CS2 Rifles
Rifles are the backbone of competitive CS2. From the one-tap AK-47 to the devastating AWP, rifle selection defines round outcomes more than any other weapon class. Understanding each rifle's strengths, weaknesses, and optimal use cases is fundamental to climbing the ranks.
AK-47
TThe iconic T-side rifle. One-shot headshot kill against helmeted opponents. High damage but challenging recoil pattern requiring dedicated practice.
M4A4
CTThe standard CT-side rifle. Reliable 30-round magazine, good fire rate, but cannot one-shot headshot against helmets. Choose between M4A4 and M4A1-S.
M4A1-S
CTThe silenced CT-side alternative. Higher damage per bullet and a tighter spray pattern than M4A4, but only 20 rounds per magazine. Silenced shots hide your tracers.
AWP
BothThe most iconic weapon in Counter-Strike. One-shot kill to the body and head at any range. Extremely expensive and devastating in skilled hands.
SSG 08 (Scout)
BothBudget sniper rifle. One-shot headshot kill against helmeted opponents. High mobility allows jump-scouting. Great eco-round option.
Galil AR
TBudget T-side rifle. Decent damage and fire rate at a much lower price than the AK-47. Good for force-buy rounds when you cant afford a full buy.
FAMAS
CTBudget CT-side rifle with optional burst-fire mode. Cheaper alternative to M4A4/M4A1-S for force-buy rounds.
AUG
CTScoped CT-side rifle with high armor penetration. The scope provides accuracy for long-range duels but slows fire rate when scoped.
SG 553
TScoped T-side rifle with perfect armor penetration. The scope is useful for long-range fights. Unique diagonal spray pattern.
SCAR-20
CTCT-side auto sniper. Semi-automatic with devastating damage output. Often considered annoying to play against due to its spam potential.
G3SG1
TT-side auto sniper. Semi-automatic with high damage. Mirror of the SCAR-20 for terrorists.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best rifle in CS2?
- The AK-47 is widely considered the best rifle due to its one-shot headshot capability against armored opponents. However, the AWP is the most impactful weapon in skilled hands. For CT-side, the M4A1-S is currently favored in professional play for its accuracy and silenced shots.
- AK-47 or M4A4 — which does more damage?
- The AK-47 deals 36 base damage with 77.5% armor penetration, while the M4A4 deals 33 damage with 70% armor penetration. Critically, the AK-47 can one-shot headshot through helmets (36 × 4 = 144 damage), while the M4A4 cannot (33 × 4 = 132, leaving enemies alive at ~8 HP).
- When should I buy the AWP vs a rifle?
- Buy the AWP when your team economy can sustain the $4,750 cost, when you have a dedicated AWP player, and when the map favors long-range engagements. Never sacrifice your team's utility budget for an AWP, and always have a rifle backup plan.
- Is the SG 553 worth buying?
- The SG 553 costs $3,000 (only $300 more than AK-47) and offers a scope, better armor penetration (100%), and one-shot headshot capability. Its scoped accuracy makes it excellent for long-range duels, though many players prefer the AK-47's spray pattern.