It is not always a topic we like to think about or discuss, but death is a natural and inevitable part of life. It is the finality of death that give our lives meaning and value. And just as important as death itself is, our dealing with death is a necessary part of life because it is something we will all experience and have to cope with. After all, nobody lives forever.

Death in Counter Strike is especially poignant. It is frequently sudden and nearly always brutal. There is also no end to the variety of ways or locations where we or our teammates meet an untimely end. And it's this frantic back and forth between life and death in Counter Strike that makes things so hard to deal with.



But how many of us really know how to deal with death? Surprisingly, not many. It usually doesn't come into our minds until we are confronted with it head-on. But in Counter Strike, death is everywhere. So many of us witness it, and even experience it, but are ill-equiped in dealing with it. What should we do?



This guide will take you through the different types of death we experience in CS. It will also explore how to cope with these deaths. Though this guide will try to offer guidance, the true answers are going to be found within you, yourself. If, however, you take away one thing from this guide, let it be this: it's okay to let go. You'll never have a perfect record, always. Sooner or later death will come for you or a teammate. When you accept this, you'll be able to accept life, and cherish it.

You've all been there before. Playing competitive with friends. Enjoying their company. Laughing at the silly prefabricated comments in funny accents that are thrown out seemingly at random. Then, out of nowhere, your friends are gone. Maybe a sniper got a lucky shot. Maybe one your own wasn't paying attention. Maybe it was a well tossed grenade. Whatever it is, there is death staring you in the face.



Acceptance is the most improtant part of dealing with the death of a teammate. There is nothing wrong in grieving the loss of your teammates. And that sadness, that hollow feeling? Those are just parts that make up a long process of grief and mourning. Once you accept this, and their loss, you will be able to find peace.



Know that your friends lived their lives and their time came. There is nothing that you, or anyone else, can do but accept it. You must move on. And fast, otherwise you'll be shot to hell. So run, and don't forget to gun. Watch your corners. You may be alone, but that doesn't mean you're helpless. Keep your shots tight, and don't hold in the trigger. The opposing side will think you're weak because you're alone. Surprise them. And always remember that even alone, your friends are with you, watching. Make them proud and cinch the match. Death for you will have to wait.

Losing a friend is one thing, but meeting your own demise is an entirely different matter all together. Nothing brings home just how precious life is when your own life hangs in the balance. But dying in Counter Strike is a part of the cycle of life and death. Just as your enemies are not immune to being knifed in the head during a warmup, neither are you!



But how exactly should you cope it's your time to go. This is never easy but it must be discussed. You must understand that you will die. There is no easy way to put this. No special euphemism to disguise the reality that death will come. The sooner you realise this, the better and more fulfilling your life will be.



Your own death may come as a surprise. There really is no easy way to deal with it. You could have the best equipment, a full variety of grenades, the best weapon, and even the coolest skin...and you will still meet your end. Dealing with the shock is the first priority. You musn't be surprised or thrown off guard when an enemy gets a headshot causing you over 400 points of damage. This is the life of a terrorist or counter terrorist. Go into each match expecting death. Even embracing it. Your lack of surprise will keep you alive in the next round.



And when you do die, reflect on your life. Think about the important things. The precious moments left behind. That cute girl you met on Steam. That time you sent a gift to the wrong friend. The time you befriended someone only to find out that they roleplay as a furry animal and talk about making love in a doctor's office.



And don't forget to reflect on how you died! You must use your death as a way to better yourself. Learn from your mistakes! Don't freak out when a sniper makes that almost impossible shot ending your life. Next time, don't peek. Compose yourself when an enemy sprays his AK into your back giving you zero chance to retaliate. Always watch behind you. Don't blunder into that lower tunnels. Walk! Listen to enemy footsteps. Your death can be the greatest teacher you can have.



And when you do die. remember that death is not the end. Your life will go on, after the round end. You will be resurrected in a glorious new round. You will be again surrounded by those your love and care for. You will be born anew. And with the help of the almighty, you just may be spared a humiliating death in this new round.

Death comes to us all, even to your enemies. Should you mourn their loss as well? Should you celebrate? How should you feel when you take the life of someone from the opposing side?

Death is very serious and affects all who come in contact with it. But when your enemies die, you should cherish your victory. Feel free to squat on their heads. Take their guns and grenades. Better yet, take their gun and throw it back down at their lifeless avatar. It didn't do them much good, why should it help you? And before you run off to find the bomb or defuse, don't forget to marvel at your handiwork. A picture of a wall stained with the blood of your enemy is the perfect keepsake. Don't forget to press F12. And remember, you can always type out messages to everyone. This is your chance to remind them that death can also be sweet. Let them mourn their losses just as you did your own.

Death to many is dark and ominous. But in Counter Strike, it is a part of life. Celebrate death. In doing so, you will be celebrating life. And remember, death is only a momentary delay before you can get back into the action and do better next time.