Counter-Strike
Developed by Valve · Published by Valve
At a glance
Overview
An action game by Valve, published by Valve — multi-player, pvp, online pvp, shared/split screen pvp.
Steam’s own one-line description: “Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role.” — developer/publisher text via the Steam store page.
Reception & community
Review sentiment, ownership and peak-concurrent estimates via SteamSpy; tags are player-voted on Steam. Estimates change over time.
What players say about Counter-Strike
Distilled by AI from 48 real Steam player reviews + verified Steam facts. The honest picture — praise and criticism both.
👍 What players love
- Nostalgic gameplay that defined childhoods and fostered strong community bonds.
- Simple mechanics focused on skill, teamwork, and map knowledge.
- A vast array of custom maps and game modes, keeping the experience fresh.
- Smooth gunplay and responsive controls, even after many years.
- A sense of reputation and identity within the player community.
👎 Common complaints
- The game suffers from cheating issues, which can ruin the experience.
- Some players feel the community has become toxic and manipulative.
- Graphics are outdated compared to modern FPS games, which may deter new players.
- Many veteran players have mastered the game, making it hard for newcomers to compete.
Is it worth it?
Counter-Strike 1.6 is a classic FPS that appeals to players seeking nostalgia and a competitive experience. While it has its flaws, such as cheating and outdated graphics, its strong community and simple yet engaging gameplay make it worth trying for both new and returning players.
Getting started — quick tips
- Start by practicing on bot servers to get a feel for the mechanics.
- Join community servers that match your skill level to avoid frustration.
- Learn the maps and callouts to improve teamwork and communication.
- Experiment with different weapons to find what suits your playstyle.
- Engage with the community to find friends and learn from experienced players.
Features & modes
Derived from the gameplay modes and feature categories Steam lists for Counter-Strike.
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
| Single-player | No |
| Multiplayer | Yes |
| Co-op | No |
| Online co-op | No |
| PvP | Yes |
| Cross-platform multiplayer | No |
| Full controller support | No |
| Partial controller support | No |
| Steam Cloud saves | No |
| Steam Achievements | No |
System requirements (PC)
As published on the Steam store page. Requirements can change between updates.
Minimum
- 500 mhz processor, 96mb ram, 16mb video card, Windows XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection
- 800 mhz processor, 128mb ram, 32mb+ video card, Windows XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection
Supported languages (8)
Counter-Strike FAQ
Answered from the official Steam listing as of September 2026. Data stamp: September 2026 (oldest record; newest recorded refresh: September 2026). Recorded refreshes can include failed attempts; check Steam for current facts. Where something hasn't been announced, we say so rather than guess.
Is Counter-Strike 1.6 still worth playing today?
Yes, many players find it enjoyable due to its nostalgic value and strong community.
What makes CS 1.6 different from newer Counter-Strike games?
CS 1.6 is known for its simpler mechanics and focus on skill, while newer games often include more complex features.
Are there still active servers for CS 1.6?
Yes, there are still many active servers and a lively community that plays regularly.
Can I play CS 1.6 on low-end hardware?
Yes, the game is known for its low system requirements and can run on older machines.
Is there a risk of encountering cheaters?
Yes, cheating remains a concern, especially on public servers.
What kind of game is Counter-Strike?
Steam classifies Counter-Strike as a Action game, developed by Valve. Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role.
How much does Counter-Strike cost?
As of September 2026, Steam lists Counter-Strike at $9.99. Prices and regional pricing change — check the Steam page for the current figure.
Is Counter-Strike single-player or multiplayer?
Steam lists these modes for Counter-Strike: Multi-player, PvP, Online PvP, Shared/Split Screen PvP. It’s built around multiplayer — Steam doesn’t list a dedicated single-player mode.
Is Counter-Strike on PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch?
Our data comes from the Steam (PC) store, which lists Counter-Strike for Windows, macOS, Linux. Console availability isn’t in our Steam-sourced data — check the official site or the console store.
Is Counter-Strike out yet?
Yes — Steam lists a release date of Nov 1, 2000.
What platforms is Counter-Strike on?
Counter-Strike is listed for Windows, macOS, Linux on the Steam (PC) store. Console availability isn't covered by Steam's PC store data — check the official channels.
Is Counter-Strike single-player or multiplayer?
Steam lists these modes: Multi-player, PvP, Online PvP, Shared/Split Screen PvP.
How much does Counter-Strike cost?
Steam lists it at $9.99.
What is Counter-Strike's Metacritic score?
Counter-Strike has a Metacritic score of 88/100, per the Steam store listing.
Who made Counter-Strike?
Counter-Strike is developed by Valve and published by Valve.
Where to get Counter-Strike
We don't sell games or track prices — this links to the official Steam store page.
View on Steam →Listing details from Valve's public Steam store data. Not affiliated with Valve/Steam, Valve.