M4A1-S or M4A4? – Which rifle to use in CS:GO

Following IEM Rio Major 2022, Valve announced a “brief” but massive update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. While most fans were focused on the departure of Dust 2 from the official Pool Map, a more significant change was behind this update.

Nerf of the M4A1-S

After dominating the meta in rifles in the 2022 season, the M4A1-S received one of the biggest nerfs from Valve.

On paper, this feature reduction seemed minimal, as it was only five percent in the range modifier, meaning this feature was reduced from 0.99 to 0.94 on the M4A1-S.

But, after a month of this update, we have noticed that this minor adjustment in the weapon has changed a lot in CS:GO for the 2023 season.

Valve and its misleading notes

Valve took it upon themselves to persuade players in their official patch notes regarding this reduction. This reduction in the range modifier of the M4A1-S means that bullets will now do less damage when crossing a certain distance.

Many players assumed that this meant that long-range exchanges would be significantly affected using the M4A1-S. Well, A Long engagements in Overpass, Mid engagements in Mirage, or A Ramp engagements in Vertigo could now be different.

This nerf to the range modifier means that the time needed to kill enemies at a distance of just over nine and a half meters is significantly changed.

Once players are separated by this distance or more, the time to kill opponents with the M4A1-S equipped with a vest and helmet goes from four to five bullets. Visually speaking, this means that all medium-distance shootouts will be significantly affected by this nerf.

M4A4 becomes the best choice for everyone

Well, just as you read it. The M4A4 is now the best choice for use on the CT side.

Let’s remember when Valve introduced a magazine upgrade for the M4A1-S to balance the targets on the CT rifles, but this was unsuccessful.

Whether they were professionals or casual gamers, they still preferred the M4A1-S, as, besides being $200 cheaper, it had damage and speed that resembled the AK-47.

Another aspect to consider is that, with the 20 rounds in the cartridge of the M4A1-S versus the M4A4’s 30, coupled with the range reduction, there is very little reason to choose the M4A1-S.

We know that comfort and spray control dominance keep many using the M4A1-S, but for those players who want to make a significant impact on their game, it is better to use a more powerful rifle.

Header: Valve