#GamingBytes: Five tips for Counter-Strike beginners
Most gamers acing popular battle royales like PUBG and Fortnite, made their bones playing Counter-Strike. While the Classic 1.6 has closed, Global Offensive is still played widely. The CS gaming community is highly competitive and can be intimidating for beginners. However, perfecting CS is often instrumental to play shooter games well. If you're looking to join CS, here we bring five tips for beginners.
Running and gunning is not an option
Shooting is the most important aspect of Counter-Strike. The maps are small so you run into enemies all the time. Unlike Call of Duty games, you cannot gun and run. The accuracy is much more fine-tuned here. Players have to stop, aim and fire. However, with practise, you can strafe and fire, which increases mobility and reduces the chances of getting shot back.
The two special shooting techniques
Strafing is essentially moving from side to side as you shoot your enemy. The constant movement makes retaliation difficult. Another shooting technique players need to master is quick scoping. This involves immediately scoping a player and shooting. The latter is handy in competitive gaming.
Don't make things too explosive
Counter-Strike offers smoke, flash, incendiary and grenades. Newcomers tend to buy grenades to lob them and make what they presume to be a strategic entry. However, in a game where enemies take cover, and your throw is not too good, a grenade only warns your enemies. Furthermore, many newcomers end up hurting their own team-mates by mistiming a throw. Guns over grenades, always!
Familiarize yourself with the maps
Counter-Strike is one of the few games where maps are almost unlimited. Apart from the maps created in the game itself, players often add their own maps. It is important to play on maps where most competitive games take place. One such classic that has survived time is 'Dust'. Start there, familiarize yourself with it, and never go to the same bombsite every time.
What's between your crosshairs?
If CS manages to teach you something, it is aiming. While crosshairs aimed at the head, and successfully executed headshots look great, beginners might find it difficult. We suggest aiming at the torso, and 3 to 4 well-placed shots can take your enemy out. However, try moving towards headshots. They are efficient for quick kills and let's admit it, headshots are cooler.
Let's get a little technical, gamers
Since quick aiming and firing are two of the most important aspects of Counter-Strike, we suggest you adjust the mouse sensitivity settings to your comfort before starting the game. Also, change the crosshair color to something that stands out.
Economizing is a key aspect in competitive rounds
One of the aspects CS introduced was purchasing weapons before rounds. Managing economy is key to being a good player. We suggest in competitive gaming, you buy all the armor and a good assault rifle. The default AK and M4 for terrorists and counter-terrorists is recommended. Don't spend on grenades and handguns. Opt for the complete purchase only if you have won few rounds.
Gametime makes you perfect
Keep playing even if you lose at first. A word of caution, do not go online right at the start. Start playing against AI bots and keep increasing difficulty as you get better. Alternately, play on the free demo version before playing on servers.
