Counter-Strike is a modification (MOD) to Valve Software’s hit game Half-Life. It modifies the multiplayer aspects of Half-Life to provide the player with an experience that a trained counter-terrorist unit or terrorist unit might have. Players will join either a terrorist or a counter-terrorist force and play in one of the two types of scenarios. These are:
- hostage rescue, where the counter-terrorists must rescue hostages
- bomb/ defuse, where terrorists must plant a bomb in a critical area and counter-terrorists must defuse the bomb.
Weapons and other pieces of equipment are available at a cost, and players can earn money in a variety of different
ways while playing the game. Players may also lose money for inappropriate actions. E.g. killing a hostage or a
teammate.
After installing Counter-Strike, you will want to activate it through the Half-Life menu. To do this, choose ‘custom game’ from the initial Half-Life menu, then select Counter-Strike from the list that appears. Choose ‘activate’ and you should notice that the appearance of the menus has changed.
The next thing you will want to do is familiarize yourself with the mapping of the game controls on your keyboard/mouse. Choose ‘configuration->controls’ and look over the default keyboard configuration. To change any of the default mappings, double-click on the key/button field in the window. You will then be able to enter your desired key for that function. (A warning; if the new key/button was previously mapped to another function, you will need to select a new key for that function, as it will no longer have a key mapping).
If you have no previous experience with Half-Life, it is strongly recommended that you play the excellent tutorial
included with that game. See the ‘Controls’ section below for a description of what each
game control does.
Hostage Rescue
As a terrorist, your role in a hostage rescue level is to prevent counter-terrorists (CTs) from leading the hostages
from where they are being held to the hostage release zone. Terrorists win hostage rescue rounds by eliminating
the counter-terrorist force while preventing them from rescuing hostages.
CTs win a round by finding the hostages and leading more than half of them to freedom. CTs can get the attention of a hostage by moving near him then pressing their ‘Use’ key (see Controls, Use). The hostage will now follow the CT back to the rescue zone. If a CT wants the hostage to stop following, they need to press ‘Use’ again and the hostage will stay put. Sometimes when you have a group of hostages following you, they may block you into an area; you can push them out of the way by simply walking into them. CTs can also win a round by eliminating the terrorists.
Bomb/Defuse
In a bomb/defuse map, the goal of the terrorist is to plant a C4 bomb in the designated area then prevent the CTs
from defusing the bomb. Players must remember to stay well clear of the bomb when it explodes, as it has a large
and deadly blast radius. The bomb is randomly assigned to a terrorist at the start of the round. Team members can
identify the bomb carrier by the backpack they are wearing and the player with the bomb will see an icon on their
Heads Up Display (see HUD, bomb carrier). To plant the bomb, the carrier must be in the
vicinity of the bombing target. While having the bomb as their currently selected item, the player must then press
and hold their fire key (see Controls, Fire) for three seconds for the bomb to be
planted. The bomb will go off after a set period of time has passed (45 seconds by default). The level is won by
the terrorists when the bomb explodes (maximum payoff) or if the CT team is eliminated (smaller payoff).
CTs can win a defuse map in two ways: by defusing the bomb or by eliminating the Terrorists (if the Terrorists
managed to plant the bomb before being eliminated, CTs must still defuse the bomb to win the round). To defuse
the bomb, CTs must stand near the bomb, target it then press and hold their ‘use’ key until the bomb is defused.
Buying a defuse kit will halve the time required to defuse a bomb.
Various events in the course of a Counter-Strike game can earn you money (to a maximum of $16000) or cost you money. This money can be used to buy better equipment. The following is a summary of these events and their associated cost:
Action |
Payoff / Fine |
| Rescuing a Hostage | $1000 for individual, $150 for team mates (awarded at end of round) |
| Kill a Hostage | -$1500 for individual |
| ‘Use’ a Hostage | $150 for individual, $100 for team mates |
| Kill Opponent | $300 for individual |
| Kill Team Mate | -$3300 for individual |
| Terrorists Win by Bombing Target | $2750 for team members |
| Win by Elemination Hostage map | $2000 for team members |
| Win by Elemination Bomb map | $2500 for team members |
| CTs Defuse Bomb | $2750 for team members |
| CTs Win by Rescuing Hostages | $2000 for team members + Hostage bonuses |
| Surviving Hostage Bonus | $150 per hostage for team members |
| Hostages Rescued Bonus | $250 per hostage for CT team members |
| Either Team Loses Round | $1400 for team members |
| Either Team Loses over 2 Consecutive Rounds | $1400 + $500 per round over 2 (to maximum $2900) for team members |
Money can be spent on weapons whenever the player is standing in a buy zone. This is indicated by the presence of the buy icon on the Heads Up Display (see HUD below).
Prior to the round starting, there is a variable grace period (the server can change this, but it defaults to five seconds) during which players cannot move but may buy equipment and weapons. Each round of Counter-Strike lasts for five minutes. If neither team has won after this time the round is considered a draw.
When a player is killed during a round they will enter an observer mode until the next round. While in observer
mode, they can fly around the level and watch the action. There are three types of observer modes. The first is
ghost mode, where the player can freely fly around the level unobstructed by anything. The second is locked chasecam.
While in locked chasecam you will be locked behind the player you are observing. The third is freelook chasecam,
in this mode you can freely swing the camera around the player you are observing. While in the observer modes you
can use the jump key (see Controls, Jump) to switch between the three modes and
the fire button (see Controls, Fire) to switch from one player to the next. If a
player joins into a game when a round is already in progress, they will be immediately placed into observer mode
until the current round ends.
The following is a list of he player controls, their default keyboard/mouse mapping and a description of what each does.
Function |
Default Key Mapping |
Notes |
| Buy Menu |
B |
The main point of entry for the buying menus |
| Buy Equipment Menu (Optional) |
N |
Takes you directly to the equipment purchase menu |
| Buy Primary Ammo (Optional) |
, |
Automatically buys a single clip of ammo for your primary weapon |
| Buy Secondary Ammo (Optional) |
. |
Automatically buys a single clip of ammo for your secondary weapon |
| Select Team |
M |
Change sides. You will die until next round starts |
| Drop Current Weapon |
T |
You can only carry one primary and one secondary weapon. To pick up a better weapon from the battlefield, first drop your existing |
| Standard Radio Messages |
Z |
Brings up a list of radio commands. Press the corresponding number to utter the message |
| Group Radio Messages |
X |
Brings up a list of radio commands. Press the corresponding number to utter the message |
| Report Radio Messages |
C |
Brings up a list of radio commands. Press the corresponding number to utter the message |
| Move Forward |
W or UP ARROW |
|
| Move Back |
S or DOWN ARROW |
|
| Turn Left |
Mouse X AXIS or LEFT ARROW |
Unnecessary if using Mouse for looking |
| Turn Right |
Mouse X AXIS or RIGHT ARROW |
Unnecessary if using Mouse for looking |
| Move Left (Strafe) |
A |
|
| Move Right (Strafe) |
D |
|
| Jump |
SPACE |
Cycles through the three observer modes |
| Duck |
CTRL |
|
| Swim Up |
' |
Unnecessary if using Mouse |
| Swim Down |
/ |
Unnecessary if using Mouse |
| Look Up |
Mouse X AXIS or PGUP |
|
| Look Down |
Mouse X AXIS or PGDN |
|
| Look Straight Ahead |
END |
Unnecessary if using Mouse |
| Strafe Modifier |
ALT |
Optional |
| Mouse Look Modifier |
; |
Unnecessary if using Mouse |
| Keyboard Look Modifier |
INS |
Unnecessary if using Mouse |
| Fire |
MOUSE BUTTON 1 or ENTER |
Fire Weapon, Throw Grenade, Plant C4, Will jump to next player in observer mode |
| Special Weapon Function |
MOUSE BUTTON 2 or \ |
Invokes your weapons secondary function, i.e. burst fire, sniper scope etc |
| Reload Weapon |
R |
Tops up your clip…good idea before joining a firefight. |
| Drop Current Weapon |
G |
Drops the currently held weapon |
| Use |
E |
Press a button, get hostage to follow you, defuse bomb, etc |
| Walk |
SHIFT |
Move forward at slower, quieter pace (important for stealth) |
| Flashlight |
F |
Toggles your flash light on and off |
| Spray Logo |
T |
Pick logos in Customize Menu |
| Menu Item 0 |
0 |
|
| Menu Item 1 |
1 |
|
| Menu Item 2 |
2 |
|
| Menu Item 3 |
3 |
|
| Menu Item 4 |
4 |
|
| Menu Item 5 |
5 |
|
| Menu Item 6 |
6 |
|
| Menu Item 7 |
7 |
|
| Menu Item 8 |
8 |
|
| Menu Item 9 |
9 |
|
| Previous Weapon |
MOUSE WHEEL DOWN or [ |
|
| Next Weapon |
MOUSE WHEEL UP or ] |
|
| Last Used Weapon |
Q |
|
| Display Multiplayer Scores |
TAB |
Shows scores, teams, wins, frags, status, bomb carrier etc |
| Recap Mission Briefing |
I |
Press Jump, Fire or Special Weapon function to make the mission briefing go away |
| Chat Message |
Y |
Broadcast message to all |
| Team Chat Message |
U |
Broadcast message to team |
| Take Screen Shot |
F5 |
|
| Quit | Not assigned by default |
Weapons are divided into three categories: Primary (Rifles, Shotguns, Sub-Machine Guns and Machine Guns), Secondary (Handguns) and Melee (Knife). Equipment such as hand-grenades and defusing kits have their own category. Players may only carry one item at a time in each of these categories except equipment, which can have several items at once. Some weapons may also have a special action (see Controls, Special Weapon Function); these are listed in the table below.
Primary Weapons
Name |
Cost |
Notes |
| Benneli M3 Super90 | $1700 | Shotgun |
| Benneli XM1014 | $3000 | Full Auto Shotgun |
| H&K MP5-Navy	 | $1500 | Sub-Machine Gun |
| Steyr Tactical | $1250 | Machine Pistol |
| FN P90	 | $2250 | Sub-Machine Gun |
| AK-47	 | $2500 | Available to Terrorists only |
| Colt M4A1 Carbine | $2950 | Available to Counter-Terrorists only, use special function key to toggle scope |
| Sig SG-552 Commando | $3500 | Use special function key to toggle scope |
| Steyr Scout | $2750 | Sniper Rifle-use special function key to toggle scope |
| AI Arctic Warfare/Magnum | $4750 | Sniper Rifle-use special function key to toggle scope |
| H&K G3/SG-1 | $5000 | Sniper Rifle- special function key to toggle scope |
| FN M249 Para | $5750 | Full sized machine gun |
Secondary Weapons
Name |
Cost |
Notes |
| H&K USP .45 Tactical | $500 | Default CT weapon |
| Glock 18 Select Fire | $400 | Default Terrorist weapon. Special action key toggles between burst fire and semi-automatic |
| Desert Eagle .50 AE | $650 | High caliber Pistol |
| SIG P228 | $600 | Pistol |
Equipment
Name |
Cost |
Notes |
| Kevlar Vest | $650 | Protects chest region |
| Kevlar vest and Helmet | $1000 | Protects chest and head |
| Concussion Grenades | $200 | i.e. Flashbang. Temporarily blinds everyone in the vicinity |
| HE Grenade | $300 | Traditional Grenade |
| Defuse Kit | $200 | Available to Counter-Terrorists Only, On Bomb Maps Only |
Health
You will start a round with 100 units of health, and die when your health reaches zero.
Armor
Two types of armor can be purchased; a kevlar vest or a vest paired with a helmet. The helmet is moderately affective
at reducing damage when hit in the head.
Timer
This countdown timer indicates the time remaining in the current round. If time runs out and neither team has eliminated
the other team nor met their mission objectives, the round is considered a draw.
Bomb Carrier
This icon will appear on the HUD of the player carrying the bomb. When the bomb carrier is within the bomb delivery
zone, this icon will flash.
Defuse Kit
This icon will appear on the HUD of any player that has bought a Defuse Kit.
Hostage Rescue Zone
When a counter-terrorist is at the spot where hostages must be delivered, this icon will appear.
Buy Zone
Players can only buy weapons, ammo and equipment when they are in the buy zone. The appearance of this icon let’s
you know when you can buy weapons and equipment.
Scoreboard
The scoreboard lists all the latest game statistics and player status. Information on the scorecard tells you who
is dead or alive, who is carrying the bomb, player kills and deaths, latency and team scores.
Weapons / Equipment
Your inventory is broken up into five categories, or slots. They are;
- primary weapon (large guns)
- secondary weapon (hand guns)
- melee weapon (knife)
- equipment (grenades, defusing kits)
- C4 bomb
Your inventory items will appear in the upper left hand corner whenever you change to a different item.
Ammo
Your current ammo count is displayed in the lower right hand area, under the cash display. Ammo is broken up into
two separate counts: the number of shots in your clip, and the number in your inventory. When your clip is exhausted,
it is automatically reloaded for you. If you would like to reload before your clip before it is empty press your
reload key. (see Controls, Reloading).
Cash
Your current account balance. Additions to the cash balance are briefly shown above the balance in green numbers.
Fines and penalties are shown in red.
Flashlight
All Counter-Strike players are equipped with a flashlight. Toggle it on and off by pressing the flashlight key
(see Controls, flashlight). When your flashlight is on other players will see the
area surrounding you glowing brightly.
Sound, Pros and Cons
Stealth is vitally important in Counter-Strike. When a player runs at full tilt (which is the default), their footsteps
can be heard. To prevent this, use the Walk key (see Controls, Walk) when trying
to avoid detection. Also be wary of doors, ladders and elevators. These will often emit a sound that may give you
or your enemies position away.
Life is Precious
Counter-Strike strives for realism. Running into a firefight all gung-ho will generally get you killed. The player
can only sustain a few bullet shots before dying, depending on the type of gun (ammunition actually) being shot
with, and the condition and presence of kevlar. There are also one hit kills in CS. Most guns can kill a player
in one shot if they connect with the head. Savvy CS players, will take cover as often as possible and use their
surroundings to their advantage. Working with your teammates to bring the enemy down is encouraged and necessary
to beat the other team. Keep in mind, you only get one life per round in CS. If you die, you will be put into Observer
mode until the round is over.
Know Your Gun
Counter-Strike has realistically modeled weaponry. If you run and fire at the same time, your accuracy will be
horrible (changes with different guns), Standing still increases accuracy and crouching is even better. Also be
aware of the guns recoil, holding down the trigger isn’t as effective as short quick bursts. It is also important
to know that all the rifles can shoot through walls to some extent. The Para Machine Gun, and the Desert Eagle
Pistol can as well.
Console Commands
These can be entered during the game by typing them in the console. The default key to bring down the console is
<`>(the tilde key ~). The following is a list of all available Counter Strike specific console commands
Server Options
These types of commands are generally called CVARS. The following CVARS are only accessible by the server. To find
the status of a CVAR, enter its name. To change it, enter its name, leave a space, and then enter the new value.
Note: some of these do not take effect until the round restarts.
mp_limitteams (default 2)
- Maximum number of players that one team can have over the other. To entirely disable team limiting, set to
0.
sv_restartround (default 0 sec)
- Time until the game restarts fresh, or 0 to not restart. This will reset all frags, scores, weapons and money to default. Use this to coordinate clan matches.
mp_autokick (default 1)
- Enable automatic team-killer banning and idle client kicking.
mp_chasecam (default 0)
- Limit observers to chase modes.
mp_ghostfrequency (default 0.1 sec)
- Ghost update period. How long in seconds until the next update. Increase to reduce lag.
mp_c4timer (default 45 sec)
- C4 timer duration. Minimum of 15, maximum of 90.
mp_freezetime (default 6 sec)
- The length in seconds of the Freeze period at the beginning of rounds. Set to 0 to disable.
mp_roundtime (default 5 min)
- The maximum length a round can last, in minutes. Minimum of 3, maximum of 15.
mp_friendlyfire (default 0)
- Set to 1 to enable friendly fire, 0 to disable.
mp_timelimit (default 0 min)
- Period between map rotations.
mp_footsteps (default 1)
- Set to 1 to enable footsteps, 0 to disable.
mp_flashlight (default 1)
- Set to 1 to enable the use of flashlights, 0 to disable.
sv_sendvelocity (default 0)
- Set to 1 to enable complex server physics and decals ( for low lag situations), 0 to disable.
Client Options
Anyone can use these to alter their personal settings.cl_observercrosshair (default 1)
- Set to 1 to enable crosshairs in Observer mode, 0 to disable.
cl_hidefrags (default 1)
- Set to 1 to hide all frag/death counts on the Scoreboard but your own, 0 to show.
hud_centerid (default 0)
- Set to 1 to center auto-ID text on screen, 0 to have auto-ID text in the bottom left corner.
Infokey settings. Type "setinfo" to check the status of all infokey settings. To change one, type "setinfo <keyname> <value>".
InfoKey Keynames
dm (default 1)
- Set to 1 to display map briefings after loading new levels, 0 to disable.
ghosts (default 0)
- Set to 1 to see ghosts when in Observer mode, 0 to disable. Disabling ghosts can potentially improve lag in high lag situations.
ah (default 1)
- Set to 1 to enable auto-help, 0 to disable. Auto-help gives the player hint messages throughout the game.
- Time until the game restarts fresh, or 0 to not restart. This will reset all frags, scores, weapons and money to default. Use this to coordinate clan matches.
CS Team
- Gooseman
- Cliffe
- Quip
- Andrew Aumann
- Matthew Van Sickler
- Poor Yurik
- Captain Gram
- CryptR
- Timm Stokke
- Magnus Lind
- Leon Nieuwoudt
- N0TH1NG
- Ido Magal
- Chris Ashton
- David Serrano
- Mr_Deth
- Zaphod Beezlebub
- FearMe
Barking Dog Studios
- Seamus Epp
- Darren Grant
- Cory Lake
- Chris Mair
- Jamie Mactaggart
- Dan McBride
Special Thanks
- Yahn Bernier
- Jenni Gant
- Chuck Jones
- Erik Johnson
- Art Min
- Gabe Newell
- Harry E. Teasley
- Robin Walker
Arousalman
- Monsieurevil
- Oddjob
- Mr. Grim
- Dallas Frank
- Mindvision
- Justin
- Howie Dorough
- Stephen Anderson
- Yash Chavda
- MTG
- A.J. McLean
- Eyeburn
- Pierre
- Rooster
Drego - Cliffe