Counter-Strike Video Game Series
A series of online FPP shooters, derived from a fan-made modification for the game Half-Life under the same title. Counter-Strike, the rights to which are in the hands of Valve, is considered one of the most important brands in the world of e-sports.
History of the Counter-Strike series
"Fathers" of the series Counter-Strike are Minh "Gooseman" Le and Jess "Cliffe" Cliffe. Already at the stage of open beta-testing of the mod, from which the series originated, Valve began to support the authors in their efforts; in turn, in 2000, the company decided to acquire the rights to the brand Counter-Strike. As a result, the modification was completed later that year, while three years later it was released as a separate game.
In 2004, an expanded version of Counter-Strike, namely Condition Zero, enhanced with a single-player mode. In 2005, the release of Counter-Strike: Source - refresh based on the title's Source engine. The year 2012 brought the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, yet another refresh of the original Counter-Strike, which was released not only on PC, but also on consoles (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). Finally in 2023, the full-fledged second installment of the series saw the light of day, titled Counter-Strike 2.
In the meantime, the series lived to see spin-offs, such as the 2008-released Counter-Strike: Online and released five years later Counter-Strike: Online 2 or Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies from 2014.
Gameplay in games in the Counter-Strike series
Cycle Counter-Strike was created with multiplayer gameplay in mind, so the possibilities for single-player gameplay in it have been significantly limited (mostly to competition with bots controlled by computer artificial intelligence). The plot is also only loosely sketched, showing the struggle between terrorists and a counter-terrorist unit.
During the course of the game, players are divided into two teams - one is made up of terrorists and the other of anti-terrorists.. Depending on the chosen side of the conflict and variant of the game, the goal can be, for example, escape, rescue of hostages, placement or deactivation of an explosive charge. Clashes are fought in rounds, and the team that first manages to achieve the set tasks or eliminates all members of the enemy team wins.
The success of the Counter-Strike series
Simple rules and at the same time the gigantic popularity of the series Counter-Strike have translated into interest from e-sports. Games from the described series are a permanent element of many leagues and tournaments, including, for example, Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC), World Cyber Games (WCG) or Intel Extreme Masters (IEM).
Counter-Strike Series Evolution
2023
Counter-Strike 2
2014
Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies
2012
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
2008
Counter-Strike: Online
2005
Counter-Strike: Source
2004
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
Counter-Strike 2
September 27, 2023
Action, FPP, FPS, Games as a Service, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Online, Singleplayer, Shooters, Terrorism, Free-to-play.
Counter-Strike 2 is the full-fledged second installment in the iconic series of shooters developed by Valve. The game is a massive update to CS:GO, now running on the Source 2 engine, thoroughly revamping the graphics and featuring many enhancements.
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies
October 7, 2014
Action, FPP, FPS, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Online, Singleplayer, Shooters, Free-to-play, Zombie.
A free online game created under the license of the cult Valve shooter by Nexon corporation specializing in MMO games. It expands on the ideas started in the second installment of CounterStrike Online for the Asian market by introducing zombies to the game, which are very popular among players. They are a fast and extremely dangerous type of opponent, which translates into the dynamic action typical of subsequent installments in the series.
Steam
Users
Counter-Strike: Online 2
November 18, 2013
Action, Internet, MMOFPS, Multiplayer, Shooters, Terrorism.
Continuation of the 2008 network shooter based on the popular game Counter-Strike. The title is intended mainly for the Asian market and a significant role in the game is played by the micropayment system.
Users
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
August 21, 2012
Action, Battle Royale, FPP, FPS, Games as a Service, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Online, Singleplayer, Shooters, Terrorism, Modern Conflicts, Free-to-play.
The next installment in a cult online fist person shooter series, which originated in the early 2000's as a Half-Life modification. This game was created by Valve Corporation, who purchased the rights to the massively popular mod and later developed its commercial editions. The core gameplay is built upon competition between two teams of players: terrorists and counter-terrorists. Eliminating opponents is rewarded with cash, which can be spent on new gear and weapons. There are four main game modes: Arm Race, Demolition, and two tournament varieties. The authors did not try to revolutionize the classic gameplay mechanics, mostly focusing on visual improvements to match modern standards. Most of the in-game maps are based on the original ones, and most of the changes relate do weaponry.
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Counter-Strike: Online
April 4, 2008
Action, Internet, MMOFPS, Multiplayer, Shooters, Terrorism, Zombie.
The Asian incarnation of the popular Counter-Strike network shooting. The game is the responsibility of the Korean studio Nexon Corporation, which allowed itself to add its own ideas to the game. Counter-Strike: Online has been enriched with a zombie fighting mode, and Challenge Mode, where players have to beat the level as quickly as possible.
Users
Counter-Strike: Source
October 21, 2005
Action, FPP, FPS, Internet, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Shooters, Terrorism, Modern Conflicts.
Enhanced version of one of the most popular online first-person shooters, which debuted in the year 2000. The new edition is one hundred percent faithful to the original concept, focusing entirely on skirmishes of two teams: terrorists and counter-terrorists. Just like it was in the original game, the choice of either of the sides is essential for both the objectives that you must reach as well as the equipment you can use for the job. However, some major changes were introduced to the technical side of the game, thanks to moving it to an advanced game engine called Source, which was created by Valve for the second installment in the Half-Life series. Due to that fact, all of the original maps gained in visual quality and level of detail, while the gameplay was enhanced by much improved physics and a variety of advanced effects that were lacking from the first release of the game. Counter-Strike: Source is distributed along with a similarly overhauled version of the Day of Defeat mod as well as the expanded multiplayer for Half-Life 2.
Steam
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
March 23, 2004
Action, FPP, FPS, Internet, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Shooters, Terrorism, Modern Conflicts.
An expanded version of the popular online shooter Counter-Strike, distributed as an official game add-on. Condition Zero's main goal was to add a single-player mode to the original game in order to reach players who don't like or have the opportunity to participate in multiplayer battles. In the single player version, we take part in the story campaign consisting of 19 missions, impersonating members of elite special forces, such as Navy SEALS, GIGN, Specnaz or SAS.
Steam
Users
Counter-Strike Series News
No more popular bomb trick in CS2. Valve has just nerfed it
Counter-Strike 2 players don't quite agree on whether they welcome one change from a new update.
video games
October 15, 2025
Who Nocries is. The phenomenon of the most popular CS2 American player
Nocries is one of the most recognizable players in CS2 community. He is also controversial and suspected of cheating. But what is the truth?
How to
October 3, 2025
New feature in CS2 raises mixed feelings. „Exploding” cases can contain skins for $1,500
The new CS 2 update isn't huge, but it has generated a lot of excitement. Not necessarily positive, if you don't count one new feature from the patch.
video games
September 19, 2025
„A beautiful thing is happening.” Valve claimed victory in the great battle against cheaters in Counter-Strike 2
It looks like Valve has managed to crack down on even the most advanced cheats in CS 2. There has been a stampede in the cheat community.
video games
September 15, 2025
CS2 players long for a Global Offensive mode that was once underestimated. Unfortunately, its return is now completely unrealistic
Not everyone has a taste for tense multiplayer games. So for some fans, chiller game modes, like Danger Zone from CS:GO, are the perfect solution.
Cooldown
August 13, 2025
Overpass map returns in CS2, but for many players it’s a disappointment
Are you disheartened by the lack of Cache in Premier Season 3 in Counter Strike 2? Here you will find a short analysis why Overpass was chosen, instead.
How to
July 16, 2025
CS2 Premier Season 3 is coming, but you’ll have to wait
Are you waiting for Premier Season 3 in Counter Strike 2? You'll have to wait a bit more, but check out this article to not miss it!
How to
July 15, 2025
CS2 Premier Season 3 has arrived and players are quick to share their thoughts
Season 3 of Counter-Strike 2's Premier mode has launched today, removing one map, bringing back another, and introducing a few key gameplay changes.
video games
July 15, 2025
„Prepare for a massive market crash” CS2's new trade protection feature concerns fans
Counter-Strike 2 has a massive economy centered around trading its in-game items, but a new feature introduced today could have a major impact on that.
video games
July 15, 2025
Valve is making ridiculous money on CS2 cases. Thanks to them and Steam, the company doesn't have to care about fast pace of game development
Counter-Strike 2 players continue to eagerly open cases, generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue for Valve in March alone.
video games
April 9, 2025