Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike 1.6 wiki game with maps, mods, weapons, and history. Explore the classic tactical FPS that defined competitive gaming for decades.
Counter-Strike (often abbreviated as CS) is a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) video game series that began as a mod for Half-Life in 1999. It quickly evolved into a full commercial release and became one of the most popular and influential esports franchises in gaming history.
Overview
- Developer: Valve, Hidden Path Entertainment
- Publisher: Valve
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation
- First Release: November 1999 (as a mod)
- Genre: First-person shooter
- Modes: Multiplayer (online/offline)
Gameplay
Counter-Strike is a team-based game where players choose to join either the Terrorists or Counter-Terrorists. The two teams face off in various scenarios, including:
- Bomb Defusal (de_): Terrorists plant a bomb, Counter-Terrorists must defuse it.
- Hostage Rescue (cs_): Counter-Terrorists attempt to rescue hostages held by the Terrorists.
- Assassination (as_): One Counter-Terrorist protects a VIP, now deprecated in newer versions.
Each match consists of multiple rounds, and players earn money based on performance to buy weapons and gear between rounds.
Major Versions
Counter-Strike 1.6
Released in 2003, CS 1.6 is the most iconic and longest-running version, especially popular in LAN parties and early esports tournaments.
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
Released in 2004 with a single-player mode and updated graphics, but received mixed reviews compared to 1.6
Counter-Strike: Source
Built on the Source engine, CS: Source introduced physics-based gameplay and improved graphics in 2004.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Released in 2012, CS:GO brought modern graphics, frequent updates, skins, matchmaking, and became a dominant esports title with millions of active players.
Counter-Strike 2
Launched in 2023, Counter-Strike 2 is a full engine upgrade to Source 2, offering updated mechanics, improved tick rate, and enhanced visuals.
Weapons and Equipment
Players can purchase a wide variety of weapons including:
- Rifles: AK-47, M4A1-S, AWP, AUG
- SMGs: MP5, UMP-45, P90
- Pistols: Glock-18, Desert Eagle, USP-S
- Grenades: Flashbang, HE Grenade, Smoke, Molotov
- Utility: Kevlar, Defuse Kit, Tactical Shield (older versions)
Esports and Community
Counter-Strike has one of the most competitive and dedicated esports scenes in the world. From early CPL events to modern-day CS:GO Majors, it has remained a cornerstone of professional competitive gaming.
The community has also contributed thousands of custom maps, mods, skins, and plugins — from casual servers to serious scrim tools like AMX Mod X and SourceMod.
Legacy
Counter-Strike laid the foundation for modern tactical shooters. Its influence can be seen in games like Valorant, Call of Duty competitive modes, and Rainbow Six: Siege.
It continues to thrive over two decades later, with active player bases, modding scenes, and a respected place in gaming history.
See Also
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