Top 10 Counter-Strike Maps and Their Strategies

Counter-Strike has always been defined by its diverse maps, each presenting unique challenges and requiring different strategies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the intricacies of each map is essential to gaining a competitive edge. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Counter-Strike maps and provide key strategies that can help you dominate the battlefield.

Dust II

T Side Strategies:

• Long A Control:
  Dust II is known for its long A area. Controlling this area is key for Ts. A strategy that works well is to send at least three players towards long A at the start of the round. This group focuses on either winning the long duel or forcing the CTs to use utility early. Once you control long A, you can execute onto the A bombsite with smokes to block vision from CT spawn and car, while flashes disorient site defenders.
• Mid to B Split:
  Another T side strategy involves controlling mid and pushing B through mid doors. Smokes to block CT vision and flashes to disorient defenders help this push succeed. Once you gain mid control, you can split to B and pressure the site from both mid and upper B.

CT Side Strategies:

• Aggressive Long A Defense:
  The best way to stop Ts from taking long A is by pushing aggressively. At the start of the round, send two or three CTs to control long A. If you lose control, having one player in pit or car is essential to delay the T push while waiting for rotations. Smokes and flashes should be used to block T vision.
• Mid Control:
  Controlling mid is essential for the CT side, as it prevents Ts from rotating quickly between bomb sites. Use smokes to block T vision and position one player in window or at the top of mid to challenge Ts. If you lose mid, adapt your strategy and shift your rotation points to cover both A and B effectively.

Mirage

T Side Strategies:

• Mid Control:
  Mirage is heavily reliant on mid control. Ts typically aim to control mid early in the round by sending at least two players through T spawn towards mid, while the rest of the team holds A or B. Smokes and flashes should block off vision from CTs at jungle, window, and the A site. Once mid is secured, Ts can choose to push A or B based on the defenders’ positioning.
• A Split:
  The A split is one of the most common strategies on Mirage. After controlling mid, Ts execute on A through jungle and top-mid, using smokes and flashes to block sightlines from CT spawn and A site. This strategy can overwhelm the A bombsite with coordinated execution from two directions.

CT Side Strategies:

• Mid Push/Control:
  A crucial strategy on Mirage is pushing mid to control the map early. Smokes and flashes should be used to delay Ts, while one CT can position themselves in window, top mid, or underpass to challenge T pushes. Early mid control allows for more flexibility in rotations and helps anticipate Ts’ intentions.
• A Site Defense:
  The A site is difficult to defend due to multiple entry points. One common setup involves having a player in pit and another in library or CT. Smokes should block vision from apartments and flashes should be used to disrupt T pushes from mid. Good communication and teamwork are required to defend this site effectively.

Inferno

T Side Strategies:

• Banana Control:
  Banana control is crucial for T sides on Inferno. Ts generally focus on clearing banana early with utility like smokes and molotovs. Once banana is secured, they can push B with smokes blocking CT sightlines. A fast, coordinated push can overwhelm the B defenders, especially if the CTs are unable to contest banana effectively.
• A Site Execute:
  If the T side decides to push A, taking control of apartments and mid is essential. Smokes should be thrown to block off arch and library vision, while flashes are used to disorient site defenders. Molotovs should clear common positions like default or pit. The key is coordinating the timing of the apartment push with the mid push to create pressure on A from both directions.

CT Side Strategies:

• Holding Banana:
  On the CT side, banana control is the most important aspect of the game. Use smokes and molotovs early to contest the T side’s push. Having one player positioned aggressively at banana can often force Ts into awkward positions, giving your team the opportunity to rotate or take control of mid.
• A Site Defense:
  On A site, strong positioning is key. Typically, one CT defends from pit while another holds library or arch. Smokes should be used to block sightlines from apartments, and flashes should disorient Ts pushing mid or apartments. Communication is key for quick rotations to A in case of a B split or a fast push.

Nuke

T Side Strategies:

• Outside Control:
  Nuke’s verticality gives Ts multiple entry points, and controlling outside is key. Ts can use smokes to block vision from Heaven and CT spawn, allowing them to push through secret or towards ramp. Once outside is controlled, Ts can either push A through ramp or execute on B through secret.
• Upper Push:
  A fast upper push can catch the CTs off-guard, especially if they are focused on defending outside. Smokes are essential to block vision from Heaven and CT, while flashes should blind defenders on site. The T side needs to act quickly to overwhelm the defenders with superior numbers and speed.

CT Side Strategies:

• Outside Control:
  A strong CT defense on Nuke revolves around controlling outside. Smokes and molotovs can disrupt T pushes, forcing them into tight choke points. Rotating players between the bomb sites is also crucial for defending outside and responding to quick pushes.
• Ramp and Site Defense:
  When defending A, it’s important to control ramp early and use utility to delay T pushes. Smokes can block sightlines from T side and molotovs can delay their push. Quick rotation to B is necessary if the T team executes a split through outside.

Train

T Side Strategies:

• Outer Yard Control:
  The outer yard is essential to securing the bomb sites on Train. Ts generally focus on using smokes to block sightlines from the CTs holding on the trains and upper A. Once the outer yard is controlled, Ts can either execute on A or B, depending on how many defenders are committed to each bombsite.
• B Site Split:
  A B split involves pushing from T main while another group pushes through popdog or upper B. Smokes should block key sightlines, and flashes can disorient defenders. The aim is to overwhelm B with superior numbers and control the key choke points.

CT Side Strategies:

• Controlling Outer Yard:
  Outer yard is crucial for CT defense. Smokes and molotovs can delay the T pushes and force them into tighter angles. Pushing through T main or holding from positions like upper B is often effective for contesting outer control.
• B Site Defense:
  Defending B requires coordination, especially when dealing with pushes from popdog or upper B. Smokes and molotovs can block sightlines and delay T pushes, and communication is key to handling the aggressive nature of B executes.

Overpass

T Side Strategies:

• Fighting for Control of Long A:
  On Overpass, long A control is vital for executing onto the A bombsite. Ts should use smokes and molotovs to clear key areas like truck and barrels. Once long A is secured, a coordinated push to A through bathrooms or long can be effective.
• B Split:
  A B split involves pushing through monster and short B. Smokes should block vision from the CTs at heaven and bank, while flashes blind defenders holding the B site. Quick rotations from A to B are critical for the CT side, but Ts need to overwhelm the defenders quickly.

CT Side Strategies:

• Holding Long A:
  To prevent the Ts from taking long A, the CTs often push early with flashes and molotovs. Holding bathroom and fountain control is key for stalling Ts at the beginning of the round. Use your utility to prevent Ts from advancing towards the A site.
• B Site Defense:
  Defending B requires quick rotation between short B and monster. Smokes and molotovs are essential to block the T side’s vision and delay their push. Coordination between the players at B and those rotating from A is crucial.

Cache

T Side Strategies:

• Fast A Split:
  A fast push to the A bombsite involves sending some players through mid and others through the A main. Smokes block sightlines from CT and quad, and flashes are used to disorient the defenders. This strategy requires quick execution and good timing to overwhelm the A site.
• B Split:
  Push B through mid and check for any CTs at the vents. Smokes and flashes are crucial for blocking vision from the defenders. Ts need to communicate well to get control of B main and plant the bomb.

CT Side Strategies:

• A Main Control:
  A common strategy for the CTs is to control A main early in the round. By pushing through, they can catch Ts off-guard. Smokes and molotovs can delay the T side’s push, and quick rotations from the CTs allow them to cover both bomb sites effectively.
• B Site Defense:
  When defending B, the CTs need to make sure to have control of mid. Smoke and molotov the T side’s movements to limit their sightlines. It is also essential to use fast rotations to catch Ts unaware.

Cobblestone

T Side Strategies:

• A Site Execution:
  On Cobblestone, taking A site is usually the most common objective for Ts. The strategy often involves pushing through long A and dropping smokes to block vision from the site defenders. One or two players should focus on holding mid to prevent CTs from rotating and catching them off guard. Once the Ts take long A, they can execute with smokes for the site and flashes to blind defenders. Molotovs are also helpful for clearing out common positions like platform, default, and stairs.
• B Split from Mid and Long B:
  A B split strategy on Cobblestone usually involves controlling mid and pushing the B bombsite from two different directions: mid doors and long B. Smokes are used to block vision from the window, while flashes and molotovs are thrown to clear out the B site. The goal is to create confusion and pressure defenders, preventing them from knowing where the next push will come from.

CT Side Strategies:

• Aggressive Mid Control:
  On the CT side, controlling mid is essential. By pushing through mid and contesting the areas near the door and window, you prevent Ts from easily rotating between bomb sites. Smokes and flashes can be used to delay the T side’s advance. If mid is under control, CTs can quickly rotate and counter an A or B push. A quick peek out of mid can also catch Ts off guard, especially if they are focused on long A or B.
• A Site Defense:
  On A site, the key is to delay the T side’s approach using smokes and molotovs. Stationing players in site and holding close to platform is a good way to catch Ts off guard if they rush through long. Communication is essential to rotate between sites, especially if Ts try to execute a quick A split or rotate to B. A solid defense on the A site relies heavily on retaking the site after a bomb plant, so keeping your utility for post-plant situations is crucial.

Vertigo

T Side Strategies:

• A Site Execute:
  Vertigo’s narrow pathways and open areas can make attacking A challenging, so T sides often focus on an A site execute. The typical strategy involves taking control of the middle and then pushing up the ramp towards A. Smokes for CT and heaven are essential, as well as flashes to blind defenders holding the site or crane. Once the Ts are up the ramp, they need to flood the A bombsite quickly and overwhelm the defenders.
• B Split:
  A B split on Vertigo typically starts with pushing through mid while another group of Ts rushes through T ramp to B. Smokes and flashes are thrown to block CT vision, while molotovs clear positions like sandbags. The goal is to overwhelm the B site defenders and take control of the bombsite quickly, before the CTs can rotate.

CT Side Strategies:

• Ramp Control:
  On Vertigo, ramp control is key for the CT side. A player needs to hold aggressively at ramp, either pushing to contest Ts or playing close to the edge for a surprise peek. Smokes and flashes can be thrown to delay Ts from advancing up the ramp. If you can successfully hold ramp and prevent the Ts from gaining control, it’s easier to rotate and defend the other sites.
• B Site Defense:
  For defending B, it’s important to play the angles carefully, as the Ts will likely try to split the site from both the ramp and mid. Holding from sandbags or near the crane can be very effective. Use your utility wisely to delay T pushes and set up crossfires between players. It’s crucial to keep communication open in case the Ts try to split the site from different angles, and rotating early is key to preventing the B site from falling.

Ancient

T Side Strategies:

• A Site Execute:
  On Ancient, Ts often focus on pushing A. A typical strategy involves controlling mid and pushing the A bombsite from both jungle and long. Smokes are essential to block off vision from A main and CT, while flashes can disorient defenders. Molotovs should clear positions like triple stack, site, and the default spots. A good A execute relies on good timing and communication to overwhelm the defenders.
• B Site Split from Mid and Banana:
  On Ancient, a B split often involves pushing from two directions: through mid and from long B. Smokes are key to blocking sightlines from B site and preventing CTs from holding mid effectively. A strong B split will overwhelm the site, especially if you clear out areas like the sandbags and the back corner of the site. Timing is key—Ts should push together from both directions to avoid getting picked off by defenders holding separate angles.

CT Side Strategies:

• Mid Control:
  On Ancient, controlling mid is crucial for the CT side. By holding mid, you prevent the Ts from easily rotating between A and B, and you limit their ability to take control of the map. Smokes and flashes should be used early to delay T pushes and control the entrances to mid. Having a dedicated player in mid allows for more flexibility in responding to T strategies.
• B Site Defense:
  When defending B on Ancient, the CTs need to focus on holding long B and banana while keeping an eye on mid. Smokes and molotovs can be used to delay the T push through long B, and players need to coordinate their positions to cover all angles. Having one player hold from the back corner of B while another plays close to site can create an effective crossfire. Good communication with mid players allows for fast rotations to B when needed.