AWP

AWP

Alternate name(s)	Magnum Sniper Rifle
Game(s)
Price	$4750
Magazine cost	$125
Origin	United Kingdom
Caliber
Magazine capacity	10 / 30
Firing mode(s)	Bolt action
Rate of fire	41 RPM
Weight (loaded)	6 kg
Projectile weight	16.2 g
Muzzle velocity	3000 ^ft/_s
Muzzle energy	7000 J
Used by	Counter-Terrorists Terrorists
Reload time	2.5 seconds 3.7 seconds
Movement speed (units per second)	210 200 150 (Zoom) 100 (Zoom )
Kill Award	$100 (Competitive) $50 (Casual)
Damage	115
Recoil Control	1 / 26 (3%)
Accurate Range	69 m
Armor Penetration	97.5%
Penetration Power	250
Hotkey	B-4-5 (TR) B-4-6 (CT) B-4-5
Entity	`weapon_awp`

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

The AWP (Arctic Warfare Police), or Magnum Sniper Rifle, as it was previously known, is a sniper rifle featured in the Counter-Strikeseries.

A “high risk, high reward” weapon due to its high powers but slow firing rate, reload speed, and movement speed, the AWP is one of the most used weapons in the Counter-Strike series.

Overview

The AWP is a powerful bolt-action sniper rifle available to both teams. It is infamously renowned for being able to one-shot kill enemies with a hit anywhere bar the legs, regardless of armor, making the AWP a solid weapon for wallbanging. The VIP is the only player who can survive a single body shot from the AWP because his armor is 200. However, a headshot can still kill the VIP instantly without the need for a second shot.

The AWP also has extreme accuracy when scoped, particularly when crouched as it has the 3rd highest accuracy in the game. The ability to scope along with the extreme accuracy and obscene stopping power make the AWP devastating at long ranges, particularly in the hands of a skilled shooter.

However, where the AWP excels in accuracy and power, it suffers in general handling. The AWP slows players down considerably, particularly in Global Offensive, making it unwieldy at closer ranges in the hands of a novice player. The weapon also has terrible accuracy when not using the scope or firing while moving, so the user must be aiming down sights AND immobile at all times to retain a competitive edge. Additionally, the sound that results from firing is loud and easily recognizable; the moment a shot is fired, the enemy team is aware of an AWP’s presence on the battlefield. Thus, the enemy team will change their tactics in attempts to take down the AWP as top priority by flanking the user or using other tactics against the user.

In addition, this weapon is bolt-action, which results in a slow rate of fire. A missed shot can leave the operator vulnerable while chambering another bullet and allowing enemies to use that opportunity to counter the user or escape. The last downside is the weapon’s lack of economic efficiency—it is expensive and the kill reward is low (in Global Offensive). Therefore, getting killed while holding this weapon may prove detrimental for the user’s team morale as the enemy could take the advantage by taking this weapon and use it against the user’s team.

In the older games, the .338 Lapua Magnum used by the AWP is the most expensive ammunition in-game, at $125 per magazine.

The AWP is not available for the Counter-Terrorists to purchase in Assassination maps. They can, however, get one from fallen Terrorists.

The AWP is only weapon in Counter-Strike with the ability to kill an armored teammate instantly with a headshot.

In older games, bots equipped with an AWP always switch to their pistol after firing 5 rounds, no matter how many rounds are available in their weapons.

Properties

Damage values

Hitbox	Primary Attack
Hitbox	Unarmored	Armored
Head	459	448
Chest & Arm	115	112
Abdomen & Pelvis	143	140
Leg	85	85
Red signifies a fatal hit

The AWP is a fairly heavy weapon. While wielded, the player’s movement speed is reduced from the default 250 units per second to 210 units per second (200 in Global Offensive), meaning a user will suffer 16% to 20% speed reduction. While zoomed in, the movement speed is 100 units per second. The AWP is one of the many guns able to shoot underwater.

Advantages

Fatal damage to the pelvic area or above
Extremely high penetration power
Very accurate and lethal at extreme range

Disadvantages

Operated by bolt-action mechanism
Very loud and distinct firing sound
Heavy weight
Very expensive
Low kill reward in Global Offensive ($100) ($50 in Competitive Mode)
Very inaccurate when firing without the scope or firing while moving
Less accurate if fired right after cycling the bolt in Source and Global Offensive
Long reload time (in Source and Global Offensive)
Require accuracy and skill to master usage

Gameplay

Tactics

Unlike other sniper rifles, instead of focusing on the head, aim for the chest as much as possible. The chest presents a much larger target, and the damage done by an AWP shot is more than enough to kill the enemy in a single shot provided it did not hit the leg or an obstacle between the player and the enemy. Furthermore, the recoil from this weapon will push a user’s aim upward so aiming at the target’s chest will score a headshot.
- If a target is using cover while at medium range and the head is exposed, try to score a headshot to ensure an instant kill as the cover may block most of the shot’s damage, allowing the enemy to return fire.
- In certain maps (especially Aztec), professional players can perform wallbangs (hit assailants through a wall, box, or any other obstacle) dealing up to 60 damage or scoring a headshot. This tactic requires perfect accuracy, prediction, and a bit of luck.
- Avoid shooting at the target’s leg, as the damage is not lethal on targets with full health/armor. If this happens, quickly switch to the pistol to finish the target off.
After firing a scoped shot in Counter-Strike and Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, the AWP retains in-scope accuracy if fired before returning to the scoped view as long as the player is standing still or crouching.
- An experienced user can take advantage of this by holding the primary attack button and retain an accurate shot, and can even mark a central red-dot (1.6 and Condition Zero) of the crosshairs with a wipeable, non-permanent sketch or marker pen of the color of the crosshair. This can technically allow the player to fire the AWP without physically aiming down sights. However, this method is considered cheating in a sense and is frowned upon.
  - This tactic cannot be used in Counter-Strike: Source and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Firing the AWP with this method will have the same accuracy as an unscoped one. Also, users cannot fire the AWP after cocking the rifle unless the primary attack button has been released and pressed again.
Standing whilst firing is a must, as moving while firing dramatically decreases the weapon’s accuracy.
- Never crouch when peaking a corner. The chances are that the enemy can see you peek first, as “crouch-walking” decreases your mobility. To peek, strafe, and scope in to find and kill the enemy. Be as quick as possible, because the enemy can kill you first before you can, as peeking a corner will get exposed to different angles. Practice landing flickshots or quickscopes to take the enemy down in seconds.
When firing at a moving target, take the effort to lead the shot by firing in front of the target, predicting where the target would be in half (1/2) a second.
- This can also compensate for slow reaction times or lag if shots are missed on a regular basis.
When facing an enemy sniper, use cover in case the first shot does not hit an intended target. If the first shot is missed and the firing location has been compromised, change firing location in case the enemy is already trained on the original location, waiting to fire.
Take cover while operating the bolt between shots, so as not to allow the opponent time to attack. However, be careful, as enemies might be waiting for the opportunity to fire when popping out.
- Even if the opponents have no idea where the shot is from at first, avoid camping at one point for too long. Instead, be mobile—relocate the firing position after killing one or two opponents to reduce the risk of allowing the enemy team to flank the sniping position.
- Avoid using scope for too long, maintain peripheral vision for possible enemy flanks.
A CZ75-Auto, Desert Eagle, Tec-9, or Five-SeveN is a good backup pistol for AWP users, most notably when encountering an enemy or a group of enemies at close range. The pistols’ headshot capability will help the user easily eliminate the enemy.
- A P250 is a cheap and reliable alternative if you’re short on funds.
In Assassination maps, since the Terrorists’ semi-auto sniper rifle cannot be purchased, the AWP is the best replacement for sniping, since a bullet from the AWP can kill the VIP in 1~2 hits.
- Also, Counter-Terrorists are unable to purchase the AWP as they can only buy the Krieg 550 Commando. Terrorist snipers with the AWP can usually take these users down because the SG550 is less accurate and is unable to score instant kills without a headshot. However, if the AWP user misses the first shot, the SG550 users are likely to return fire due to the loud sound.
  - If the VIP is standing still or unaware, take the time to aim for his head, as the AWP will kill in one headshot, even if the VIP has full health and (200) armor.
  - Two shots, if not aiming at the head, is required to kill the target (similar to the Scout).
In maps like Office, the AWP can penetrate glass or thin cover which most other weapons cannot.
Be mindful of the surroundings and camp in a spot where enemy flanking can be avoided.
- Additionally, if available, have a teammate provide cover when high visibility situations cannot be avoided.
Exercise extreme caution when engaging enemies at close range. The weapon lacks a high rate of fire that prohibits users in fighting targets at near distances.
- If an enemy wielder is rushing at close proximity, switch to a sidearm and strafe or retreat.
- Avoid firing the AWP without using the scope, as it is very inaccurate unless at point blank range. Although damage is not reduced, it is not recommended to ‘quick-scope’, as the bullet may not always kill a target with full health instantly. This can leave an AWP user vulnerable to counter-attack.
Prior to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a commonly utilized tactic was to jump from a corner, crouch or stop moving, zoom in, and then fire the AWP at a target.
- In an update for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the scope of the AWP scope is blurred for about a second after scoping in, meaning the shot will be highly inaccurate if it is immediately fired.
Switching to another weapon and then back, although it doesn’t speed up the rate, does somewhat help to get out of scope mode without having to zoom in.

Counter-Tactics

Listen for AWP shots, as the firing sounds are extremely loud and distinctive.
- If heard, avoid well-lit and wide open areas without plenty of cover or common choke points (except if the AWP shot was fired by friendly player or bots).
Travel and attack in groups with teammates, as AWP users may have trouble killing multiple foes quickly when spreading out.
- Do not form a straight line as a single shot from the AWP can penetrate into, and kill, up to five targets with a single shot.
- One player can be equipped with weapons capable of countering the AWP, while the other provides cover with grenades.
- Additionally, one player can draw the AWP’s fire, while the others flank the enemy’s position. Split up and approach the sniper from all directions.
It is not recommended to face an AWP user head-on at long or medium distances without a weapon capable of medium to long range attacks.
AWP users will tend to lead the shots to predict target movement, so a player should move in a zig-zag pattern and take glancing shots if spotted to force the AWP user to take cover.
- Moving in a zig-zag pattern may help a player to survive longer against a sniper.
Because the AWP is infamous for “wallbang” kills like the AK-47 and the M249, avoid staying stationary behind thin cover of surfaces.
A player not killed from an AWP shot will have a 1.5-second-long window to attack, run away or take cover before the sniper can shoot again.
- You can also call for backup if you recognise the telltale sound of the weapon’s discharge.
At long ranges, an AWP or other long range sniper rifle is a good weapon to counter an AWP user with.
- Using semi-automatic sniper rifles will make the most of the delay between an AWP user’s shots.
- At long-to-medium ranges, an M4A1, AK-47, or other rifle can also be used to score a headshot on a user, though this is rather risky.
Some players will take cover while they operate the bolt, find the location of targets, and eliminate them right after they come out.
The AWP is useless compared to other automatic/semi-auto weapons at close range, giving the player ample opportunity to attack before the AWP user can switch to another weapon.
- To avoid getting hit, strafe while reaching close proximity.
- When playing against experienced AWP users at close range, move in a 360 degree circle to avoid quick-scoping or before the pistol is drawn.
- Jumping will also greatly decrease the chance of being hit at close range but this will greatly reduce the player’s accuracy.
- Jumping may also lead to a leg shot, giving the player a second chance to retaliate.
- Use multiple flashbangs or smoke grenades to provide cover for a rush or to flank the AWP user, especially if the AWP user has covering fire from teammates.
Contrary to common logic, it is possible to wield the AWP in enclosed areas, such as in Office.
- Snipers will generally guard the opposite end of a long and narrow hallway by hiding behind a prop (if available) and eliminating rushing players. Throw smoke grenades, incendiary grenades, or Molotovs to force the AWP user to leave the area quickly.
- It is recommended to use multiple flashbangs if available as a flashbang can be easily countered, allowing the user to reset and anticipate the player’s arrival.
If short on money, it is possible to counter an AWP user with the Scout.
- A well-implemented ambush and a swift headshot are the key factors to success.

Comparisons

- Scout

- SSG 08

Positive

High damage per shot (the AWP can score an instant kill when a shot hits any part of the body apart from the leg)
At long range, the AWP is more accurate than the Scout (the AWP has 100% accuracy when standing still or when crouching while the Scout has only 100% accuracy when fired at a crouched position)

Neutral

Both weapons are bolt-action sniper rifles
Same magazine capacity
Both weapons are equipped with a scope

Negative

Lower rate of fire (41 rpm vs 48 rpm)
Very inaccurate without using the scope
Expensive ($4750 vs $2750)
Heavier (210 unit per seconds vs 260 unit per seconds)
Slower reload time (2.5 or 3.5 seconds vs 2.3 or 3 seconds)
Low ammo in reserve (30 rounds vs 90 rounds)
More ammo cost ($125 vs $80)
Shots fired are louder than the Scout

Controversy and History

Due to its overwhelming power and accuracy, the AWP has attracted much criticism since its introduction. Many players view the AWP as an overpowered and unfair weapon, requiring little skill and practice to use. In earlier games, numerous servers ban this weapon or restrict it (sometimes all other sniper rifles except the Scout) to a specific amount per team due to its immense power and how easy it is to kill another player with it. However, the general opinion believes there is still some tactical and merit to using the AWP, and is accepted by the majority of the community.

Reduced power

The AWP is no longer as powerful as it once was. The AWP was most powerful in all versions prior to Counter-Strike 1.1, where one shot to any part of the body was an instant kill. Later updates reduced its effectiveness: Counter-Strike 1.1 made the leg shot non-lethal and Counter-Strike 1.5 made it so that the AWP and pistols took longer to switch to, as well as making the AWP extremely inaccurate without using the scope, crippling the AWP’s effectiveness in close-quarters; Counter-Strike 1.6 drastically increased the time to scope in, which was criticized as making it nearly worthless. Players quickly got used to the newly-nerfed AWP. The latest update to Counter-Strike reduced the scope time. A brand new flaw is the “Quick switch” glitch. Many players use it to reduce the time between each shots by switching to another weapon during the bolt animation. Doing this would allow players to maintain a moderate rate of fire. This glitch was patched in Source as of October 2011. However, players still use this method mainly to prevent the weapon from auto-zooming after each shot to allow the user more mobility. Also, when holding down the firing button, the AWP’s accuracy is the same as when fired without the scope instead of having full accuracy.

Competitive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

With the introduction of a built-in competitive mode, the usage of the AWP in competitive matches tends to be much more balanced. The high price tag coupled with the stringent price management and small fixed team size make the AWP a proper support weapon. Where it may be common to see many AWP users on a single team in casual, multiple AWPs on higher tier competitive matches is impractical and rare.

AWP-based maps

The AWP is so popular that there are some fan-made custom maps made exclusively for AWP users. These add-on maps are often massive, with much or little cover, and both teams spawn far away from each other and the only gun of choice is the AWP, a pistol, and the knife. Due to the power of this sniper rifle, it’s often a “kill or be killed” scenario, allowing the round to finish very quickly. These add-on maps are not official, but it’s good for practicing with the AWP. Map names usually begin with awp_ and are available for all versions of Counter-Strike.