The Glock-18 is the default spawn pistol for the Terrorist side in every Counter-Strike game. Recognized for its affordability, high fire rate, and unique burst-fire mode, this pistol is a staple in pistol rounds. While it lacks raw stopping power compared to its Counter-Terrorist counterparts, it compensates with a larger magazine, low recoil, and the ability to overwhelm opponents in close-quarters combat. Learn everything about the Counter-Strike Glock 18, from stats and tactics to its burst-fire mode, strengths, weaknesses, and historical updates.

Originally introduced as the 9×19mm Sidearm, the Glock-18 has undergone multiple modifications across different versions of Counter-Strike. Its in-game model varies between iterations, resembling a Glock 19 in Counter-Strike: Source and a Glock 26 with an extended frame in Global Offensive. Despite these differences, its role as the Terrorist side’s primary pistol has remained unchanged.

Properties and Statistics

Damage and Armor Penetration

The Glock-18 is not known for its firepower, featuring some of the lowest damage values among pistols in Counter-Strike. However, it still performs effectively in pistol rounds, particularly against unarmored opponents.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Stats:

• Head (Unarmored): 119 damage
• Head (Armored): 56 damage
• Chest & Arms (Unarmored): 29 damage
• Chest & Arms (Armored): 14 damage
• Abdomen & Pelvis (Unarmored): 37 damage
• Abdomen & Pelvis (Armored): 17 damage
• Legs: 22 damage (armor has no effect on leg shots)

With a base damage reduction at longer distances, the Glock-18 is best used at close range. While it struggles against armored opponents, its ability to land multiple shots quickly makes it a viable option for Terrorists.

Fire Modes and Rate of Fire

Unlike its real-life counterpart, which features full-auto capabilities, the in-game Glock-18 has a semi-automatic and burst-fire mode. Players can toggle between these modes using the alternate fire key.

• Semi-Automatic: Offers better accuracy and control, recommended for medium to long-range engagements.
• Burst-Fire: Fires three rounds in quick succession but has higher recoil and a noticeable delay between bursts. Best suited for close-range fights where overwhelming an opponent quickly is crucial.

One unique trait of the Glock-18 in Global Offensive is the audible click when switching fire modes, which nearby players can hear.

Movement Speed

The Glock-18 provides a high movement speed, making it a strong option for aggressive playstyles.

• Running Speed: 240 Hammer units per second (250 in earlier versions)
• Walking Speed: 125 Hammer units per second
• Crouch Walking Speed: 82 Hammer units per second

This mobility advantage allows players to take quick angles, reposition, and push aggressively, particularly during eco rounds.

Tactical Usage

Pistol Rounds and Economy Play

As the default Terrorist pistol, the Glock-18 is crucial for early-round engagements. Its affordability and large magazine size make it ideal for spamming shots, particularly when rushing bombsites. While it struggles against Counter-Terrorists equipped with armor, its rapid fire rate allows players to land multiple shots before an enemy can retaliate effectively.

In pistol rounds, Terrorists often utilize the Glock’s burst-fire mode to overwhelm enemies, especially in close-range duels. However, burst-fire mode is not always reliable due to its wider spread and delay between bursts, making semi-auto the preferred mode for most engagements.

Mid-Round Usage and Secondary Weapon Considerations

Beyond the pistol round, the Glock-18 loses effectiveness due to its low armor penetration and poor long-range damage. Many players replace it with stronger sidearms like the Tec-9 or P250, which offer better damage against armored opponents. However, the Glock remains useful in economic rounds when players need to save money for rifles.

When paired with an SMG like the MAC-10, the Glock-18 serves as a backup weapon to finish off weakened enemies when reloading. It can also be useful for close-range spam in situations where a primary weapon is out of ammunition.

Countering the Glock-18

On the Counter-Terrorist side, the best way to counter the Glock-18 is by purchasing armor in pistol rounds. Since the Glock deals reduced damage to armored opponents, this significantly reduces its lethality. Engaging Glock users at medium to long range also minimizes their ability to spam shots effectively.

Update History and Changes Over Time

The Glock-18 has undergone several updates in Global Offensive, mainly adjusting its damage output and recoil mechanics.

• September 14, 2017: Increased base damage, reduced long-range effectiveness, and improved accuracy while moving.
• August 18, 2016: Improved fire sounds, added unique distant, reload, and draw sounds.
• December 8, 2015: Increased move inaccuracy on pistols, affecting the Glock-18’s run-and-gun potential.
• August 22, 2013: Reduced base damage from 33 to 28, making it weaker against armored opponents.
• January 23, 2013: Restricted the Glock-18 to the Terrorist side, removing its availability for Counter-Terrorists.

Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Facts

• The Glock-18’s in-game model in Global Offensive is based on the dual-wielded Glock from Left 4 Dead 2.
• In earlier Counter-Strike builds, the Glock-18 was named “Kobra 18” or “Cobra 18” in the game files.
• Unused animations in the original Counter-Strike suggest that a silencer attachment was planned but never implemented.
• The burst-fire mode is not a real feature of the actual Glock-18, which only supports semi-auto and full-auto modes.
• Despite having an extended magazine in Global Offensive, the magazine model is too small to hold 20 rounds in reality.

Final Thoughts

The Glock-18 remains a defining weapon for the Terrorist side in Counter-Strike. While its low damage output and armor penetration make it one of the weaker pistols, its affordability, high magazine capacity, and rapid fire rate give it a unique role in pistol rounds and eco strategies. Mastering its semi-automatic accuracy and knowing when to switch to burst-fire mode can make a difference in close-quarters skirmishes. Despite its limitations, the Glock-18 continues to be a reliable sidearm, especially for aggressive Terrorist strategies.

The Glock-18 plays a crucial role in shaping the early-round dynamics for Terrorists. While it lacks the stopping power of other pistols, its rapid fire rate and affordability make it an excellent tool for aggressive strategies. Players who master its semi-automatic accuracy and burst-fire mode can secure key pistol round victories, providing a strong economic foundation for their team.

Despite its weaknesses against armor, skilled players can make the most of its fast movement speed and quick follow-up shots. While it may be replaced by other sidearms later in the game, its role in shaping early engagements and economic strategies ensures that it remains a defining weapon for Terrorists across all versions of Counter-Strike.