I just got CS:S installed but I've never played it before. First question is will there be a regular time when Armory members play? Also in general I could use some advice about weapons and strategy. Is there much teamwork involved like in 2142?

I dont really know when most of the Armory guys will be on, though I say probably around 8:00pm or so.

 

Weapons: Well really this is preference. Most people prefer the Counter-Terrorists' M4 or the AK. I personally like the Bullpup and the Kreig 552 because they have a pretty tight spray and a short zoom. The IDF Defender is good but I think that it is harder to use than the AK. The Famas is really good on burst fire, though a bit weaker than the M4. The Scout is fun but challenging. The AWP is... well one shot kill sniper rifle. The semi-auto sniper rifles are fun to use as well, but very expensive.

 

ALWAYS buy kevlar if you can. It helps a LOT especially against SMGs and pistol fire.

 

More later, gotta go now.

SilentLizard,

 

I would be more than happy to answer the latter questions, as long as you're prepared for a short-story-length read!

 

Main Weapons (Sub-machine guns, Rifles, Shotguns, Machine Guns.):

 

/////RIFLES

 

Alright, first things first -- your most powerful weapon is going to be one of two things, depending on the team you're on:

 

Terrorist - AK47,

 

Counter-terrorist - M4A1.

 

These are the weapons you should buy most often! They are cheap and versatile, fitting almost any situation (with practice).

 

The first thing you're going to want to do is get a feel for each weapon's spray (the pattern in which the gun shoots when the trigger -- mouse button , or whatever you set it to -- is held down; this coins the phrase spray and pray, meaning you are holding the button down praying that the 30 bullets you are spraying hit and kill something).

 

I would include screenshots, but my description will do just fine, I think --

 

The spray for almost all the weapons in CS:S is "T."

 

Literally, the spray looks exactly like the letter T. You start at the base of the letter, shoot upward, then move left-to-right (or right-to-left).

 

With the AK, the spray is dominantly on the left portion of the T; hence, when you spray (at about 50-100 metres), you should aim down and to the right of your target.

 

The M4A1's spray is a bit more unpredictable, but I've noticed that it will occasionally make a "7." Again, you want to aim down and to the right of your target.

 

Important note: In Counter-strike, contrary to Battlefield, spraying is highly inaccurate and is not at all suggested unless absolutely needed.

 

The best strategy is to pull off shots in 3-5 round bursts. This in mind, do NOT aim for the head unless in CQB (Close-quarters battles). You should be aiming around the neck if you plan on shooting more than 1-2 shots. If you are confident in nailing the head on your first or second shot (which is quite easy), then aim -- still -- toward the mouth/nose. Do NOT aim for the forehead because if you, unexpectedly, have to pull off more shots, which kill accuracy, you're going to have to readjust your shot.

 

It's easy to get excited when shooting, and be prone to spam/spray, but be sure if you start to spray, you stop yourself and start slowing your shots.

 

Sniper rifles... Well...

 

The AWP is amazing. One-hit-kills unless you hit them in the foot or hand. There's certain taboo about the gun and I don't suggest using it. The Scout will kill in one-hit if you hit the head and shoots faster, reloads faster, and doesn't get cried over.

 

Auto-snipes (SSG500, IIRC) are looked down upon, but are the best way to counter a pesky AWPer. They are semi-automatic weapons that have the scope of an AWP. The general rule is 3-hit-torso-kill and 1-hit-headshot.

 

The Krieg and Bullpup are NOT autosnipes and do NOT have scopes, they only have about a 1.5x zoom. These are great for mid-to-long range maps. These guns are NOT spam material; furthermore, if you absolutely MUST resort to spray, ensure you are not scoped in. Your firing rate drops tremendously.

 

/////Sub-machine Guns

 

The TMP and Mac-10 are amazing, but have very short clips. They are generally 2-hit kills (headshots), and are very inaccurate. Only use these in small areas. You'll be putting out a lot of bullets very quickly, so aim for the head anyway.. you'll stay accurate enough in the range you'll be shooting.

 

The MP5 Navy (MP5) is VERY, VERY accurate when spraying and, in fact, with any SMG, all you CAN do is spray. That's what they're there for. Spray away with these and ignore the rifle rules above. Aim for the head, 'cause you're going to be within a range where deviation won't matter too much.

 

The UMP is useless, do not buy it.

 

The P90 is as accurate as the M4A1 within your first four or five shots but has another 20 rounds and a faster firing rate. The problem lies in the bullet deviation, after the first few shots, you're shooting ALL OVER the place. Aim for the center of mass, not the head with this gun. (Collarbone/sternum highly suggested.)

 

/////Shotguns

 

The M3 (top shotgun) is far more powerful than the Autoshotty but you suffer a dramatic down-time between shots with the M3. The autoshotty, IMHO, is inferior to the M3.

 

The M3 can get some pretty ludicrous kills -- 100m headshot kind of thing. Don't be afraid to spam a couple shots off then hide.

 

You can interrupt shotgun reloading to pull off a shot. Be sure to do this rather than sit through the reload time if you come into contact with a hostile!

 

/////Machine Guns

 

The M249 is... pretty much nothing more than a scare tactic. It's good for laying down suppressing fire but for as much as it costs, it really isn't worth it. It has, literally, one accurate shot and that is the first one. (You're gonna be looking at very near to 100% accuracy that first shot with the SAW.)

 

I do not suggest buying this; but, it's good for a laugh and to scare people.

 

Note: The P90 has a similar RoF and has a much smaller CoF -- I advise buying that in lieu of the SAW; the only thing you're sacrificing is, IIRC, 150 bullets per clip. The P90's reload time is much, much shorter than the SAW's so it balances out rather well. The SAW has the longest reload time, so you better have a good sidearm or someone willing to cover you while you're reloading!

 

------

 

Sidearms (Pistols):

 

These are pretty straightforward and incredibly accurate. The thing to keep in mind is just use common sense; if the map is large, a pistol like the Desert Eagle [Deagle] (which is often a one-hit-kill-headshot) will be far more accurate over distance.

 

The USP (Counter-terrorist default pistol) is far superior in one-shots to the Glock (Terrorist default pistol). The Glock has a secondary firing mode - Burst-fire. USE IT.

 

ASSUMING EVERY HIT IS IN THE HEAD....

 

The USP is GENERALLY a 2-hit-kill.

 

The Glock is GENERALLY a one-hit-kill on Burst-fire (you are, after all, throwing three bullets instead of one).

 

The most powerful mid-range pistol is going to be the P228 Compact. I highly recommend it. It often will get one-hit-kills, as long as you hit them in the head.

 

------

 

Equipment (Grenades, Defusal Kit, Kevlar, NVG):

 

I'll be the first to tell you.. Night-vision goggles are absolutely useless. Turn up your brightness and you'll never have to spend the money on this item. Don't even THINK about purchasing them unless absolutely necessary (there are some custom maps that are dark enough that you are required to purchase them to see).

 

As a CT (Counter-terrorist) Defusal Kit is priority! Always buy this! It's $200. If you have to sacrifice a better pistol (the USP is pretty much all-purpose anyway, so it's fine to stick with it) just to get the Defusal Kit, DO IT.

 

Grenades -- buy a frag and a flashbang when you can. Do NOT prioritize these.

 

The smoke grenade is good, but only when you have the money to buy it. Again, do not prioritize and sacrifice other items for any grenades.

 

Kevlar -- Don't buy Kevlar alone, always go Kevlar + Helmet (It's $1000). Since everyone is aiming for your head anyway, having extra body armour is near useless.

 

Main weapons are ALWAYS the best way to go. Save up. In certain situations (particularly when your team is losing often), it's perfectly okay to buy a pistol for a few rounds so you can afford a rifle on that 3rd round. Just don't waste money on extra things -- buy the pistol and nothing else.

 

------

 

Teamwork:

 

Don't expect this, but don't... not expect it either. You'd be surprised how many Pubbers are willing to follow a decent strategy.

 

Be sure to call out frags and flashbangs before tossing! Your teammates will thank you in the long run.

 

("Frag out," "Flash, look away!")

 

From people like me, you can occasionally expect a squad-member-esque role, but... CS:S doesn't require teamwork to win. It's very arcade.

 

I hope all this helps, buddy!

 

Biscuit

 

EDIT: Added M249, fixed some minor grammar issues (I'm certain more exist).

I knew biscuit would be the right person for the job I could probably pick up a few tips.

I knew biscuit would be the right person for the job :D I could probably pick up a few tips.

Nah, most of the stuff I detailed in here is pretty beginner stuff.

 

Maybe one day, I'll make a trick-jump/1337 hiding place catalogue for you guys!

 

THAT is some advanced-level-stuff there.

SilentLizard,

 

I would be more than happy to answer the latter questions, as long as you're prepared for a short-story-length read!

 

Main Weapons (Sub-machine guns, Rifles, Shotguns, Machine Guns.):

 

/////RIFLES

 

Alright, first things first -- your most powerful weapon is going to be one of two things, depending on the team you're on:

 

Terrorist - AK47,

 

Counter-terrorist - M4A1.

 

These are the weapons you should buy most often! They are cheap and versatile, fitting almost any situation (with practice).

 

The first thing you're going to want to do is get a feel for each weapon's spray (the pattern in which the gun shoots when the trigger -- mouse button , or whatever you set it to -- is held down; this coins the phrase spray and pray, meaning you are holding the button down praying that the 30 bullets you are spraying hit and kill something).

 

I would include screenshots, but my description will do just fine, I think --

 

The spray for almost all the weapons in CS:S is "T."

 

Literally, the spray looks exactly like the letter T. You start at the base of the letter, shoot upward, then move left-to-right (or right-to-left).

 

With the AK, the spray is dominantly on the left portion of the T; hence, when you spray (at about 50-100 metres), you should aim down and to the right of your target.

 

The M4A1's spray is a bit more unpredictable, but I've noticed that it will occasionally make a "7." Again, you want to aim down and to the right of your target.

 

Important note: In Counter-strike, contrary to Battlefield, spraying is highly inaccurate and is not at all suggested unless absolutely needed.

 

The best strategy is to pull off shots in 3-5 round bursts. This in mind, do NOT aim for the head unless in CQB (Close-quarters battles). You should be aiming around the neck if you plan on shooting more than 1-2 shots. If you are confident in nailing the head on your first or second shot (which is quite easy), then aim -- still -- toward the mouth/nose. Do NOT aim for the forehead because if you, unexpectedly, have to pull off more shots, which kill accuracy, you're going to have to readjust your shot.

 

It's easy to get excited when shooting, and be prone to spam/spray, but be sure if you start to spray, you stop yourself and start slowing your shots.

 

Sniper rifles... Well...

 

The AWP is amazing. One-hit-kills unless you hit them in the foot or hand. There's certain taboo about the gun and I don't suggest using it. The Scout will kill in one-hit if you hit the head and shoots faster, reloads faster, and doesn't get cried over.

 

Auto-snipes (SSG500, IIRC) are looked down upon, but are the best way to counter a pesky AWPer. They are semi-automatic weapons that have the scope of an AWP. The general rule is 3-hit-torso-kill and 1-hit-headshot.

 

The Krieg and Bullpup are NOT autosnipes and do NOT have scopes, they only have about a 1.5x zoom. These are great for mid-to-long range maps. These guns are NOT spam material; furthermore, if you absolutely MUST resort to spray, ensure you are not scoped in. Your firing rate drops tremendously.

 

/////Sub-machine Guns

 

The TMP and Mac-10 are amazing, but have very short clips. They are generally 2-hit kills (headshots), and are very inaccurate. Only use these in small areas. You'll be putting out a lot of bullets very quickly, so aim for the head anyway.. you'll stay accurate enough in the range you'll be shooting.

 

The MP5 Navy (MP5) is VERY, VERY accurate when spraying and, in fact, with any SMG, all you CAN do is spray. That's what they're there for. Spray away with these and ignore the rifle rules above. Aim for the head, 'cause you're going to be within a range where deviation won't matter too much.

 

The UMP is useless, do not buy it.

 

The P90 is as accurate as the M4A1 within your first four or five shots but has another 20 rounds and a faster firing rate. The problem lies in the bullet deviation, after the first few shots, you're shooting ALL OVER the place. Aim for the center of mass, not the head with this gun. (Collarbone/sternum highly suggested.)

 

/////Shotguns

 

The M3 (top shotgun) is far more powerful than the Autoshotty but you suffer a dramatic down-time between shots with the M3. The autoshotty, IMHO, is inferior to the M3.

 

The M3 can get some pretty ludicrous kills -- 100m headshot kind of thing. Don't be afraid to spam a couple shots off then hide.

 

You can interrupt shotgun reloading to pull off a shot. Be sure to do this rather than sit through the reload time if you come into contact with a hostile!

 

/////Machine Guns

 

The M249 is... pretty much nothing more than a scare tactic. It's good for laying down suppressing fire but for as much as it costs, it really isn't worth it. It has, literally, one accurate shot and that is the first one. (You're gonna be looking at very near to 100% accuracy that first shot with the SAW.)

 

I do not suggest buying this; but, it's good for a laugh and to scare people.

 

Note: The P90 has a similar RoF and has a much smaller CoF -- I advise buying that in lieu of the SAW; the only thing you're sacrificing is, IIRC, 150 bullets per clip. The P90's reload time is much, much shorter than the SAW's so it balances out rather well. The SAW has the longest reload time, so you better have a good sidearm or someone willing to cover you while you're reloading!

 

------

 

Sidearms (Pistols):

 

These are pretty straightforward and incredibly accurate. The thing to keep in mind is just use common sense; if the map is large, a pistol like the Desert Eagle [Deagle] (which is often a one-hit-kill-headshot) will be far more accurate over distance.

 

The USP (Counter-terrorist default pistol) is far superior in one-shots to the Glock (Terrorist default pistol). The Glock has a secondary firing mode - Burst-fire. USE IT.

 

ASSUMING EVERY HIT IS IN THE HEAD....

 

The USP is GENERALLY a 2-hit-kill.

 

The Glock is GENERALLY a one-hit-kill on Burst-fire (you are, after all, throwing three bullets instead of one).

 

The most powerful mid-range pistol is going to be the P228 Compact. I highly recommend it. It often will get one-hit-kills, as long as you hit them in the head.

 

------

 

Equipment (Grenades, Defusal Kit, Kevlar, NVG):

 

I'll be the first to tell you.. Night-vision goggles are absolutely useless. Turn up your brightness and you'll never have to spend the money on this item. Don't even THINK about purchasing them unless absolutely necessary (there are some custom maps that are dark enough that you are required to purchase them to see).

 

As a CT (Counter-terrorist) Defusal Kit is priority! Always buy this! It's $200. If you have to sacrifice a better pistol (the USP is pretty much all-purpose anyway, so it's fine to stick with it) just to get the Defusal Kit, DO IT.

 

Grenades -- buy a frag and a flashbang when you can. Do NOT prioritize these.

 

The smoke grenade is good, but only when you have the money to buy it. Again, do not prioritize and sacrifice other items for any grenades.

 

Kevlar -- Don't buy Kevlar alone, always go Kevlar + Helmet (It's $1000). Since everyone is aiming for your head anyway, having extra body armour is near useless.

 

Main weapons are ALWAYS the best way to go. Save up. In certain situations (particularly when your team is losing often), it's perfectly okay to buy a pistol for a few rounds so you can afford a rifle on that 3rd round. Just don't waste money on extra things -- buy the pistol and nothing else.

 

------

 

Teamwork:

 

 

Don't expect this, but don't... not expect it either. You'd be surprised how many Pubbers are willing to follow a decent strategy.

 

 

Be sure to call out frags and flashbangs before tossing! Your teammates will thank you in the long run.

 

("Frag out," "Flash, look away!")

 

 

From people like me, you can occasionally expect a squad-member-esque role, but... CS:S doesn't require teamwork to win. It's very arcade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope all this helps, buddy!

 

 

Biscuit

 

 

EDIT: Added M249, fixed some minor grammar issues (I'm certain more exist).

Wow that's a lot of usefull info, thanks Biscuit, I needed to know some of that myself.

 

BTW: I love your sig

Wow that's a lot of usefull info, thanks Biscuit, I needed to know some of that myself.

 

BTW: I love your sig

You're quite welcome; I love helping out! (Thank you for the sig comment! You get a cookie for being the first to say something. <Enter cookie here.>) Like I said, I very well might throw a trick-jump / awesome hiding spot guide sometime. It'd require me going into a server with someone and having a screeny-fest, though.

 

A very important aspect of CS:S is surprise -- you gotta keep the enemy on their toes! People already expect you to be in places A and B, so be ready to melt some phace at C, ya know? ^^

 

For anyone looking for a bit of coaching (1 on 1, real-time, whatever), just let me know! I'd gladly hop in a server and do whatever I can do help out. In this scenario, though, I'd definitely touch base on some more advanced tactics; probably better for moderate players, but I could always adjust based on player skill.

 

I'm definitely keeping an eye on this topic, so be expecting me to post a lot in here!

 

I'd be happy to answer more questions if you -- I really mean anyone -- have any!

 

<3,

 

Biscuit

Pretty good points, my own personal notes...

 

Pistols

Nothing to add, other than an odd note that the 5-7 uses the same ammunition as it's SMG counterpart, the P-90. It has a huge clip for a pistol, and a great rate of fire. However, it's punch is lacking, so very few peaple favor it. It used to be nice when we had to buy ammo that ammo bought for your P-90 would work in your sidearm, but since the buying ammo part has been taken out of the game, it's nothing more than a wierd footnote now.

 

Dual Berreta's - I consider these "Poor man's SMG's" Dual pistols with a good rate of fire. You'd be better off with a true SMG tho, but they do rate very high on the "Coolness factor", especially when you reload

 

AR's

For distance work, the CT FAMAS (or Clarion) works best in Burst fire. You'll be suprised how accurate it is. I pretty much use it in burst fire all the time, even up close. It's lower rate of fire forces me to be more patient with my shots and aim before I mindlessly spray and use up it's small clip.

 

The M4A1 has an optional silencer. Using alt fire puts it on. For some it's preference, but at one time the gun hit harder with the silencer off, but has better control with the Silencer on. At any rate, with the Silencer on, it's harder for somebody to pinpoint where you are at long distances as there's no gunshot... just the sounds of bullet's hitting their target. May not work as well against experianced players, but may give you a couple extra shots before they find you.

 

If the AK hasn't changed since I played it, it's first shot is always dead on and it hits like a Mack truck.

 

SMGs

The TMP and Mac10 are definatly meant to be "In your face" weapons, and are very ineffective past close quarters. TMP seems to work better at medium range. We had a guy named Statecop who loved this weapon, and did very well with it.

 

MP5 is a very well balanced gun, especially if you love to spray. Saggi used to dodge back and forth when he hosed you down with this. We used to call it the "Saggi Shuffle".

 

UMP 45 is pretty difficult to kill with. While it's 45 caliber rounds have decent punch, it is plagued by several issues

1) low rate of fire

2) sizable recoil and spray pattern

3) probably the slowest reload of all the SMG's

The final result? Nobody uses the damn thing.

 

I definatly agree on his remarks about the P90. It's an excellent SMG. I had a bud who used nothing BUT that weapon when he played CS:S and he was downright scary with it.

 

SHOTTY's

I've had some really crazy rounds using the pump shotty. If you can get in range and are good at getting your crosshairs on peaple's neck and head area, you'll rack up one-shot kills at suprising consistancy. I've had time's where I'll get 3 to 5 peaple without reloading and I won't be able to resist the urge to yell "THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK!" LOL

 

The autoshotty was considered the "n00b cannon" in Beta. I considered it fair myself, considering it's hefty pricetag and huge recoil. They seem to have increased that huge recoil and decreased it's DPS over time. I hardly use it anymore myself. Just doesn't hit hard enough to make it worth the cost. With good aim you can get 3 or more peaple dead before reloading with the pump shotty. With the autoshotty you'll be lucky to get too between the rate which it burns ammo and it's low DPS.

 

OTHER NOTES

As most games now, you're accuracy goes down when you move and goes up if you crouch. However, the Halflife Engine has a wierd mechanic where if you stop running or crouch, you spray and aim snap immediatly to the "stand still" setting. Anotherwords, unlike the LMG's of BF:2142, there isn't a "cooldown" time where it takes a half a sec for your aim to settle when you stop moving or crouch. This is why you'll see alot of experianced players doing a "shuffle". They fire a burst at you, shuffle right or left, stop for a split second to fire another burst, then move again. It's up to you tho, crouching and firing bursts is effective as well, but you're a stationary target.

 

Last thing..... get headphones if you don't have any. The footsteps in this game are loud, but I find with headphones it's easier to get a fix where the footsteps are coming from and be prepared. This means that sometimes stealth will come into play. If you find you are alone and can spare the time to move slower, walk if you can instead of run. The less info you give your opponates about your wereabouts when you are outnumbered, the better.

i taught him everything he knows lol.....jk bisquit i was just raggin on you the other day btw....for old time sake

You're quite welcome; I love helping out! (Thank you for the sig comment! You get a cookie for being the first to say something. <Enter cookie here.>)

 

<3,

 

Biscuit

You're quite welcome and yay I get a cookie, I love cookies

I pretty much agree with all of the stuff that Biscuit said except for one thing. The AK and the M4 are not necessarily the guns you buy the most. It is totally a matter of preference. Play the game a bit, get a feel for the guns. I think you will quickly be able to pick up which ones have a good feel for you and which ones dont.

 

Oh yeah and I personally call the Mac-10 the Steamroller. It basically has the same amount of inaccuracy no matter what position you are in. Running is only a bit more inaccurate than crouch firing it, so I always am on the run with the Mac. Personally I never aim for the head with it at close range because I am just running and jumping and firing, so it is hard to keep the crosshairs on the target's head. The bullets from the Mac seem to just be attracted to enemies' heads at close range though.

 

 

And just a general tip here. Sometimes people pull off some really BS shots and stuff. Do NOT openly accuse them of hacking unless you have spectated them and have proof. Most of the time they are legit players who are just really good, and yelling "ZOMG HACKS!!!11!!11!!!1!!1" only makes you sound like a noobie. I am saying this because it is a common thing in CSS.

The AK and the M4 are not necessarily the guns you buy the most. It is totally a matter of preference. Play the game a bit, get a feel for the guns. I think you will quickly be able to pick up which ones have a good feel for you and which ones dont.

Generally speaking, the M4A1 and the AK are going to be your most versatile and weapons and they are the cheapest to buy bearing this versatility in mind.

 

Whereas with the Galil/Famas, each has its major downfalls, the M4A1 and AK are quite well-rounded -- that is why I highly suggest them to newbs because they are absolutely, IMHO, the guns you should learn to play with. They stress spraying inaccuracy, they are powerful enough for 1 shot kills, they don't adversely affect running speed, they can be used in ANY situation.

 

I wholeheartedly believe these are the guns to learn with but experimentation , naturally, is encouraged.

<3 Biscuit and Roach

This is why you'll see alot of experianced players doing a "shuffle". They fire a burst at you, shuffle right or left, stop for a split second to fire another burst, then move again. It's up to you tho, crouching and firing bursts is effective as well, but you're a stationary target.

Ah, yes, I forgot to comment on this -- I recommend doing this with ANY gun. Strafe often; it leads you toward cover, too, albeit inadvertantly.

 

<3 Biscuit and Roach

-sniffle.- <3