AWP

“High risk and high reward, the infamous AWP is recognizable by its signature report and one-shot, one-kill policy.” ― Official description

In the world of Counter-Strike, the AWP, or as it was previously known, the Magnum Sniper Rifle, stands apart. This weapon is not for those looking for easy paths. With it, one can inflict huge damage, but the price of such power is slowness in reloading and movement, as well as the complex skill of shooting. Despite these drawbacks, the AWP has won the status of a cult weapon among Counter-Strike players, becoming a symbol of mastery and strategic thinking.

The Arctic Warfare Sniper Rifle, created by the British company Accuracy International, has proven itself in the series as a reliable instrument of precision. The especially popular variant, the AWP (Arctic Warfare Police), is designed for law enforcement forces and adapted for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. In the world of Counter-Strike, this rifle is presented in the Magnum modification for .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition, and the version used in Global Offensive is inspired by the original Arctic Warfare model.

The AWP is renowned for its power and accuracy at long distances. With a bolt-action mechanism and a magazine that holds 5 rounds in Counter-Strike 2 and Global Offensive (or 10 rounds in earlier versions of the game), it is available to both sides of the conflict, although counter-terrorists cannot purchase it directly in certain game modes.

This weapon requires a special knack and approach: its high cost and skill-demanding play style mean that mastering the AWP is a matter of practice and patience. Its drawbacks become apparent when the scope is not active—shooting becomes extremely inaccurate without visual cues. The rifle provides perfect accuracy when firing from a stationary position with the scope activated, but movement sharply deteriorates its performance.

On the other hand, the AWP can eliminate an opponent with a single shot to almost any part of the body except the legs, making it a weapon with high stopping power. It also has high penetration, allowing shots to pass through obstacles. However, these advantages come with drawbacks: difficulty in handling, slowness when using the scope, and low rate of fire due to the bolt-action mechanism.

The high cost of the AWP and its ammunition threatens the team's economy, especially in Global Offensive, where a kill with it brings a smaller reward. Outstanding skills and coordinated teamwork are required to ensure that the use of this powerful weapon does not become an economic burden.

Additionally, the AWP's unique and loud firing sound makes its carrier recognizable on the battlefield, allowing opponents to easily determine their position and strategically respond to the threat.

This weapon requires special skill and approach: its high cost and the skill-demanding style of gameplay mean that mastering the AWP is a matter of practice and patience. Its drawbacks become clear when the scope is inactive—firing becomes highly inaccurate without visual cues. The rifle ensures perfect accuracy when shooting from a stationary position with the scope activated, but movement significantly worsens its performance.

On the other hand, the AWP can eliminate an opponent with a single shot to almost any part of the body, except the legs, making it a weapon with high stopping power. It also has high penetration, allowing shots through obstacles. However, these advantages come with drawbacks: difficulty in control, slowness in using the scope, and low firing rate due to the bolt-action mechanism.

The high cost of the AWP and its ammunition threatens the team's economy, especially in Global Offensive, where a kill with it brings a smaller reward. Exceptional skills and coordinated teamwork are required so that the use of this powerful weapon does not become an economic burden.

Additionally, the unique and loud sound of the AWP's shot makes its user recognizable on the battlefield, allowing opponents to easily identify their position and strategically respond to the threat.

When using sniper rifles, especially the AWP, it's advisable to move away from the usual aim for the head. Instead, aim for the chest area - this increases the chance of hitting, given that even one shot in this zone is enough to kill an opponent, unless the shot is made to the legs or through a barrier. In cases where the opponent uses cover, and only their head is visible, aim there to maximize the chance of an immediate kill.

On certain maps, you may try shooting through obstacles. Although this requires precision, the ability to anticipate the enemy's movements, and a bit of luck, the AWP can pierce coverings that are inaccessible to most other types of weapons. While switching weapons does not speed up reloading, it allows you to prepare a pistol for short-distance encounters, avoiding unnecessary automatic switching to aiming mode, which can obstruct your view.

Shooting at the legs will not inflict lethal damage, so it's best to avoid such shots. If you need an alternative to the AWP in Danger Zone mode, the SSG 08 could be a good choice due to its firing speed and mobility, killing with two hits.

Interestingly, firing with the scope maintains accuracy between shots in Counter-Strike and Condition Zero, allowing you to prepare for the next shot without losing aim if you remain stationary. It's even possible to mark the center of the scope with indelible markers to simplify shooting without visual aiming, although this is less effective in newer versions of the game.

When firing from the AWP, it's crucial to stand still, as any movement greatly reduces accuracy. When checking corners, it's not recommended to crouch, as this reduces your mobility and increases the chances of being spotted first. Better to peek quickly and locate the target, acting as swiftly as possible.

When facing an enemy sniper, use cover and be ready to move if your location has been disclosed. After a miss, it's better to change position, anticipating a possible retaliatory shot. Remember, staying in one place too long or using the scope can make you vulnerable to flanking.

The AWP is ideally suited for the role of a sniper on maps with VIP assassination tasks, thanks to its ability to kill a target with one or two shots. At the same time, it's important to remember the need for a quick switch to a pistol during close encounters, as the AWP is not designed for rapid fire.

Using the scope is important for shot accuracy, but excessive use can limit your view and make you an easy target. In situations requiring a quick response, don't hesitate to switch to a more suitable weapon for short distances, such as the CZ75-Auto, Tec-9, or Five-SeveN, to ensure reliable defense or attack.

AWP in numbers

Alternate name Magnum Sniper Rifle
Price $4750
Purchasable by Counter-Terrorists & Terrorists
Damage 115
Rate of fire 41 RPM
Accurate range (meters) 69 m
Reload time 3.7 seconds
Magazine capacity 5
Reserve ammo limit 30
Magazine capacity 5
Reserve ammo limit 30
Running speed (hammer units per second) 200 100 (Using scope)
Kill award $100 (Competitive) $50 (Casual)
Penetration power 250
Ammunition type .338 Lapua Magnum
Firing mode Bolt-action
Range modifier 0.99
Hotkey B-4-5
Entityweapon_awp