Half-Life: Counterstrike "de_dust" Map Strategy Guide Version 1 This document Copyright 2002 Acelyte Any questions, suggestions, or submissions? E-mail them to: csfanGary@aol.com If you don't receive a reply, try csfan86@yahoo.com If I put your submission up, I'll also give you credit, of course. _______________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents: 1. Legal Copyright Protection 2. Introduction to Counterstrike 3. Map Info and Strategic Locations 4. Terrorist Strategy 5. Counter-Terrorist Strategy 6. Versions 7. Credits _______________________________________________________________________ 1. Legal Copyright Protection This document cannot be reproduced in any way without my permission, unless for private use. If I do give you permission, you MUST give credit. It cannot be sold. It definitely CANNOT be altered in any way. It's as simple as that... _______________________________________________________________________ 2. Introduction to Counterstrike Counterstrike is a first-person shooter game and a MOD for Half-Life. Here's how it works: There are two teams of players (Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists); obviously, winning requires teamwork in this game. One team works together to achieve objectives in real-life Terrorism scenarios (Bomb Defuse, VIP Assassination, Hostage Rescue, etc.) while the other team tries to prevent that from happening using modern weaponry (Pistols, Shotguns, Submachine Guns, Rifles, M249 FN Para machine gun, and HE Grenades). If a team achieves their objective, that team wins; if the defending team prevents that or if time runs out for that scenario, the other team wins. You can also eliminate all of your opponents to win, but that isn't as fun imo. Besides, de_dust is a Bomb Defuse scenario map; even if you kill all the Terrorists, you must still defuse the bomb to win if they managed to plant it at one of the 2 bomb sites. _______________________________________________________________________ 3. General Info about the map de_dust, as mentioned before, is a Bomb Defuse map. The Terrorist must plant the C4 bomb at one of the 2 bomb sites, one of which is right next to the CT (Counter-Terrorist) base; also, they must protect the bomb from being defused. It gives a mix of close range (inside the tunnel) combat, as well as long range (underpass). Here's a rough sketch of the map: Legend: +-------------------------------------------+ -, |, + = wall/corner | | v, >, ^ = slope | second bomb site CT Base | (direction of arrow | area of boxes | gives its direction) | |vvvvvvvv+ - - - - - - - - - -V- + V, >, <, ^ = stairs | vvvvvvvv| | direction of arrow | |vvvvvvvv +----------------+ | shows direction down) | H vvvvvvvv| | | | \ = parts of double doors | |vvvvvvvv | | | - - = small ledge (low + - - - - -+vvvvvvvv| | | | enough to jump on | | | G | only if you are on | | | | the higher ground | | | | b = key boxes | | | | | area of boxes +----------------+ | Note: To distinguish the | | slope from stairs, the | I | | | slope is represented by +-------+----+- M -+ ----------------+ clustered symbols. | | | | | | +---------------- D | +-------------------------+------------+ | | first bomb site K\ - - - - - - - - - - -+ | N \ >>>>>>>>>>>>> area | | area of boxes \ L >>>>>>>>>>>>> of b4| | J \ - - - - - - + boxes | + - - - - - + +--------+ | | area | | | +----------------------+ | path | | of | | C | | E goes | | boxes > +--------+ +--------------+ | | under | |b5 | F< b1 | | b3 B | +-----------+---------------------+ A +-------+ + - - - -+ | area of b2 | | boxes +---------------------+ | | | +---+ (underpass | | not shown) | | | | +--------------+ +-------------------------- | area of boxes (area to the right | is of little importance) | +------------------------------------+ - - - -+ | | |^^^^^^^^ | | |^^^^^^^^| | | |^^^^^^^^ +------------------+ +------------------------+ |^^^^^^^^| | < | |^^^^^^^^ | < area | |^^^^^^^^| | < of | |^^^^^^^^ | Terrorist | area boxes +-----------+^^^^^^^^| | Base of | | | boxes | + - - - - - - - (area to the right | <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< is of little | <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< | importance) +------------------------------------------------+--------------------- The letters throughout the map are key points you should know about. The same thing goes for the boxes. NOTES: The following strategies are for the purpose of getting wins, not kills (I don't play that way.), so they require the cooperation of the entire team (or at least the majority of it). Also, some of them will only work if you get to those points as quickly as possible. You usually must have an HE Grenade and 2 Flashbangs because most of these strategies require many grenades. Furthermore, your teammates must also have grenades and act as if they are in sync (Playing on a LAN cafe is perfect for this; however, the opposing team must not be in the same LAN cafe.). If this isn't the case, either use the "say_team" command and hope they will cooperate or use some of the strategies to better your gameplay. Point A: Terrorist: This is where the action starts. From here, you can rush through to point F, C, and the box 2 area. CT: Since your skins provide excellent camouflage, you can sneak in via point F, use the radio command "Get into position and wait for my go," hide behind box 1, and throw a Flashbang in there, say "Go, go, go!" if the Terrorists are camping in there for some reason. If they're rushing to the first bomb site, ignore this area. If they're going through one of the 2 right paths, you can probably get them from behind. Point B: Terrorist: Once you get out of the underpass, you will be in a part of the CT territory in which they can easily ambush you from box 4, box 2, and point D. To solve this, take care of point D by staying on the right side (preferably out of sight from point E and hitting the CT there with your AK-47 (best weapon imo when taking this route) every time he pops out. If he has a sniper rifle, side-step and shoot; AK is accurate enough. Don't take too long to do so; if the other half of the team fail to break through the tunnel (point A), the CTs might get you from behind. Then stay on the right side (out of sight from box 4), say "Fall back, team!" and throw a Flashbang straight into the air, blinding anyone at point E and box 2! Then say "Go, go, go!" and run through, checking if there's anyone at box 4. In the event that they Flashbang you first, try and picture point B (after the underpass) and throw your own in that direction and hide. If you're close enough to point B, run out until you think you're out of the underpass, throw it straight into the air, hide, and say "Go, go, go!" That way, you can get your team to point L somewhat safely. CT: Although you can surround them from many different angles, point D and box 4 are points you should use because if you get flashed, the Terrorists will get through. However, you delay that with a point D man, as well as one on box 4. You can also drop a Flashbang at the center side of the underpass from point D, say "Go, go, go!" and get your teammates from point E or box 2 to kill as many blind Terrorists as they can. Beware of anyone that is hiding at the back ranks. Point C: Terrorist: If you're going to rush the first bomb site, aim an HE Grenade or Flashbang (only if you're leading the rush) at this location to prevent any CT from stopping you there. If you're going to rush the first bomb site via this route for some reason, you will need to throw another Flashbang through the slit of the double doors at point K. Make sure your team covers you and that there isn't any CT at point K before wielding your Flashbang. Then run through to kill any CTs that beat you there. If you're going for the second one, good luck. Instead of throwing a Flashbang at point K, throw it so that it lands on point L, blinding anyone at that location, point M, D, and box 4! Kill any enemy you see. CT: Rushing through this location is not advised due to the risk of getting blinded. Instead, run through the double doors to intercept them if they're going for the first bomb site; you will always beat them to it without having to fear any attacks from this location. If you want, you can bounce a Flashbang off a wall and into point A as soon as you come up to point C; if aimed correctly, you can stop the rushing Terrorists momentarily, allowing you to take advantage. Point D: Terrorist: Use this point to go to the second bomb site via point G and after you plant the bomb. This location will cover both entrances there. Even better, none of the CTs will see it coming except for the ones going through the double doors. If you're the only one left, make sure no one got past you via point M by listening to the footsteps. CT: Very useful since you can either shoot any Terrorist at the box 2 area, point B, point C, and the double doors. The best thing is that anyone at point B will have trouble shooting at you because you can just duck back. The problem is, you can't guard all those points at once! That's why you have some of your teammates camping at the same spot. Point E: Terrorist: Beware of any CT hiding behind point E, point D, and box 4. Hide behind a wall at point A and chuck a Flashbang above point B as high up in the air as you can so that it will blind anyone at point E, point D, and if a CT is not awake, box 4. This strategy is risky unless you have buddies backing you up. CT: If you choose to take this location, watch out for any Terrorists who might pop out. Other than that, you can shoot any Terrorists who are at point B. It's better if you go to box 2. Point F: Terrorist: Once you've run past point C, wield your Flashbang and throw it to stop any CTs approaching. No, not straight ahead so that you get blinded too. You see, the map I sketched may not show it, but there is a part of the wall past point F (to the left of the little stairs) that's angled at 45 degrees up ahead as you reach that point; bounce it off there as high up in the air as you can and it will blind any CT approaching. As you (hopefully along with others) make your way to the first bomb site, kill any slower CTs going through the double doors, make sure someone is guarding point C or at least F, get someone else to guard the double doors from any further surprises, plant away, and guard the bomb. Speaking of guarding the bomb, camp at the little spot between the fake door and point C; you can guard both entrances to the site this way. If the CTs get wise to this, check the tunnel when you hear footsteps and take potshots at them. CT: Since you will always beat them to the first bomb site, approach this location at an angle so that you can bounce a Flashbang into the tunnel, blinding any Terrorists, allowing you to get some kills... assuming there are Terrorists there in the first place... Point G: Terrorist: If you want to plant the bomb at the second bomb site, you might want to consider taking this route instead of the ramp up there; any CT waiting for you at point I and H might catch you if you don't. Once you've planted the bomb, read the paragraph below, substitute "Terrorist" with "CT," and forget about the "planting the bomb" part of that. CT: Make sure to guard this route if you suspect that the Terrorists might be planting the bomb at the second bomb site. If you hear footsteps, check this point; if there's a Terrorist coming your way, take potshots at him from your cover and then ducking back. If he's gone and takes the ramp up instead, go to point H. If he's halfway out of the point G corridor, throw a Flashbang in there and finish him; he can't run to cover in time before you do so. Point H: Terrorist: The only reason you would be in the CT base is to guard the bomb after you plant it. Keep patrolling between point G (Don't actually go there; just guard it.) and point H. If the CT takes the ramp up, you can easily take potshots at him, going from box to box, and confusing him. CT: Read the paragraph above, except for the first sentence; replace CT with "Terrorist." Point I: Terrorist: Not very useful unless you want to ambush a CT coming through point M to defuse a bomb you planted; fortunately, he probably won't be expecting it since it's usually the CTs who use it. But just in case he takes the point G route, edge out a little to take a peek when you hear footsteps. CT: Pretty much the same idea as above. Point J: Terrorist: It's probably one of the most common camping points one uses after planting the bomb. Just watch out for any Flashbangs or HE Grenades the CTs might throw at you if you use it too much. They might even spray through the double doors to get you. Point K imo is better. CT: Not very useful because you'll only be guarding one of the entrances to one of the bomb sites. And again, point K is better. Point K: Terrorist: The good thing about this is that you'll see the grenades coming and get out of the way so that they won't cause too much damage. Also, they cannot spray through the doors without you seeing them. Furthermore, if there's heavy opposition or a skirmish on the other side, you'll be the perfect position to throw a Flashbang or HE grenade right through. CT: If point F is secure, you can use this spot to kill any Terrorists who might try to get to the first bomb site through the doors. You can also shoot the first Terrorist you see who tries to run to the second site via point C. Point L: Terrorist: You do not want to be running through here because you are susceptible to any CTs at the same location, point D, box 4, and point M. If you're here, you'll most likely be going for the second bomb site via point M or point D. The latter is safer imo unless either you haven't killed all the CTs over there or a CT at point M or H saw you. CT: Since you're in open area, you might want to stick with crouch- style shooting. Fortunately, if your teammates camp here with you, you'll be covering 3 of the 4 entrances to the bomb sites. Guard this spot well. Point M: Terrorist: If you're going to plant the bomb at the second bomb site, you might want to avoid this spot, which leaves you susceptible to point H and I. Fortunately, if you planted the bomb, you can camp right behind the archway to kill any unsuspecting CTs whether they go through point M or to point G. CT: Pretty much the same thing applies, but you can also kill any Terrorists at point L who are busy finishing off your teammates. Point N: Terrorist: If you position yourself correctly, you can throw Flashbangs or HE Grenades right through the slit of the double doors and maybe even peek through for a chance to pick off any CTs already busy with point C, A, D, and if one of them is busy with point B, box 4. CT: No use. Box 1: Terrorist: Camp between this box and point F so that you can guard both entrances to the first bomb site; it's one of the best camping spots for Terrorists. If they get wise to this, check the tunnel if you hear footsteps and take potshots. CT: Not very useful unless the Terrorists can't break through from point A to C or F. Besides, if any Terrorist saw you making a dash here, you're dead if he has an ounce of skill. Box 2: Terrorist: If you managed to get here, watch out for CTs at point E, D, and box 4. It's not a good spot to take a breather since you have no cover unless you go inside the tunnels toward point A. From here, go on to point L or back to A if you're being overwhelmed (if you even get the chance). CT: If you managed to get here, you can kill any Terrorist at point B without too much trouble or any slower ones coming from point A. Box 3: Terrorist: Use them as cover from any CTs at point D, box 4, and whoever jumps down from point E or box 2. You should use pretty much the same strategy as point B. CT: Useless. Box 4: Terrorist: Pretty much the same strategy as point D. CT: Pretty much the same strategy as point D. Box 5: Terrorist: After you plant the bomb, you can use this spot to kill any CTs who came through point F, but not through the double doors, unless they are busy dealing with Terrorists at point J. CT: Almost impossible to reach if the Terrorists rushed the first bomb site as quickly as possible because you have to use the little stairs to get up there, which makes you susceptible to any Terrorists at point F. But if that isn't the case, it's a great place to guard the site, especially if you get your teammates to sidetrack the Terrorists at point C. _______________________________________________________________________ 4. Terrorist Strategy It's a Bomb Defuse map; you're on offense and the CTs are on defense, so your team must rush. The worst matches I've ever played involved the Terrorists camping at point A, always losing because the CTs attack from all sides after I get killed rushing the first bomb site from lack of cover fire. Also, you should always stick together; never split up unless it's necessary. Even then, you should only split into 2 groups, no more. The problem with this is that if one half of your team who has the bomb is dead, your half must retrieve it. If you keep track of your team, finding it is no problem; getting it to a bomb site is another story if the CTs guard it. And they will most likely have M4A1s, so side-step when fighting them; don't be surprised if you get shot in the head. Anyway, most people don't know this, but here's a secret--you can actually plant the bomb on top of the boxes in both bomb sites! Here's a diagram: +-------------------+ | bb+-------------------------------------------------+ | bbX Bb | | bb ............................ | | ..........CT Base........... | | ............................ | To the rest of the map | V In the second bomb site, the X is where you should be, while facing the boxes right next to you. Now hold the "W" key, move forward, jump, and then crouch before you reach the peak of your jump; you are now on top of the box! There is a way you can get on top of the large box between you and the CT base from the top of the box you just jumped on, but it's very hard. Anyway, to show you how to do the same thing at the first bomb site, here's another diagram (I will only show the most important ones): +------------------------- | bbvvvXbb | b | | | | If you look at where the v's are, you will see a little incline toward the wall. Stand against the wall where the X is, face the v's, make a running jump onto the boxes to the left of the v's. Plant away once you get on top...err...scratch that; once you're in the bombing vicinity (When the C4 starts flashing, you should have taken it out by then.), hold the fire button. If you're good enough, you will be able to jump on the boxes and plant just in time to save a few seconds; trust me, in some cases, it can mean the difference between a success and failure. Even better, get your teammate to do this along with you, make him crouch, jump on the higher boxes at either of the bomb sites and plant away; the CTs won't know where it is! After planting the bomb, throw a Smoke Grenade somewhere near it. Rotate shifts among your teammates guarding the points to throw more Smoke Grenades near the bomb. In case all of you get killed too early, they'll have a more difficult time spotting the bomb. If you don't, beware that when the bomb explodes, you and your teammates will be killed if you're caught in the blast and close enough. Here's the trick: when its starts beeping fast (before it beeps very fast, in which after that is the detonation), scan one last time for CTs, use the radio command, "Get out of there! It's gonna blow!" and run like hell! Even if the CTs arrive at that time, it's too late, even with a Defuse Kit. The best weapons to use on this map for Terrorists imo are AK-47 and Mac-10 (if you're strapped for cash). Pick up an M4A1 if you kill a CT who had it; it has no weakness whatsoever. _______________________________________________________________________ 5. Counter-Terrorist Strategy Fortunately, you have your M4A1s, so use them. Same thing goes for the Defuse Kits. Unfortunately, you have to split up your group to defend both bomb sites. What you can do, though, is utilize the good camping spots, such as point D, box 4, point I and box 5. If you manage to kill the bomb-bearer, hide somewhere nearby to guard the bomb and use the radio command "Regroup, Team" or "Hold this Position" so that you'll have the whole team guarding the bomb; chances are the Terrorists that might come across you are isolated threats, so it's not that hard to do so. If the Terrorists regularly monitor the bomb- bearer's location, though, be prepared for a big shoot-out. _______________________________________________________________________ 6. Versions Version 1 on April 20, 2002. This one. Version 2 will include any correction or new strategies. _______________________________________________________________________ 7. Credits Thanks to: - CJayC for posting my FAQ up. - The ppl on the internet I learned the bomb-planting tricks from, as well as the battle tactics; unfortunately, I can't remember the IP addresses or usernames.