Think Counter-Strike: Global Offensive invented tactical shooters? Think again. Before you were quick-scoping and bunny-hopping, some trailblazers made it all possible. These games didn’t just influence CS: GO—they practically built the foundations of the genre. So, let’s take a look at the heavy hitters that came before the juggernaut that is CS: GO.
Rainbow Six (1998): The Original Tactician’s Playground
Imagine a game where you can’t just run and gun. Instead, you’ve got to plan, strategize, and make every shot count. That’s Rainbow Six in a nutshell. Released in 1998, this game brought tactical realism to the forefront. Forget about mindless shooting; this was all about precision, strategy, and teamwork. You were leading a squad of elite operatives, and one wrong move could cost you everything. Sound familiar? That’s because Rainbow Six is the spiritual godfather of Counter Strike: Global Offensive. It’s the game that taught players to think before they shoot, a lesson that CS: GO has taken to heart in every round.
But what made Rainbow Six so groundbreaking? It was the first game to make you feel the weight of every decision. The permadeath mechanic meant you couldn’t just charge in and hope for the best. You had to plan each mission with military precision. Whether you were breaching a door or clearing a room, every action had to be thought out. It was tactical shooting at its finest, and it laid the groundwork for the strategic depth that makes CS: GO so addictive.
SWAT 3 (1999): The Thinking Person’s Shooter
If Rainbow Six was about high-stakes military operations, then SWAT 3, released in 1999 by Sierra, was about the delicate art of police work. The game puts you in the shoes of a SWAT team leader tasked with resolving hostage situations, defusing bombs, and taking down suspects. But here’s the twist—SWAT 3 wasn’t about killing; it was about control. You had to assess threats, use non-lethal force, and make split-second decisions that could mean life or death. This game wasn’t just a shooter; it was a tactical simulator that made you think like a real-life officer.
In many ways, SWAT 3 was ahead of its time. It added room-clearing tactics and non-lethal takedowns, which were revolutionary in the genre. And while CS: GO may have taken a more fast-paced, arcade-like approach, the core idea of strategy over brute force is something both games share. The teamwork, communication, and precise execution in SWAT 3 led to the team-based dynamics that make CS: GO such a thrilling experience.
Delta Force (1998): The Grand Battlefield
Last but certainly not least, we have Delta Force, another 1998 release that shook up the shooter genre. Developed by NovaLogic, this game was all about big maps, realistic ballistics, and the importance of positioning. You weren’t just running around in tight corridors; you were navigating vast terrains, using cover, and sniping enemies from ridiculous distances. Delta Force was a game that required patience, strategy, and a keen eye—traits that any good CS: GO player knows all too well.
What made Delta Force stand out was its emphasis on realism. Bullets had drop-off, maps were enormous, and you couldn’t just rely on reflexes to win. You had to think like a soldier, plan your approach, and execute with precision. It was a game that rewarded careful planning and punished reckless behaviour. A lot like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive does today. And let’s not forget the multiplayer mode, which was one of the first to emphasize teamwork and strategy over pure combat prowess.
So, Who’s Your (Grand)Daddy?
The next time you’re planting the bomb or holding the line in CS: GO, take a moment to appreciate the games that came before. Rainbow Six taught us to think before we shoot, SWAT 3 showed us the value of strategy over brute force, and Delta Force gave us the thrill of large-scale, tactical warfare. These games didn’t just pave the way for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive—they built the road. So, if you’re a fan of tactical shooters, you owe a lot to these classics. Now go out there and make those shots count!