“A less expensive option among the terrorist-exclusive assault rifles, the Galil AR is a serviceable weapon in medium to long-range combat.” ― Official description
The Galil AR is that very rifle which gained fame through Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2, where it stands as a faithful companion to the terrorists. As the successor to the famous IDF Defender from earlier parts of the series, the Galil AR retains similar characteristics and serves the same purposes as its predecessor, but with new improvements.
Overview
This assault rifle is inspired by the Galil ACE 22, an Israeli assault rifle manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries. The ACE 22 is a medium-barrel version of the Galil ACE series, which started production in 2008. Although it bears the name of its "relative" – the Galil AR in the game, its design and spirit are taken directly from the ACE 22.
In the game world, the Galil AR can be purchased for $1800, making it the most affordable assault rifle for terrorists. Its distinctive features include high rate of fire and considerable recoil. The magazine holds 35 bullets, five more than most assault rifles, and it boasts good penetration capability. The main drawback is the inability to instantly take down an enemy at full health and armor with a single headshot, as well as reduced accuracy at long distances.
Overall, choosing the Galil AR as an assault rifle for an eco round is a great decision, however, it may not seem like the best option for serious purchases.
Tactical Use
Even though the rifle is inexpensive and more accurate when firing from the hip, it's often more beneficial to save up for an AK-47, as the Galil AR falls short when compared to more powerful and accurate models. For those who cannot afford an AK-47, considering SMGs, such as the UMP-45, might be interesting due to the higher kill reward.
For engagements at close and medium distances, it's best to use automatic fire, aiming at the enemy's chest. At longer distances, firing in short bursts or single shots, combined with maneuvering to minimize damage taken, is most effective.
Against snipers, the Galil AR might not be the best choice due to its inability to quickly take down armored opponents with a single shot, unlike the AK-47. Try to avoid places where snipers are commonly found.
Interesting Details
In the early versions of CS:GO, including alpha and beta tests as well as the demo at PAX 2011, the Galil AR was equipped with a Meprolight Tritium Powered Reflex Sight, which allowed for zooming, similar to the AUG and SG 553. However, this feature was removed to achieve balance with the counter-terrorists' counterpart – the FAMAS.
Before a certain update, the kill icon in the interface still displayed this sight.
Before the major sound update in CS:GO, the Galil AR, along with the P90, SG 553, and AUG, shared the same cocking sound.
The magazine of the Galil AR in the game stood out for its unusually tall and slim shape, but this was corrected in CS2.
In real life, the IDF Defender, the predecessor of the Galil AR, is slightly heavier – as it should be.
In the early stages of development, the bolt-pulling sounds did not always match the animations.
As with the G3SG1 from previous games, if you watch the reloading of the Galil AR from the classic viewpoint, it seems that the magazine is simply removed and replaced without any changes.
Although the rifle is modeled after the Galil ACE 22, the interface and achievement icons depict the Galil SAR.
Despite being modeled after the Galil ACE 22, in the game's interface and achievement icons, a Galil SAR is shown instead. This mismatch adds a layer of intrigue to the game, showcasing the blend of reality and game design decisions that often come into play in video game development.
The Galil AR in Counter-Strike has evolved from just another weapon in the arsenal to a piece of gaming history, embodying the transition from the real-world battlefield to the virtual arenas where players around the globe test their skills and strategies. Its representation in Counter-Strike not only reflects its real-world counterpart's characteristics but also adapts them to fit the balance and dynamics of the game, creating an engaging experience for players.
Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice among players who are strategizing their way through eco rounds, offering a bridge to more powerful weaponry while still standing as a formidable choice in its own right. The Galil AR’s journey from the drawing board to a digital battleground serves as a testament to the careful thought and balancing that goes into each piece of equipment in Counter-Strike, ensuring that each weapon has its moment to shine and its role to play in the hands-on tapestry of in-game strategy and combat.
In conclusion, the Galil AR's presence in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2 is more than just a nod to military history; it's a carefully considered piece of the game's arsenal, designed to offer players a cost-effective yet competitive option in their quest for victory. With each round fired, players are reminded of the balance between cost and effectiveness, strategy and skill, making the Galil AR a weapon of choice for those looking to make their mark in the game without breaking the bank.
Galil AR in numbers
- Alternate name IDF Sentinel 22
- Price $1800
- Purchasable by Terrorists Statistics
- Damage 30
- Armor penetration 77.5
- Rate of fire 666 rounds per minute
- Accurate range (meters) 16 m
- Reload time 3 seconds
- Magazine capacity 35 Reserve ammo limit 90
- Running speed (hammer units per second) 215
- Kill award $300 (competitive) $150 (casual)
- Penetration power 200
- Ammunition type 5.56 caliber
- Firing mode Automatic
- Recoil control 20 / 26
- Range modifier 0.98
- Other Counterpart FAMAS
- Entity weapon_galilar
