AWP

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.

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

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

Example of AWP skin

1. AWP Default

2. AWP Oni Taiji

3. AWP Hyper Beast