CS 2
The AWP is one of the most potent weapons in the game, and in this article, you will learn all the CS2 sniper tips and tricks and mastering the AWP in CS2. With the weapon in your hands, you can be very impactful in the game since, with the scope, you can aim at great distances and eliminate the opponents quickly.
CS2 doesn't stand still, and there's always time for something new here:
No matter how many years pass, questions will always be about properly playing with a particular weapon. This link on Reddit has some good recommendations. We will detail how to dominate with AWP to give comprehensive recommendations.
Highlights
- General information about AWP
- Reasons why you need an AWP
- Tips on how to dominate with an AWP
General Information About AWP
Damage Tables
You can kill your opponent with a single shot; however, if the shot is directed from the waist down, you may not be able to annihilate your opponent with just one shot. The AWP damage is 115 for a body shot, 448 for a headshot, and 86 for a longshot.
You can also shoot the weapon without the scope; however, your crosshair isn't on the screen, making it difficult to hit the opponent. You can reload AWP in 3.7 seconds.
Due to its significant impact, the AWP is one of the most expensive weapons in the game; it costs $4750 on both sides, Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist.
We have a great article with cosmetics for AWP - Best CS2 AWP Skins 2024: Top 10.
Why AWP, and When Should I Buy It?
AWP | Asimov
AWP is different from other weapons like AK or M4 because of its scope and ability to cause damage to the opponent. As previously mentioned, it can kill the opponent with just one shot. The possibility of killing from a distance adds a massive level of lethality to the weapon, which is one of the primary weapons in the competition.
The right time to buy is not strictly defined. Still, having an AWP to accompany the rifles in total buy rounds is always interesting because the sniper can give you different peeks at the opponent.
We have a guide that may help you - How to Peek in CS2? Peeking Tips.
Having an AWP is better on maps with great distances. However, excess AWP on the team can be harmful as it is a heavy weapon and could be more attractive for short distances and bombsite openings. Furthermore, at these short distances, it is essential to have quick reflexes, and if the opponent appears suddenly, trying to annihilate him with a rifle may be more advantageous.
Having a pistol to accompany the AWP is always essential because if you are caught off guard, sniping in quick reactions may not be as advantageous, so having the pistol for these surprises is essential.
AWP in CS2 VS CS:GO
AWP in CS:GO
AWP in CS2
Players have discussed the changes to AWP due to the release of CS2 extensively.
Since its launch, Counter-Strike 2 has been a source of excitement and disappointment. For Counter-Strike fans, the AWP is a sacred weapon. It's a "one shot, one kill" option that is revered and feared.
Despite a somewhat controversial weakening of the magazine size late in CS:GO, from 10 rounds to 5, the AWP has remained a powerful force in the game.
Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov mentioned on air on his Twitch channel that the AWP has too much ammo, allowing players to often mindlessly spend it on various shoot-throughs:
"AWP can be fixed. Give five ammo and 15-20 extra. Well, really, 10 and 30 is too much. You can do a lot of things with an AWP. When you have 5 and 15 rounds, there won't be moments when you can just shoot the 'smoke'. "
One key difference is the overall reduction in weapon atomization for most firearms. This makes the first strike of the AWP even more important and more challenging compared to CS:GO.
Also, taking damage while aiming your AWP reduces your accuracy. This is a noticeable difference from CS:GO. While this aspect does increase the immersion and realism of the game, it also frustrates many competitive gamers who are used to a certain status quo.
This feature has since been fixed.
Otherwise, the AWP remains the most popular and deadly weapon in CS:GO and Counter-Strike 2, although it is prolonged and almost impossible to make a mistake.
How Do I Train My AWP Skills?
AWP sniping techniques
There are several ways to improve your AWP skills, such as using it as an impactful and vital weapon in the game. As with any weapon, Deathmatch is a crucial way to train any gun, and the AWP is no different because you can train against players of your level. There is still an excellent level of similarity in the peeks with the matchmaking. Deathmatch, as it is a fast game, is suitable for training reflexes and other AWP skills, such as no scopes.
You can always train on closed workshop maps with bots; however, it may be less enjoyable if the bots are static without any reaction or movement. This can be interesting if you are a beginner and want to learn some mechanics with the weapon, but once you feel comfortable, train on Deathmatch or Public servers.
AWP Aiming Tips
1. Flickshooting
While exposed to several enemies, your only chance of surviving is flicking horizontally or vertically. So, gain some experience with flicking, practice this skill, and you'll be able to play with the AWP as a professional in no time.
2. Strafing
Lack of movement can also lead to death. So, how do you practice AWP in CS2 and not get killed too soon? Professional snipers must stay mobile by practicing strafing and counter-strafing.
3. Quick scoping
Master quick aiming. The map is in sightless mode when scoping due to the lack of visibility, so quick aiming is essential.
4. Aim correctly
The best way to hit with an AWP in CS2 is not to aim at your opponent's head but at the body level and let them come at you. ZywoO and s1mple can hit straight to the head immediately, but if you're a newbie, this tactic will not work.
5. Standing still
This advice may seem silly to you. But still, before you shoot, stop to get a precise aim. The main disadvantage of AWP is that you cannot hit the target while running or walking.
Our great guide can also help you CS2 Aim Guide 2024.
What Do I Need To Know Since I Have AWP?
AWP on Mirage
Since it is an expensive weapon, it is crucial to preserve and be careful with what you do, always be calculating, and even when taking risks, have some caution and intelligence because you could be giving a powerful weapon to your opponent or losing an excellent argument for your team wins the round.
Using grenades to gain an advantage over opponents is essential. For example, in a sniper duel, a well-placed flashbang dramatically increases your chances of facing a blind opponent. In addition, with the other grenades, you can make opponents leave possible positions and profit from this.
Knowing how to position the weapon on the map is essential and can give you many points of advantage in duels. This kind of knowledge can be acquired over time, but professionals are a source of a lot of it, and watching a dedicated sniper play can clear up some doubts and teach you a lot.
It is fundamental in positioning not to be at vast angles so that in case of a missed shot, there is still room for maneuver to reposition and try a new shot on top of the opponent.
You can also look at how the pros play with AWPs. This will help you find the little tricks we talked about and understand what your game is missing.
AWP For T and CT
Snipers on the CT side are the cornerstone of almost any competitive map. Each map has a default position in which CT Snipers are most comfortable.
- Mirage: Window
- Inferno: Long-side Mid
- Dust II: Long A or Mid-Doors
- Ancient: House
- Anubis: Middle
- Vertigo: A Ramp
- Nuke: Outside
These positions have a few things in common. They have long sight lines, giving you an advantage with AWP.
But people know that snipers want to play these positions, which means that the higher level you play at, the more likely your position will be overrun before you even get to it.
AWP terrorists are a different matter altogether. A great midspawn on Mirage can shock your opponent into slowly crawling through a window, and a good midspawn on Dust II can give you an extra shot or tag.
Unlike CT, where a sniper can dominate lower ranks by knowing the three angles on each map, on T, you have to know ALL the angles and know how to peek them without getting killed. Learning how to use the utilities will help you clear many of them, but to really use AWP well, you will need teamwork.
Summary
As you move up the ranks, you'll need to practice mechanical concepts that are hard to explain. However, sensible positioning, use of utilities, and economy control at lower levels will guarantee you some easy kills with the AWP.
We have some interesting articles about ranks that you might find helpful: CS2 Ranks: Premier Guide and Updated: How Does The Rating System Work in CS2.
