M4A1-S is one of the most iconic weapons in the Counter-Strike series. Having appeared in its first versions, it still remains the main CT-side rifle. Silenced M4 has its strengths and weaknesses, though. CS.MONEY Blog tells you everything you need to know about M4A1-S in CS2, how to play with M4A1-S the right way, and also shows the five best skins for it.
If you want to buy skins for M4A1-S, go to CS.MONEY! We’ve got numerous options, low prices and a handy filter system. Your easiest way to buy skins!
M4A1-S Strong Sides: Silent and Accurate
M4A1-S is now considered the ultimate CT rifle. It far surpasses M4A4 and is among the top three most popular weapons in CS2. Why? For several reasons. First, M4A1-S does the most damage of any CS2 rifle: 38 damage per shot, which is more than AK-47! There’s a downside to this, but more on that later.
Second, high accuracy. M4A1-S can headshot at a distance of up to 30 metres, which is almost the highest among rifles. Only AUG and SG 553 are better, but when using a scope (without it, even these expensive weapons lose to M4A1-S in terms of accuracy). This also includes relatively low recoil, which is easy to control.
Third, the Silencer. At a distance of 20 metres it completely removes the sound of the shot. At shorter distances, it simply reduces the noise of the shot, which also camouflages you. Although this bonus seems situational, when it is needed the most, you can make one or two frags unnoticed and completely turn the tide of the round.
M4A1-S Weak Sides: Slow, Small Mag, Low Armor Penetration
Let’s start with the most painful one: its high base damage rarely works. Here’s why:
- Shots lose damage quickly as range increases
- Headshots have a reduced damage multiplier
- Armour damage is the worst in the class
- Low rate of fire
As a result, a potentially powerful rifle in rounds with full-buys wins nothing against its main competitor, M4A4. Both guns have approximately equal damage per second on armour and other parameters. However, M4A1-S has a slight price advantage, which is why people choose it.
Rounding out this list of problems, tiny magazine. 20 bullets per clip, only 5 clips per round. That’s less ammunition in total and per individual magazine than all other rifles. This factor limits the rifle’s capabilities in long firefights or when shooting through smoke.
How to play with M4A1-S?
M4A1-S is considered an easier weapon to master compared to AK-47 or even M4A4. This is not just a player’s belief. Its recoil and spray pattern are simple and allow you to burst with three bullets without any recoil at all. Your burst can be extended up to eight shots, though: pulling your mouse towards you and that’s enough to compensate. Despite this simplicity, it is worth paying maximum attention to recoil control. By honing this skill, you can turn M4A1-S into a real death laser.
It is important to use the other two advantages of the rifle: accuracy and quietness. Try to engage in mid-range firefights. This will allow you to realise the accuracy and damage advantage over SMGs and cheap rifles. In close combat, you need to be careful: at short range, M4A1-S can kill with only four hits to the body, but the small magazine makes it very risky.
You should also be careful about shooting through walls or smoke. It takes three seconds to reload. In addition, you have only 100 bullets for the whole round. Therefore, don’t waste your shots because things can go sideways.
Best Skins for M4A1-S
M4A1-S has 35 skins available in CS2, all designed for different tastes and budgets. We made a compilation of the best and most popular skins for M4A1-S.
- M4A1-S Decimator Field-Tested for $15
- M4A1-S Cyrex Minimal Wear for $28
- M4A1-S Black Lotus Minimal Wear for $40
- M4A1-S Hyper Beast Minimal Wear for $50
- M4A1-S Printstream Field-Tested for $180
M4A1-S has plenty of space above the magazine and its body has a huge square area for your imagination. This makes it very convenient to create crafts with different sticker combinations on the sides.
M4A1-S is a powerful and versatile rifle in CS2 . It is well suited for players who value accuracy and can control their desire to shoot. Although it has its drawbacks, low rate of fire and limited ammo supply, its strengths can be unlocked on any map. Enough practice on recoil control and proper choice of position to play.
