Counter Strike: a timeless classic that continues to captivate gamers to this day. From its humble beginnings as a mod for Half-Life, to the release of its iconic and widely played versions such as CSGO and Condition Zero, the game has cemented its place in the annals of gaming history. However, as technology and gaming platforms evolve, the older versions of the game – the ones that defined the golden age of LAN gaming – are becoming increasingly difficult to find and play. This raises the question: will future generations miss out on experiencing one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time?
In this article, we will explore how to preserve and play the classic version of Counter Strike, so that future generation and old players alike can experience the game as it was originally intended. We’ll take a look at the history of the game, document its original features and gameplay mechanics, and provide instructions on how to set up and play the classic version of the game. So, whether you’re a nostalgic veteran or a curious newcomer, join us as we delve into the world of classic Counter Strike.
The Classic Minimum Requirement
When it comes to running the game, it only requires a little amount of processing power and memory since this game came out almost 23 years ago. You can even boot this up on a Virtual Box machine with Windows XP OS.
- OS: Windows(r) 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0
- Processor: Pentium 133+
- RAM Memory: 24 MB RAM
How to Download Counter Strike Beta 5.0 and Beta CS 1.4
We will focus on the mod beta version of Counter Strike beta 5.0 and CS 1.4 which comes for FREE and was distributed to many online forums and platforms.
However, you need to install the original retail WON version of Half-Life which we are not allowed to post on this article as it requires the original license to play it – which you need to buy the original CD. Though, as for the installer, you can find it on the internet, just make sure to use the correct version.
Let’s say you already have the Half-Life installer; you need the following version for you to play the specific classic beta version of Counter Strike.
| Counter Strike Version | Requirements |
| Counter Strike Beta 5.0 (CS Beta 5.0) | Half-Life Version: 1.0.1.6 CS Beta 5.0 Installer: https://gamingph.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/csb50full.exe |
| Counter Strike Beta 1.4 (CS Beta 1.4) | Half-Life Version: 1.1.1.0 (If you have the original CD and want to update to WON 1.1.1.0, you can download the patch here) CS Beta 1.4 Installer: https://gamingph.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/csv14full.exe |
Strike. Once you have the installers, you’ll need to install Half-Life to a directory of your choice, for example, D:\CS_beta5.
After that, you have to install the Counter Strike installer and you need to put it inside the Half-life folder. In our example, it would be at D:\CS_beta5. Once the installation is complete, you should see a new folder named “cstrike” within the Half-Life folder.
If you want to install the CS Beta 1.4 version, you’ll need to repeat the process, installing Half-Life to a different directory and then installing Counter Strike into that directory.
And that’s it! Once the installation process is complete, you’re ready to start playing classic Counter Strike.
How to Play over LAN
Playing the game over LAN requires some extra step if you are planning to play it on Windows XP. You must allow the program over firewall for you to find another player on your LAN network.
To do that, you need to add the hl.exe program to your Firewall. For Windows XP, its Start > Control Panel > Switch Classic View > Windows Firewall. Then go to Exception tab, then press Add Program then locate the hl.exe file from your Half-Life installation directory.
If it does not work, the easiest way it is by disabling the Windows Firewall.
Once done, you are now ready to play the oldest version of Counter Strike just like before.
Controls
Here is the original manual for the controls. You’ll find here the keyboard and mouse control to play the game.
| Function | Default Key Mapping | Notes |
| Buy Menu | B | Buy Menu for Weapon and Equipment |
| Buy Equipment Menu (Optional) | N | Open Equipment Menu |
| Buy Primary Ammo (Optional) | , | Buy single clip of ammo for your Primary Weapon |
| Buy Secondary Ammo (Optional) | . | Buy single clip of ammo for your Secondary Weapon |
| Select Team | M | Change team sides. (You’ll die after choosing side, wait for the next round) |
| Drop Current Weapon | T | Drop carried weapon to the ground. |
| Standard Radio Messages | Z | Show pre-defined standard radio commands. |
| Group Radio Messages | X | Show pre-defined group radio commands. |
| Report Radio Messages | C | Show pre-defined report radio commands. |
| Move Forward | W or UP ARROW | To move forward |
| Move Back | S or DOWN ARROW | To move back |
| Turn Left | Mouse X AXIS or LEFT ARROW | Look left |
| Turn Right | Mouse X AXIS or RIGHT ARROW | Look right |
| Move Left (Strafe) | A | Strafe to left |
| Move Right (Strafe) | D | Strafe to right |
| Jump | SPACE | Jump or navigate to different observer mode |
| Duck | CTRL | Duck for cover |
| Look Up | Mouse X AXIS or PGUP | Look Up |
| Look Down | Mouse X AXIS or PGDN | Look Down |
| Strafe Modifier | ALT | Optional |
| Fire | MOUSE BUTTON 1 orENTER | Fire current weapon |
| Special Weapon Function | MOUSE BUTTON 2 or \ | Sight or weapon other mode |
| Reload Weapon | R | Reload clips |
| Drop Current Weapon | G | Drop carried weapon to the ground |
| Use | E | Use to command hostage, open door or buttons |
| Walk | SHIFT | Press and hold to move slowly |
| Flashlight | F | Toggle flash light |
| Spray Logo | T | Print logo on the ground or walls |
| Menu Item 1 | 1 | Select Primary Weapon |
| Menu Item 2 | 2 | Select Secondary Weapon |
| Menu Item 3 | 3 | Select Knife |
| Menu Item 4 | 4 | Select Grenade |
| Menu Item 5 | 5 | Select Bomb |
| Previous Weapon | MOUSE WHEEL DOWN or [ | Scroll weapon previously used |
| Next Weapon | MOUSE WHEEL UP or ] | Scroll next weapon |
| Last Used Weapon | Q | Equip last weapon |
| Display Multiplayer Scores | TAB | Shows round stats |
| Chat Message | Y | Type a message to anyone |
| Team Chat Message | U | Type a message to team |
| Take Screen Shot | F5 | Screenshot |