What Is Counter-Strike: Condition Zero?

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a part of the mainline Counter-Strike series, which is known for its competitive multiplayer gameplay. However, CS:CZ is unique from other entries in the series due to its added focus on single-player content, alongside the multiplayer mode for the first time in CS history. In addition, the game featured a large update to the visuals of the game, this included enhancements to graphics for all of the maps, player weapons, and weapon models.

The new single-player content comes in two modes, made possible for the first time in CS history by an innovative new AI bot system first introduced to CS in Condition Zero. Let’s take a look at the different single-player modes available.

The first mode is “Tour Of Duty”, a mission-based single-player gamemode that has players fighting AI bots across different maps. The player takes on the role of a counter-terrorist and must prevent the terrorists from planting the bomb while completing their objectives such as defeating a certain amount of enemies, rescuing hostages, killing enemies with specific weapons, etc.

There are a total of six tours of duty to complete, each one of them featuring three different maps (The same versions that exist in the multiplayer mode for Condition Zero) and one to three challenges to complete in order to beat the map. The mode features linear progression and has you completing each map before being able to proceed to the next.

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero Deleted Scenes is actually a bonus game bundled together with Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The game includes a series of twelve single-player mission sequences that were originally developed by Ritual Entertainment, and were cut from the main game. Missions need to be completed sequentially, except for the tutorial mission that can be started at any time via the world map or the “new game” window.

The gameplay in Deleted Scenes is quite different from the traditional Counter-Strike multi-player gameplay players have grown to love. The game plays more like Valve’s other popular franchise Half Life in the sense that it’s a linear shooter where missions feature cutscenes and scripted sequences that provide further narrative direction for the game. Most of the missions consist of multiple maps the player must complete to beat the mission. Occasionally, the player will come across puzzles, often utilizing new mission specific equipment. Some missions also contain a boss fight, which typically involves taking out an aircraft or vehicle to complete it.

Contrary to traditional CS, there’s no concept of money in this game. Instead the player starts with set weapons and gear. New weapons as well as ammo are found throughout the maps instead. Unlike other traditional linear shooters though, the enemies do not drop ammo or weapons. You’ll also be able to restore your HP and Kevlar (armor) throughout missions in Deleted Scenes. There’s even friendly NPCs to encounter, although they do not significantly impact gameplay.

Circling back to Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, the multiplayer mode is mostly identical to the original Counter-Strike in terms of it’s gameplay. The primary mode is bomb defusal where players face off in a 5v5 round-based format of counter-terrorist vs terrorist. Counter-terrorists must attempt to stop the terrorists from planting the bomb, while terrorists attempt to plant and detonate the bomb on one of two bombsites. Players earn money from completing rounds, getting kills, or planting the bomb, which they can then use to purchase new equipment and gear. There were also other multiplayer modes available in the game such as Hostage Rescue, which had players attempting to either defend, or rescue hostages.

The biggest difference between CS:CZ and the original CS is the ability to add bots to servers. These bots attempt to function like a real player would and take up a regular player slot. The server admin can choose how many bots to include on each server, and with this change players can now play the multi-player modes solo, but against bots instead of real players

Yes, you can play Counter-Strike: Condition Zero right now on Steam as long as you have purchased the game. While the online playerbase is not very active anymore, the single-player modes are just as playable. The game is currently available for $9.99 and comes bundled together with the original Counter-Strike.

Upon its initial release, the existence of Condition Zero was questioned by people who already owned Counter-Strike as to some players it came across as just a graphical update for multiplayer. Others praised the game for its inclusion of a single-player campaign and missions, as well as AI bots. 

Fast forward a couple of decades to 2024, the reception seems optimistic and the game currently sits at “Very Positive” review standing on Steam with 90% of reviews being positive.

While Counter-Strike: Condition Zero did include some new content and improvements from the original Counter-Strike, it never made as big of an impact as the entries such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Counter-Strike 2 did. It’s important to note that it was still very important to the development of CS and the furthering of the series, primarily due to it’s inclusion of the first AI bots in CS. While it may have been slightly overshadowed by other entries, it remains a notable addition to the series, and one that every fan of CS should try out at some point in order to fully experience the history of the franchise.