M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Which Rifle Dominates CS2 Today?
M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Comparative Analysis
M4A1-S outperforms M4A4 in terms of pure damage: 38 units against 33 units. However, M4A1-S has a lower headshot damage modifier, meaning it can’t one-tap enemies to the head, and its damage drops more with increasing distance. Up to 12 meters, M4A1-S kills with four shots to an armored body, one shot less than M4A4. After 12 meters, both guns require five hits to the body to secure a kill.
In terms of price, M4A1-S is slightly cheaper, costing $2,900 compared to M4A4’s $3,000. This small difference can impact the CT economy, allowing players to save money for additional equipment like flashbangs or defuse kits during a match.
M4A4 has a clear advantage in magazine capacity, holding 30 bullets with 90 extra, compared to M4A1-S’s 20 plus 80. This additional ammunition is crucial when facing multiple opponents or in smoke-shooting scenarios, making M4A4 preferable for holding sites.
Both weapons do identical damage at point-blank range and can kill an unarmored opponent with one shot, while killing an armored opponent with one shot to the head and one shot anywhere to the body. However, the damage changes at range: M4A4’s damage drops by 1% per 500 units, while M4A1-S drops by a whopping 3% per 500 units. Thus, for long cross-map shots, such as from the back of A site to Catwalk on Mirage, the M4A4 wins.
Today, the suppressed and unsuppressed M4 remain head to head, almost perfectly even in terms of use between casual players and pros. Do you go for the suppressed M4A1-S, with easier spray but less damage, or the classic M4A4, with great range but difficult spray control?
If you are good at spray control and aim, and value the ability to hit long-range shots, then M4A4 is your best option. Conversely, if you are newer to the game, you may want to try the M4A1-S due to its easier-to-master spray control.
In CS:GO (and likely CS2), professional players generally prefer M4A4 for its higher fire rate and larger magazine capacity, making it more effective in mid-to-long range engagements. However, the M4A1-S has a more manageable recoil pattern and excels in close-range fights and situations where stealth is crucial. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual playstyle and map conditions.
Interestingly, while pros prefer M4A1-S for its easier spray control, this does not mean it is definitively better. The lower usage of M4A4—potentially due to its higher cost of $200 more than M4A1-S—suggests that the in-game economy is a decisive factor.
M4A1-S is better at longer ranges (40-50m+) as it delivers almost constant DPS with easily controllable recoil. On the other hand, M4A4 shines at short ranges (<40m) due to its higher DPS but features a harder-to-control recoil pattern.
Why Do Professionals Prefer the M4A1-S Over M4A4?
The choice between the M4A1-S and the M4A4 ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle. However, professionals generally prefer the M4A1-S for several reasons:
- Damage and Effectiveness: The M4A1-S demonstrates its superiority with a 15% higher damage per shot than the M4A4. This increased damage is pivotal in determining the time it takes to eliminate opponents and the effectiveness of body shots.
- Stealth Advantage: The M4A1-S is favored by players adopting agile and strategic roles. Its suppressed shots allow users to penetrate smoke screens without revealing their position—a valuable asset for those employing meticulous one-way smokes or stealthy maneuvers.
- Professional Play: Observing professional CS2 matches reinforces the dominance of the M4A1-S. Teams consistently capitalize on its unique attributes, creating opportunities for synchronized pushes and precise utility deployment. In skilled hands, the M4A1-S disrupts opponents’ plans and maintains an advantage.
- Current Meta: In the professional scene, around 60% of players use the M4A1-S over the M4A4 due to its spray accuracy and reduced price. However, solo-queue players might find the M4A4 more advantageous due to its increased fire rate and magazine capacity.
- Role and Positioning: If you play the role of IGL or support, the M4A1-S allows you to save $200 for additional utilities. Conversely, if you prefer holding close or medium angles, the M4A4 can give you the upper hand. For long-range fights, the reduced recoil and simpler spray pattern of the M4A1-S can secure kills.
- Recent Data: A shift in the professional CS landscape reveals a clear preference for the M4A1-S. Statistics from over 31 million kills in ranked CS2 Premier matches between February 1st and February 14th, 2024, show increased favorability for the silenced rifle across various kill scenarios.
- Comparison: Both rifles are effective on the CT side and are almost equal in key parameters. Professionals may prefer the M4A1-S; however, the choice ultimately depends on your play style and chosen positions.
In summary, if you enjoy a stealthy, tactical approach to gameplay, the M4A1-S may be the better option for you. Its silenced shots and superior recoil control make it ideal for players who prefer a more careful and calculated playstyle.
In What Scenarios is M4A4 Preferred by Pros?
The M4A4 is suited for aggressive gameplay styles due to its more considerable ammo capacity and higher fire rate. This makes it particularly effective for mid and close-range fighters.
Notably, pros such as FaZe Niko, NaVi s1mple, and Astralis dev1ce are major M4A4 players. Their usage indicates a preference for fast-paced, aggressive strategies. Statistically, the M4A4 is used 14.41% of the time in matches compared to 5.71% for the M4A1-S. This suggests that pros lean towards the M4A4 in scenarios where rapid fire and higher ammo capacity provide an advantage.
Furthermore, the M4A4’s higher recoil requires practice to master. It is favored in aggressive engagements where quick response times and damage output are critical.
Although players on the professional level, like G2 kennyS and G2 Shox, often prefer the M4A1-S for its stealth capabilities, particularly in sneaky tactics, the majority of pros tend to utilize the M4A4. This reinforces its significance in aggressive and high-stakes gameplay.
One player noted, “The M4A4 is just better than the silencer. And for the anchor, it makes more sense to have more bullets.” Others agree, highlighting that securing multiple kills requires a weapon with higher capacity.
As a pro mentioned, “You can make so many plays happen with the A4. It’s actually crazy. I think that as soon as people see the type of stuff that you can do with the A4, like the spray transfers, they will switch.”
Many CS2 pro players choose between the M4A4 and M4A1-S based on their playstyles, the map, and specific in-game situations. The M4A4 favors a more aggressive and versatile approach, while the M4A1-S caters to precision and stealth. Adaptability is crucial.
In terms of effectiveness:
- Close Range: The M4A4 is more effective due to its higher magazine capacity and faster fire rate.
- M4A4 Pros: Powerful rifle with a high fire rate; well-suited for close-quarters engagements; a 30-round magazine with a total ammo capacity of 120 rounds.
A lot of pros seem to switch depending on the map they play. However, the M4A4 remains the most commonly used. The A1-S is primarily seen on maps like Train. If you possess decent aim, the M4 is often the better choice.
