In Counter-Strike, what does the abbreviation “eco round” mean?

In Counter-Strike, an “eco round” is an economy round played to save money.

During an eco round, a team deliberately spends little or nothing on expensive weapons, armor, and grenades. The goal is to preserve cash so the team can afford a stronger purchase in a later round. Players may use pistols or the equipment they already possess rather than attempting a full buy.

An eco round is a strategic choice, not automatically a sign that a team has lost. Teams may use one after several defeats, after a costly previous round, or when they want to synchronize a full purchase for the next round. A team can also surprise opponents by winning an eco round with inexpensive weapons.

The term comes from “economy,” referring to Counter-Strike’s money system. It is different from a force buy, in which a team spends much of its remaining money despite not being able to afford a complete ideal loadout.