Proto:Counter-Strike (Windows)/Beta 1.1

This is a sub-page of Proto:Counter-Strike (Windows).

Beta 1.1 is the first Counter-Strike public beta released by the developers that can still be found. This beta is an early prototype of the game that features only a little bit of what would eventually become Counter-Strike's large arsenal, a WIP version of the hostage rescue game mode, and four maps removed long before the final version of the game was released. It provides an interesting look into the genesis of what became one of the most popular games of all time.

Note: This prototype can only be run in early versions of Half-Life, before HL's net code was changed by Valve. If ran in a later version of HL or the Steam version of HL, it will crash. The maps can still be run in the final version of the game, however.

Beta 1.2

Beta 1.2 is lost. However, a changelog for 1.2 is included with Counter-Strike.

- 5 second "molasses period" at the start of all rounds to dissuade rushing tactics 
- kick option added
- Refined the prices for some of the gunS(sic)
- made the kevlar MUCH more effective (it now covers people's arms) 
- made jumping and shooting MUCH more inaccurate for all the guns
- added a $16,000 salary cap 
- tweaked the bonus money awards. 
- tweaked the flashbangs effectiveness

General

Weapon Boxes

When a player dies, he drops a weapon box containing the weapon he was using when he died and the ammo contained in it, like in Half-Life's deathmatch. This lets the player break the weapon system and hold multiple pistols, SMGs, or rifles. While the weapon box was removed in Beta 2.0, the behavior of having multiple weapons of a certain type was not removed until much later.

The weapon box in Beta 1.1.
The weapon box in Half-Life.
Carrying two different pistols after picking up a deceased person's weapon box, who had a different pistol.

Hostages

Only hostage rescue is present in this prototype.

Hostages are not automatically rescued when they reach a hostage rescue zone. Instead, the player must hit a button bound with the "hostage" command when in a hostage rescue zone in order to save them. When hostages are rescued, the amount of hostages rescued with the "hostage" command are shown on the left side of the screen. If the player is in a hostage rescue zone and does not have any hostages, the message will show 0 hostages rescued. There are no markings to indicate a hostage rescue zone nor does an icon appear on the HUD, but there is an unused graphic of a Half-Life scientist in both this prototype and the final game that would fit a hostage or a hostage rescue zone.

If all hostages are saved, a round will not end.

All hostages use Half-Life's scientist models. They use the final's voices, however.

Using the "hostage" command without having any hostages.
Message shown when saving one hostage.

Weapon Prices

Almost all weapons have different prices in Beta 1.1. The only exception is the Glock 18.

Weapon	Beta 1.1 price	Final price
USP	$400	$500
M3 pump shotgun	$1250	$1750
MP5	$1250	$1500
TMP	$1100	$1250
M4A1	$3000	$3100
AWP	$5000	$4750
G3 SG/1	$7000	$5000
M249	$8000	$5750
Flashbang Grenade	$150	$200

Kevlar Vest

The Kevlar Vest only covers the chest in this prototype.

The Kevlar Vest with Helmet is not in this prototype.

Ammo Purchasing

Ammo is purchased on a separate screen. In addition, the player must purchase the ammo based on the type of ammo (such as 9x19mm for the Glock 18 and MP5) instead of selecting an option like "Primary ammo" or "Secondary ammo" to easily fill up the weapons he is using.

Buying Grenades and Kevlar

Armor and grenades are purchased through a separate menu, which can be brought up with the command "buyitem".

5.56x45mm Ammo Reserves

The M4A1 and M249 draw from the same source of 5.56x45mm ammo, meaning the player can hold far more rounds with the M4A1 (up to a whopping 200 rounds) than he can in the final game. Later versions of the game fix this so that the M4A1 and M249's 5.56x45mm ammo pools are separate.

Network Code

This prototype is quite unstable online. The player will often disconnect while playing over the internet.

Default Player Name

The default player name in this prototype is "FRICKEN_MORON".

Round Time

In this prototype, a round lasts 8 minutes.

Weapon Replacement

When buying a new weapon that occupies the same slot a current weapon is in, the old weapon will be overwritten with the new weapon. Beta 2.0 to the final game makes the player drop the old weapon, then gives him the new weapon.

Weapons

Glock 18

The Glock 18's model is identical to the one used in the final version.

The alt-fire key makes the gun shoot a three-round burst instead of switching the fire mode, like in the final game.

USP

The USP has a completely different model in Beta 1.0. It is darker than the final model and lacks an attachable suppressor. However, it has a LAM module that disappears from the final's model. The CSweapons.txt file included with the prototype indicates that it would have a suppressor, which it would get in the next major beta.

The world model is also different. The model is larger than the one used in the final and the texture used is based off of an image of a real USP Tactical instead of being drawn.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

MP5 Navy

The MP5 Navy has a different model and animations in this prototype.

In-game, it is very similar to its final incarnation.

Prototype	Final

TMP

The TMP's model is the same as it is in the final game, but has slightly larger textures in Beta 1.0 (not large enough to notice because of OpenGL resizing the textures).

The Beta 1.0 TMP is more accurate than it is in the final game.

Benelli M3 Shotgun

The M3 uses a different model in Beta 1.0. The textures are completely different and darker than the ones used in the final game. Its animations are different as well.

Prototype	Final

M4A1

The M4A1 is very different in this prototype.

Its model is completely different from the one in the final game. It has a scope mounted on it, a forward assist that looks like a bent piece of wire, and completely different textures. The animation used is different as well; the player simply pulls the magazine out with his thumb on the magazine release button and puts a new one in without the fancy forward assist tugging.

In-game, the M4A1 has a zoom function that can be activated with the alternate fire key. It behaves very similar to the SG552 and AUG's zoom functions, but does not reduce the firing rate, like it does with the final AUG and SG552.

Beta 1.0 uses an M4A1 world model that does not appear in any other version of Counter-Strike. It appears to be based on a plain M4A1 without any optics or other attachments on it.

Both the Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist teams can use this weapon in Beta 1.1.

The basis of this rifle would eventually be reused in the spinoff Counter-Strike Online as the M4A1 Scope, though with some more differences.

Zoomed in M4A1.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

AWP

The AWP is almost identical to the one used in the final game. It has slightly different firing animation and legshots will kill an enemy, unlike in later versions of the game.

The crosshair is enabled when using the AWP without looking down the scope in Beta 1.1 and several other prototypes.

It has a different scope reticle in Beta 1.1.

Prototype	Final

G3 SG/1

The G3 SG/1 is almost the same as it is in the final game in both behavior and looks. The only difference is that it uses a unique scope reticle with a night vision effect.

The crosshair is enabled when using the G3 SG/1 without looking down the scope in Beta 1.1 and several other prototypes.

Unlike the final game, both teams can use this weapon.

Prototype	Final

M249

The M249 is the same as it is in the final game.

Flashbang Grenade

The Flashbang is the same as it is in the final game, but the player can hold three of them in Beta 1.1.

Unfinished Weapons

The prototype contains graphics for some weapons that did not make it into Beta 1.1.

SG552

The SG552 has HUD graphics and is mentioned in the "CSweapons.txt" file included with Beta 1.1, but does not appear in the game.

The HUD graphics show that it did not have a scope at the time Beta 1.1 was compiled. CSweapons.txt states that its secondary fire would be to fold and unfold the stock, but it has a question mark at the end of it, suggesting that the developers were not sure about this as a secondary firing mode when the document was written.

HUD icon 1.
HUD icon 2.

Knife

The Knife has HUD graphics and is mentioned in the "CSweapons.txt" file included with Beta 1.0, but does not appear in the game.

HUD icon 1.
HUD icon 2.

HK69

There is a graphic for an HK69 grenade launcher and it is mentioned as a future weapon in "CSweapons.txt". However, unlike the SG552 and Knife, it never appeared as a usable weapon in any version of Counter-Strike.

HUD icon 1.
HUD icon 2.

Graphics

HUD

The HUD has several differences compared to the final game's.

The health and armor icons are quite different. The health icon has a wave-like effect on the left side of the graphic. The armor graphic is completely different; it features a guy in a tough-looking pose with the same wave effect on his left side.

This prototype uses the Pistol crosshair from Half-Life, while the final game uses a unique and dynamic crosshair.

The HUD does not show the time remaining nor a radar.

Prototype	Final

showplayerinfo Command

The HUD does not show how much money the player has. In order to do so, the command "showplayerinfo" must be typed into the console, or bound to a key and used.

Scoreboard

The scoreboard indicates what team you're on by the color of your name. Red names mean you are on the Terrorist team, while white names mean you are on the Counter-Terrorist team.

Counter-Terrorist on the scoreboard.
Terrorist on the scoreboard.

Console Background

In Beta 1.1, the console background is taken from a real photo of a counter-terrorist team, while the final version of the game using a unique graphic for the console, 1.5, uses the menu background texture.

Prototype	Final

Ammo Icons

This prototype uses Half-Life's icon for Pistol and Submachine Gun ammo for every ammo type in the game. Later versions give each ammo type their own unique icons.

Weapon Icons

The HUD weapon icons are less detailed than they are in the final game. All of them were redrawn before the final game was released.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

HUD Weapon Selector Indicator

The graphic used when an icon is selected in the HUD uses a slightly wavy and thick pattern with a gradient effect on the sides in beta 1.1, while the final game uses a simpler rectangle shape.

Prototype	Final

Weapon Kill Icons

The weapon kill icons use the same weapon designs that the weapon selection icons use, but smaller.

Prototype	Final

Player Models

Beta 1.1 contains only two player models.

These models use the default Half-Life player animations instead of the full set of custom animations the final player models use.

Irish Republican Army (Phoenix Connection)

The Irish Republican Army model is the only player model for the Terrorist team. It eventually became the Phoenix Connection model used in the final game.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

SEAL Team 6

SEAL Team 6 is quite different from the one in the final game. He has a blue outfit and a balaclava instead of the green uniform with helmet the final one has.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

The menu uses a different font, an old logo, the url for the first official Counter-Strike website, and the menu options are using Half-Life's default descriptions and names. The background shows a terrorist holding a G3 SG/1 (with transparency issues on the gun's magazine) on a metal background.

Prototype	Final (1.5)

Ejected Brass

In Beta 1.1, the brass ejected from pistols, rifles, submachine guns, and machine guns is the same as the one ejected by the Pistol and Submachine Gun in Half-Life. Later versions of the game use new spent brass models.

Prototype	Final

Sounds

Weapon Sounds

Nearly every weapon firing sound is different in Beta 1.1. The only ones that are the same are the G3/SG-1's and the M3 pump action shotgun's.

Prototype AWP Firing Sound	Final AWP Firing Sound

Prototype Flashbang Grenade Explosion Sound 1	Final Flashbang Grenade Explosion Sound 1

Prototype Flashbang Grenade Explosion Sound 2	Final Flashbang Grenade Explosion Sound 2

Prototype Glock 18 Firing Sound 1	Final Glock 18 Firing Sound 1

Prototype Glock 18 Firing Sound 2	Final Glock 18 Firing Sound 2

Prototype M4A1 Firing Sound 1	Final M4A1 Firing Sound 1

Prototype M4A1 Firing Sound 2	Final M4A1 Firing Sound 2

Prototype M249 Firing Sound 1	Final M249 Firing Sound 1

Prototype M249 Firing Sound 2	Final M249 Firing Sound 2

Prototype MP5 Firing Sound 1	Final MP5 Firing Sound 1

Prototype MP5 Firing Sound 2	Final MP5 Firing Sound 2

Prototype TMP Firing Sound 1	Final TMP Firing Sound 1

Prototype TMP Firing Sound 2	Final TMP Firing Sound 2

Prototype USP Firing Sound 1	Final USP Firing Sound 1

Prototype USP Firing Sound 2	Final USP Firing Sound 2

MP5 Reloading Sounds

The MP5's "inserting magazine" and "slapping cocking handle" sounds are different in Beta 1.1.

Prototype MP5 Magazine Insert Sound	Final MP5 Magazine Insert Sound

Prototype MP5 Cocking Handle Sound	Final MP5 Cocking Handle Sound

Dying Sound

When the player dies, the game plays the flatline sound from Half-Life instead of a groan.

Levels

This beta adds two new levels: Assault, which still is to this day in Counter-Strike as a series, and Desert, a map later removed.

cs_assault

Overpass

The path to the overpass is blocked by signs in Beta 1.1, preventing anyone from reaching the overpass.

Prototype	Final

Shipping Crates

The shipping crates near the corner of the warehouse outside do not exist in Beta 1.1. The other set of crates that is further away from the warehouse are a different color and are thicker in Beta 1.0.

Prototype	Final

Gate

The gate on the opposite end of the main entrance to the warehouse is not open in Beta 1.1.

Prototype	Final

Back of the Warehouse

The back of the warehouse does not have crates in it, making the CT team easy pickings for the Terrorist team if they use the back door.

The ladder near the back that leads to the alternate route to the hostage room is a ramp in Beta 1.1.

Prototype	Final

Hostage Location

In Beta 1.0's cs_assault, the hostage room does not exist. Instead, the hostages are located in the room before the hostage room.

Prototype	Final

Vents

The vents only connect the roof to the upper walkway in the warehouse. The third route leading to the room before the hostage room does not exist.

Prototype	Final

cs_desert

"cs_desert" is a map in Beta 1.1 that was cut from later versions of the game. The map has a clearly-defined Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist sides, with two paths connecting them, making it feel a lot more like a traditional CTF level in a game like Unreal Tournament than a Counter-Strike map.

Counter-Terrorist Side

Paths

Left path.
End of left path.
Path convergence.
Right path.

Terrorist Side

The Terrorist side has a built-in machine gun on the right side of it, making it easy for the Terrorists to wipe out the Counter-Terrorists as they come pouring in.

Left side.
Upper part of Terrorist side.
Right side.
Using the machine gun.
Hostage bunker.
The hostages.