Understanding the Economy System Basics

The economy system is the foundation of Counter-Strike strategy. Each player starts each round with money that can be spent on weapons, armor, and utility (grenades, smoke, flash). Winning rounds gives you more money; losing rounds gives you less. This creates strategic depth where teams must decide whether to buy big or save money for future rounds.

Round 1 starts with $2400 per player. The typical buy for T-side is pistol + light armor, or full save. CT-side often buys pistol + utility. If you win Round 1, you get bonus money. If you lose, you earn $1900 (loss bonus) to afford more weapons next round.

Strategic round sequences include: Full Buy (everyone purchases weapons and utility), Half Buy (cheaper weapons and limited utility), Full Save (everyone saves for next round), and Eco (abbreviated for economy, meaning a cheap buy). Teams must coordinate their buy strategy each round for consistency.

Money is shared at team level conceptually—if one player has money, the team might ask them to save for the team gun (a weapon for the next round). Understanding when to buy and when to save is crucial for competitive success. Losing teams that save properly can outbuy winning teams the following round.