A complete beginner guide covering game modes, server connection, movement fundamentals, and how the ranked system works on SHANTAJ.
What is HNS Boost?
Hide & Seek Boost (HNS Boost) is a CS 1.6 game mode where one team (Hunters) must find and eliminate the opposing team (Hiders) before time runs out.
The "Boost" variant adds an additional mechanic: players can perform cooperative boosts, one player crouches and another jumps off them to reach elevated or otherwise unreachable hiding positions.
Matches on SHANTAJ run in two formats: 1v1 Skill (pure aim/movement duel) and 5v5 Boost (team coordination and map knowledge).
Connecting to the Server
Open CS 1.6. In the main menu, click Find Servers or open the console (~) and type: connect 45.144.155.103:27026
Alternatively, click the Connect button on the Home page of this website. It will automatically launch CS 1.6 and connect you.
If you get a "pure server" error, make sure your game installation is clean and you have no custom models that conflict with the server's files.
The server is online 24/7 with an active peak from 18:00-23:00 UTC+3. Check the live player count on the home page before connecting.
Your First Round
When you spawn, you will be assigned either CT (Hunter) or T (Hider) at random for the first half.
As a Hider (T): Your goal is to survive until time runs out. Find a concealed spot quickly after spawn. You may move during the hide phase but be silent, Hunters can hear footsteps.
As a Hunter (CT): After the grace period (shown by the round timer), pursue and knife or shoot Hiders. Camping spawn is against server rules.
A Hider wins the round by surviving. A Hunter wins by eliminating all Hiders before time expires.
Movement Basics
HNS Boost is movement-intensive. Learn to strafe-jump: hold forward, add a strafe key (A or D), and time your mouse movement with your strafe direction to gain distance.
Bunnyhopping (bhop) is allowed and rewarded on SHANTAJ. To bhop: jump and immediately hold the opposite strafe key as you land, rolling from one foot to the other.
Duck-jumping lets you reach higher ledges: jump and press crouch at the peak of your jump. You gain a few extra units of height.
Cooperative boosts require one player to crouch still and another to jump off their head. The timing window is narrow, practice in empty lobbies first.
The Ranked System
SHANTAJ uses a points-based ranking system. Points are earned by winning rounds and matches, and deducted for losses.
Your tier (R, M, M+, H) reflects your long-term performance. Tier H is reserved for the top players on the server.
Points are tracked globally and displayed on the Players page. Every match is logged, and your career stats are visible on your profile.
To appear on the leaderboard, you must play at least one ranked mix. Contact an admin on Discord to register for mix nights.
Beginner Tips
- Start as a Hider. Learning how Hunters think is the fastest way to improve as a Hunter yourself.
- Watch experienced players using the spectator camera (press F after dying). Observe their movement patterns, not just their hiding spots.
- Use the map walls. Silent walking along walls produces less noise than open-area movement.
- Don't hide in the same spot twice in one session. Good Hunters remember visited locations.
- The Discord community is active and helpful. Ask in the #help channel, experienced players regularly answer movement and strategy questions.