Ecoing," "AWP mid!") allows for better strategy and resource allocation.

The weapon meta in CS 1.6, while established, still offers room for individual skill expression and strategic adaptation. By internalizing these insights, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable force on any CS 1.6 server.

For more in-depth analyses, historical context on how weapon strategies evolved, and additional community resources, you can always visit one of the oldest CS hubs on the web, csdownload.net. Now go forth, choose your weapon wisely, and dominate the battlefield!