AWP Sniper Rifle Guide

The AWP (Magnified Sniper Rifle) costs $4750 and one-shots enemies to any body part. It's the most powerful single weapon in CS2, creating massive economy disruption when used effectively. Teams with AWP advantage often dominate rounds. The AWP is the primary driving force in competitive economy planning.

AWP usage requires positioning: AWPers hold positions where they can cover long sightlines and eliminate targets before close engagement. Classic AWP positions include Main Street on Dust2, Heaven on Inferno, or long angles on other maps. AWPers rotate to different positions throughout rounds to maintain unpredictability.

Defending against AWP involves playing around cover and avoiding open sightlines. Smokes block AWP sightlines; utility-focused entries deny pure distance engagements. AWPers struggle against close-range utility usage, forcing them into medium-range duels where their advantage is reduced.

AWP plays require excellent positioning and crosshair placement. A well-positioned AWPer locks down sightlines and forces multiple enemies to rotate around them. Conversely, a poorly positioned AWPer wastes the expensive gun and forces their team into 4v5 situations. AWP positioning knowledge is fundamental to competitive play.