Counter-Strike P90 Loadout and Tactics: Maximize Your Impact
The P90, a staple in the Counter-Strike series, stands out with its unique bullpup design and high-capacity magazine. Known for its ease of use and effectiveness in close-quarters combat, the P90 is a favorite for players who value mobility and aggressive playstyles. This guide dives into the P90’s features, tactics, and its place in the game’s competitive and casual settings.
The P90, the epitome of run and gun. (Credit: Valve)Overview of the P90
The FN P90 is a Belgian personal defense weapon (PDW) fed by a horizontal 50-round magazine. In Counter-Strike, it carries this feature into gameplay, offering players a significant advantage in prolonged engagements. Priced at $2350, it is the most expensive submachine gun but compensates with its versatility and high rate of fire.
Players commonly associate the P90 with its low recoil and ability to fire accurately while moving. Despite these strengths, its low damage output makes it less effective against armored opponents, requiring players to land multiple shots to secure a kill.
In Global Offensive, the P90 became a default inventory weapon after a free update, making it accessible to all players. While it remains popular in casual and lower-ranked matches, professional players rarely use it due to its high cost and limited long-range accuracy.
P90 Properties
The P90’s standout features include:
- A 50-round magazine that ensures sustained fire in chaotic situations.
- A controllable recoil pattern that makes it ideal for spray-and-pray tactics.
- Armor-piercing capabilities that provide a fighting chance against equipped enemies.
Despite its strengths, the P90 has weaknesses that demand careful consideration. Its damage output falls short compared to rifles like the AK-47 or M4A4, and its relatively slow reload time can leave players vulnerable. Players relying on the P90 must stay mobile and close the distance to their targets to maximize its effectiveness.
Strategies for Using the P90
Close-Quarters Dominance
The P90 thrives in tight spaces and chokepoints. Maps like Dust II and Inferno feature narrow corridors where its high rate of fire and large magazine shine. Players can rush bomb sites or defend choke points by continuously spraying bullets, taking advantage of its low recoil to secure quick kills.
For example, when attacking B site on Dust II, a smoke grenade can obscure enemy vision while you push through tunnels. The P90’s high mobility allows you to get close to defenders, overwhelming them with rapid fire before they can react.
Strafing and Suppression
One of the P90’s unique strengths is its accuracy while moving. This allows players to strafe while firing, making it harder for opponents to hit back. When defending a site, strafing around cover and spraying bullets across entry points can suppress enemies, buying time for reinforcements.
In CS2, the P90 can also be used for “doorway strafing.” This involves peeking out from behind cover, spraying bullets, and retreating to safety. This tactic can chip away at enemies' health, especially in close-quarter firefights.
Utility Support
Grenades pair exceptionally well with the P90. Throwing a flashbang before rushing into a room disorients opponents, giving you a clear advantage in close-range battles. Similarly, using a smoke grenade can help you close the gap on snipers or rifle-wielding opponents without exposing yourself to their fire.
Why the P90 Is Popular Among Casual Players
The P90’s forgiving nature makes it a popular choice for casual and newer players. Its large magazine and low recoil reduce the need for precise aiming, allowing players to focus on positioning and movement.
In lower-level matches, players often favor the P90 for its ability to handle multiple enemies. With 50 rounds at their disposal, users can hold down the fire button and still have enough ammo to deal with additional opponents.
However, this approach has its drawbacks. Over-reliance on the P90’s spray-and-pray mechanics can lead to wasted ammunition and reduced accuracy at medium to long ranges.
Limitations in Competitive Play
While the P90 has its merits, its high cost and low damage make it an uncommon sight in professional matches. Pro players prioritize weapons like the AK-47 and M4A1-S for their superior accuracy and damage output.
The P90’s effectiveness diminishes further in scenarios where precise shooting is required. Long-range duels against rifles are a losing battle for the P90, as its bullet spread and damage fall off significantly over distance.
Historical Trivia
The P90 has been a part of the Counter-Strike series since Beta 3, released in 1999. Its distinctive design has remained largely unchanged, with some modifications in Global Offensive, such as the removal of its red dot sight.
Interestingly, earlier versions of Counter-Strike featured shared ammunition pools between the P90 and the Five-SeveN pistol due to their use of the same caliber. This mechanic was removed in later updates, allowing players to carry both weapons without worrying about ammo shortages.
Another fun fact is that the P90 once held the title of the highest rate of fire in the series until it was surpassed by the Negev machine gun in Global Offensive.
The P90 boasts some of the most interesting and unique skins in the game - partly due to the large surface area of the weapon. (Credit: Valve)Effective Use of the P90
To master the P90, focus on close-range engagements and make use of its high rate of fire to overwhelm opponents. Avoid prolonged firefights at medium to long ranges, where rifles have the upper hand. Utilize grenades to create opportunities for close-quarters combat and always be aware of your surroundings to avoid being flanked.
The P90 is a weapon of mobility and aggression. Its forgiving nature makes it a great tool for learning the basics of positioning and movement in Counter-Strike. While it may not be the first choice for competitive play, its versatility ensures that it will always have a place in casual matches and chaotic rushes.
For the latest CS2 news and guides, follow Strafe Esports. Check out our X account for the latest content and coverages.
Featured Image Credit: Valve
Read More:
All Counter-Strike 2 Premier and Competitive Maps as of 2024