Equipment
Persons wishing to get started in playing Counter-Strike: Condition Zero should first make sure their computer meets the requirements to play the game. Shortcuts should not me made here and the "minimum" requirements are not sufficient to play well. Most new computers should exceed these requirements. The next essential thing to purchase is a headset with microphone. The headset does not need to be a $100 gaming specific headset, but can be any internet chat stereo headset. Using a headset will improve play exponentially because detection of enemies by listening to which side the sound is coming from (L or R for cheap headsets, L,R,U,D for gaming headsets) is invaluable. A mouse is required for play since a touchpad is not fast enough since you aim with your cursor. The microphone is not necessary but is useful for asking for help or creating strategies with team mates.
Technique
The controls for all CS games is the same, W is forward, A is left, S is back, D is right. The arrow keys are not default for motion for good reason, the keys around WASD are essential. R reloads, E is the action key, and ZXC control default voice commands. The K key is default for microphone use but advanced users tend to relocate this to their mouse 3 or mouse 4 buttons. Firing is done by pressing the left mouse button and the scroll wheel switches weapons. Q is quick switch which will bring up the last weapon used. The most effective way for beginners to shoot is to use bursting, that is, firing for 3-5 shots then releasing to control recoil. More advanced users will use the click-click-click method of rapid clicking to reduce recoil further, but this takes practice. Another effective way of killing when pressured is 'spray and pray'. This is where the user holds down fire until the enemy dies. This is ineffective at long range due to recoil but at close range, it can be effective if the player can move the mouse against the direction for recoil while firing.
Learning/Noob Servers
- Smokinggun's Hideout - very "noob" friendly server with strict admin against hacking, score competition, and foul language. Ask on this server about how to play and several people will jump in and help you out.