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CS2 M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Which One Should You Use

We are ending the confusion surrounding the M4A4 and M4A1-S assault rifles. This guide will help you choose the best AR for you in CS2.
CS2 M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Which One Should You Use
Valve/GINX

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has introduced a plethora of fresh experiences to its community. However, some things never change and the competition between M4A4 and M4A1-S remains. While both assault rifles are available in the game, some players to struggle when deciding between the two. Let’s see which assault rifle suits your needs in CS2.

M4A4 Vs M4A1-S: The Difference in CS2

The M4A1-S Rifle.
The M4A1-S Rifle. (Picture: Valve)

The M4A4 boasts impressive accuracy and manageable recoil, making it a solid choice for firing in controlled bursts. The majority of professional players use spraying with caution and only use it when the enemy is nearby. For longer distances, it’s more advisable to opt for burst firing or tapping.

The M4A1-S has a silencer that improves its first-bullet accuracy by a small amount. Having a smaller magazine spraying continuously is not advisable for this gun. The M4A1-S shines in delivering accurate long-range taps and limited use of small bursts. There is an elegance in using it. Offering an easier spray pattern, the M4A1-S is newbie-friendly.

M4A4 Vs M4A1-S - Magazine

A significant distinction between these two assault rifles is their magazine capacity. The M4A4 comes equipped with a 30-round magazine, totaling 90 rounds, while the M4A1-S has a 20-round magazine with 80 rounds in reserve. If you prefer a more liberal approach involving wall spamming and a high bullet expenditure, the M4A4 is the preferable choice. If you prefer precise shooting and conserving ammo for single enemies, go for the M4A1-S.

M4A4 Vs. M4A1-S - Ease of Use and Cost

We often see the M4A4 as the AK-47 counterpart because of its recoil, although this opinion varies. In contrast, the M4A1-S offers a more manageable recoil, particularly during the initial burst of rounds.

When it comes to cost, the developers priced the M4A4 at 3100, making it the priciest assault rifle in CS2. Costing 300 less, the M4A1-S certainly prevails in the economic aspect of the game.

M4A4 Vs. M4A1-S - Which One Should You Choose?

The M4A4 Rifle.
The M4A4 Rifle. (Picture: Valve)

The decision hinges on your unique approach to the game. If you’re a novice, the M4A1-S is the wiser choice. Its forgiving recoil compensates for any shortcomings in your movement and spray control.

Conversely, the M4A4 is a true force to be reckoned with. Featuring a higher fire rate, it can give results when in the hands of a skilled player. Although it demands more mastery, the M4A4 excels in techniques such as spray transfers, wall bangs, and securing kills through smoke.

While we consider the M4A4 superior in various aspects, the available CS2 data is insufficient to recommend one assault rifle over the other. Valve has ensured that both rifles offer excellent options. Therefore, our suggestion is to play in casual games or explore deathmatch servers to gain firsthand experience with both rifles.

We recommend playing a few competitive matches. This will allow you to experience the pressure of ranked games and rely on your instincts to determine which rifle best suits your gameplay.