The Five Seven is a semi-automatic pistol in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive chambered in 5.7×28mm, notable for its large magazine, high accuracy, and low damage output per shot. Introduced alongside the Tactical Shield in Operation Vanguard, it is commonly paired with the P90 submachine gun in eco and force-buy rounds and valued for armor-penetration and controllable recoil. This evergreen explainer covers core stats, patch history, ideal attachments, and practical comparisons so you can decide when the Five Seven fits your playstyle.
Key Attributes at a Glance
Below is a concise snapshot of the most useful, verifiable details for the Five Seven in CS:GO.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Price (in-game) | $200 | Steam market & game files |
| Damage (head/body/legs, no armor) | 64 / 38 / 27 | Valve documentation |
| Damage (head/body/legs, armor 100%) | 27 / 16 / 12 | Valve documentation |
| Magazine size | 20 rounds | Steam market & game files |
| Reserve ammo | 100 rounds | Steam market & game files |
| Rate of fire | 675 RPM | Steam market & game files |
| Recoil pattern | Horizontal left/right, vertical up | In-game testing |
| Penetration modifier | 0.25 (low bullet penetration) | Game code/community testing |
| First available | Operation Vanguard (2017) | Patch notes |
Origin and Design Context
The Five Seven was added in CS:GO with Operation Vanguard in 2017, designed as a complement to the P90. While the P90 excels in close quarters with high rate of fire and mobility, the Five Seven offers higher accuracy, more range, and significantly larger magazine capacity. Its 5.7×28mm cartridge features low damage but strong armor penetration, making it appealing against opponents with light armor or no helmet. The pistol occupies a specific niche: long-range duels versus SMGs and cost-efficient anti-eco usage when enemies expect a pistol buy.
Optimal Loadouts and Attachments
Primary Competitive Loadout
Most competitive players pair the Five Seven with the P90 to cover mid-range gaps. A typical eco or force-buy setup includes the Five Seven as the secondary and a cheap SMG or rifle as the primary when funds are limited. For duels, players often run a silencer and red dot sight to improve accuracy and concealment. Below is a widely used, balanced loadout example.
- Five Seven
- Silencer
- Red Dot Sight or Holo Sight
- Molotov or Incendiary (depending on map and role)
Alternative and Counter-Play Options
If the enemy expects a Five Seven, a fully equipped USP with a silencer can outperform it in duels due to higher damage per shot. Against armored opponents, rifles or shotguns are generally superior. On eco rounds, using the Five Seven against enemy rifles can secure trades when the enemy is also in pistol range and underestimates your accuracy.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Key strengths of the Five Seven include its large magazine, controllable recoil, and armor-piercing capability, which allow consistent damage through light armor. Its accuracy at medium range makes it a reliable choice against SMG-wielding opponents. Weaknesses include low damage per shot, which can lead to slower duels against riflers, and limited one-shot potential compared to higher-caliber pistols like the Desert Eagle. The pistol’s value is highest in anti-eco situations and when paired with utility that forces close-quarters engagements.
Community Usage Trends and Meta Placement
Usage of the Five Seven fluctuates with the availability of newer weapons and balance patches but remains steady in lower-ranked and mid-tier play where eco rounds are common. At higher levels, teams use it situationally to punish predictable enemy positioning or to maintain map control during force-buy rounds. It is less common in top-tier MR18 or APAC leagues, where riflers tend to secure early advantages, but it remains a staple in community servers and mix-mode lobbies for its unique role.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes
To get the most from the Five Seven, control burst length and leverage its accuracy by tapping instead of holding the trigger. Pre-aim common angles and focus on landing headshots against unarmored opponents. Avoid trading up against rifles unless you can secure a favorable peek or the enemy is buying blindly. Coordinate with teammates to convert force-buy rounds, using the Five Seven to pressure isolated targets while your primary weapon engages mid-range fights.