Here are the numbers behind the huge M4A1-S buff, Deagle nerf
M4A1-S fans and Deagle diehards are definitely going to remember the 21st night of September.
Operation Riptide came with a small but impactful balance adjustment for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. In traditional Valve fashion, the official announcement only listed the affected guns without any specific details. If you’re looking for the new damage values on the M4A1-S and Desert Eagle, read on to learn exact numbers.
M4A1-S body damage buffed
The silenced CT rifle has a number of small advantages over the M4A4. It’s silenced which can help keep lurkers hidden and boasts slightly better accuracy at range. While useful, the M4A1-S’s abysmal body shot damage was the key factor keeping most pros on the M4A4. Previously, it dealt just 23 damage to the chest and 28 to the stomach against an armored opponent.
As of Operation Riptide, the M4A1-S now deals 26 damage to the chest and 33 damage to the stomach at medium ranges. The damage falloff also appears to be reduced, as four-shot kills are still possible at longer ranges. Considering that five-shot kills were the previous standard, this is an excellent buff for the M4A1-S.
Desert Eagle body damage nerfed
The Desert Eagle is a deadly weapon in the hands of a skilled CSGO player, but its lethality at close ranges has been greatly reduced. Before the Riptide balance patch, it was very common for Deagle users to kill close enemies with two body shots. It dealt 58 damage to the chest and 72 to the gut of armored enemies.
Now the Deagle is much less threatening up close. Chest shots only deal 47 damage at close range, which demands three bullets to secure the kill. Stomach shots now deal 57 damage at close ranges, which can still allow for a two-shot kill, but that quickly drops down to 46 damage with distance. The Deagle nerf may seem harsh, but players can still two-shot each other with shots to the stomach and the guaranteed kill with a headshot remains in place.
In addition to these two major changes, the Dual Berettas also got a minor reduction to their purchase price. The paired pistols can now be purchased for just $300. Grenades are also droppable, which could play a major role in how CTs defend sites and Ts stop retakes. All the Operation Riptide balance changes combined could affect the outcome of the $2 million PGL Major Stockholm starting October 26.
Read Also
Counter-Strike
ENVY Returns to Counter-Strike After Five Years, Picking Up an “Unpaid” 3DMAX Roster
Owen Harsono
North American esports organization ENVY has officially made its return to Counter-Strike. After putting its CS:GO division on hold in 2021, the org returns by signing the full former 3DMAX roster, so they aren't starting from scratch. ENVY is not only a massive esports organization, but also a legendary one in Counter-Strike. The org fielded one of the strongest French rosters in history, winning the DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca Major in ...
Valorant
Complexity Gaming shuts down after 23 years – Here’s what we know
Khizar Mundia
Esports organization Complexity Gaming is ending its 23-year run, as its founder announces its shutdown. Complexity is an organization that has been around since the early days of esports. The organization had rosters in multiple games, including Counter-Strike and Valorant. Despite this, Complexity’s CS roster was the most famous, as it won several major events. This is why it was a surprise for fans to hear that Complexity is shutting ...
Counter-Strike
Team Vitality vs FURIA: Predictions and best picks for StarLadder StarSeries 2026
Owen Harsono
We have a clash of titans in the StarLadder StarSeries Fall consolidation final, as Team Vitality will take on FURIA for a grand final spot. Both teams have shown signs of shakiness throughout the event, so expect some scrappy Counter-Strike. Here are our Team Vitality vs FURIA predictions. Tournament: StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 Stage: Playoffs – Lower Bracket Final Game: Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: These ...
Counter-Strike
MOUZ vs FURIA: Predictions and best picks for StarLadder StarSeries 2026
Owen Harsono
MOUZ are set to take on FURIA in a do-or-die match in the $500,000 StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 lower bracket. Both teams have already suffered losses at the event, but we believe one team is in much better shape than the other. Here are our MOUZ vs FURIA predictions for September 19. Tournament: StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 Stage: Playoffs Game: Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: MOUZ ...
Counter-Strike
StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026: Teams, format, schedule, and prize pool
Owen Harsono
Top-tier Counter-Strike is back on the menu with StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026. It’s not a 16-team tournament with every top team in attendance, but it’s still bound to entertain us for a solid four days. Here’s everything you need to know about StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026. Tier 1 Counter-Strike lands in Spain again for the first time in a while, with only eight teams in attendance. StarLadder StarSeries will be ...
Counter-Strike
Team Spirit vs Team Falcons at BLAST Open Fall 2026: best predictions and picks
Owen Harsono
We’re in for a treat, as the BLAST Open Fall semi-final will feature a matchup between Team Spirit and Team Falcons, with the winner booking a spot in the grand final. It’s a battle between the world number one and number two, so this is a match you definitely don’t want to miss. Here are our BLAST Open Fall Team Spirit vs Team Falcons predictions. Tournament: BLAST Open Fall 2026 ...
Counter-Strike
Is CS2 Dying in 2026?
Owen Harsono
Counter-Strike is one of the longest-standing esports franchises, having built a loyal fanbase over the course of two decades. However, if you’ve browsed through social media platforms across the past few months, you might have seen people claiming that the game is dying or on a steady decline. Below we’ll take a look at why people are talking about this and answer the question of “is CS2 really dying?” One ...
