The game itself is excellent, I started playing in 2013, and I'm still here, all these years later.
The reason I don't recommend it, is that it's a pain to actually play and have fun with it.
Default settings and computer resources all based on machines from 2007, lousy bugs and glitches that haven't been fixed in over a decade, a matchmaking and queue system that is completely antithetical to the carefree, casual spirit of the game, which also doesn't work and leaves servers half empty for no reason, and the alternative, community servers, being relegated to the most antiquated feature (the server browser) present in an actively "supported" (more correct to say, monetized) game, making them very rarely filled to be in a playable state to begin with.
Oh yes, that brings me to the worst part of all of this: Valve not fixing anything I've mentioned, even though they have absolutely the power to do so, with no difficulty whatsoever.
But why do that when you can copy and paste more cosmetics into the game and earn millions with the work done by others? Almost no one points these flaws anyway, if you do you get flamed and harassed for "not being grateful that they still support an 18 years old game".
Well, I would absolutely agree on that... If the game wasn't supported. But it clearly is. And it makes them millions.
I don't ask for much. I know the time of new weapons and balance changes is over, and I'm ok with it.
As long as I'm able to play, with no difficulties and hiccups, one of my most favorite games ever.
Please Valve. Do the right thing.

The game is fun but it's been on life support for nearly a decade. It has been completely abandoned by Valve in favor of CS2. The last major content update was Jungle Inferno, 8 years ago. The only updates this game receives are sh1tty cosmetic add-ons that bloat the game and occasional bug fixes.

The matchmaking is also piss poor. If you're a new player expect to get stomped by people with thousands of hours on this game or run into coordinated stacks. You'll often get thrown into servers that are halfway across the planet from your location.

On top of that the sniper/afk bots that terrorized this game for three years straight are slowly making a comeback, I've personally run into them a few times. It's very annoying. VAC is pretty slow with banning legit cheaters and bots, so don't expect a protected experience. Have fun!

i like heavey