Introduction: Understanding CS:GO Strategy
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a tactical first-person shooter where strategy often trumps raw aiming skill. This cheatsheet provides comprehensive guidance on effective strategies for both Terrorist (T) and Counter-Terrorist (CT) sides across various scenarios. Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand the fundamentals or an intermediate player aiming to refine your approach, this guide offers actionable strategies to improve your gameplay.
Core Strategic Concepts
Economy Management
| Round Type | Buy Strategy | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Pistol Round | Limited utility, focus on armor/better pistols | Win crucial first round advantage |
| Eco Round | Save money, minimal/no purchases | Build economy for future full-buys |
| Force Buy | Cheaper weapons (e.g., SMGs, shotguns) | Attempt to win with limited resources |
| Full Buy | Primary weapons, full utility, armor | Maximum chance of winning the round |
| Anti-Eco | SMGs, shotguns for bonus kill reward | Capitalize on enemy’s eco round |
Map Control
- Map control refers to establishing presence and information gathering in key areas
- Information is a critical resource that guides decision-making
- Rotation involves moving between sites based on gathered information
- Trade fragging means quickly killing an opponent who killed your teammate
- Crossfire positions allow two players to attack an enemy from different angles
Communication Essentials
- Call enemy positions with specific callouts (e.g., “Two A long with AWP”)
- Report utility usage (e.g., “They smoked CT spawn”)
- Share economy information (e.g., “They’re on an eco round”)
- Coordinate utility usage and pushes with clear timing calls
- Keep communications concise and relevant during active play
T-Side Strategies
Default Setup (Initial Round Strategy)
- Spread out across the map in groups of 1-2 players
- Gather information without committing to a site
- Look for picks or weaknesses in CT defense
- Maintain map control to keep options open
- Execute on a site based on gathered information
Site Execution Methodology
- Preparation: Confirm player positions and available utility
- Clear Key Areas: Use flashbangs and molotovs to clear common defensive positions
- Smoke Execution: Deploy smokes to block off key sightlines
- Site Entry: Enter site with proper crosshair placement and trade fragging
- Post-Plant Positioning: Establish crossfires to defend the planted bomb
Common T-Side Tactics
| Tactic | Description | Best Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Rush | Fast, coordinated push to overwhelm a site | Dust2 (B), Inferno (B), Mirage (B) |
| Split | Attack a site from multiple entrances simultaneously | Mirage (A), Cache (A), Overpass (B) |
| Fake | Create noise/utility at one site, then attack another | Dust2, Nuke, Mirage |
| Pick | Seek individual kills before committing to a site | Dust2, Cache, Mirage |
| Lurk | One player stays behind to catch rotating CTs | All maps |
CT-Side Strategies
Default CT Setups
| Site Distribution | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| 2A – 3B | Strong B defense | Vulnerable A site |
| 3A – 2B | Strong A defense | Vulnerable B site |
| 2A – 1Mid – 2B | Balanced coverage | Potential mid control loss |
| 2A – 2Mid – 1B | Strong mid control | Vulnerable B site |
Retake Methodology
- Gather Information: Confirm bomb location and enemy positions
- Coordinate Utility: Plan flashes, smokes, and molotovs
- Synchronize Entry: Enter site from multiple angles simultaneously
- Trade Effectively: Ensure each player death results in a trade kill
- Defuse Protection: Cover the defuser with proper positioning
Defensive Positioning Principles
- Crossfire: Position with teammates to cover each other
- Off-Angles: Use unexpected positions to gain advantage
- One-and-Done Spots: Play positions allowing fall back after first contact
- Utility Conservation: Save some utility for retakes
- Information Gathering: Prioritize gaining info without dying
Utility Usage Guide
Smoke Grenades
- Block critical sightlines during site executions
- Create one-way smokes for advantageous peeks
- Extinguish molotovs/incendiary grenades
- Fake site executions
- Cover bomb plants/defuses
Flashbangs
- Pop-flash around corners (bouncing off walls to prevent enemies from turning away)
- Support teammates’ entry into sites
- Delay enemy pushes
- Facilitate safe retreats
- Disrupt enemy utility deployment
Molotovs/Incendiary Grenades
- Clear common hiding spots
- Delay pushes by blocking pathways
- Force enemies out of positions
- Deny bomb plants/defuses
- Split enemy groups by creating temporary barriers
HE Grenades
- Damage grouped enemies
- Finish off injured opponents
- Damage enemies through doors/thin walls
- Destroy utility (e.g., defuse kits dropped by enemies)
- Check if positions are occupied
Advanced Map-Specific Strategies
Dust2
T-Side:
- Long A Control: Smoke CT spawn, flash over doors, take control of long A
- B Tunnels to Mid Split: Take B tunnels control, then split through mid to catch CTs rotating
- Fast Cat to A: Rush through mid to catwalk and attack A site quickly
CT-Side:
- Long A Hold: Play one player pit, one at car/blue box with AWP
- B Retake Setup: Play retake B with utility, focus on mid control
- Mid Control: Contest mid doors early with AWP/utility
Mirage
T-Side:
- A Split through Palace and Ramp: Smoke CT, jungle, and stairs
- B Apartments Rush: Flash through apartments, smoke short and market
- Mid to Window Control: Smoke connector and window, take mid control
CT-Side:
- A Site 3-1-1: Three A (one palace, one stairs, one CT), one mid, one B
- Aggressive B Apps Control: Molotov apartments early, play contact
- Mid Control with AWP: Contest mid with AWP from window/connector
Inferno
T-Side:
- Banana Control: Molotov car/sandbags, smoke CT spawn
- A Apartments Control: Take control early, pressure from balcony
- Mid to A Wrap: Smoke arch side, wrap through library to A
CT-Side:
- Passive Banana Hold: Play retake B, use utility to delay
- Arch Side Control: Contest mid aggressively from arch side
- 3A-2B Setup: Three players apartments/pit, two players banana
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Facing AWPs | Use utility to blind/smoke off AWPers, avoid long sightlines |
| Eco rounds | Play close angles with pistols, stack sites, use surprise factor |
| Rushes (defending against) | Use molotovs to delay, fall back rather than fight multiple enemies |
| Poor communication | Establish basic callout system, focus on essential information |
| Predictable strategies | Mix up approaches, use fakes, change pace between rounds |
| Tilt/frustration | Take short breaks, focus on team play rather than individual performance |
Best Practices and Pro Tips
Individual Improvement
- Crosshair Placement: Always keep crosshair at head level where enemies might appear
- Pre-firing: Shoot common positions before seeing enemies
- Counter-strafing: Stop movement completely before shooting by tapping opposite direction key
- Utility Practice: Learn specific utility lineups on workshop maps
- Demo Review: Watch your own gameplay to identify mistakes
Team Coordination
- Default Setups: Establish standard positions for both sides
- Economy Management: Make buy decisions as a team
- Role Assignment: Designate entry fraggers, AWPers, support players, and lurkers
- Timeout Usage: Use tactical timeouts to reset mentality and adjust strategy
- Post-Round Analysis: Briefly discuss what worked/didn’t work after rounds
Mindset and Mental Game
- Focus on improvement rather than just winning
- Stay positive and avoid blaming teammates
- Maintain composure during losing streaks
- Communicate constructively even when frustrated
- Take breaks after losing several games in a row
Resources for Further Learning
Workshop Maps for Practice
- Yprac Maps: Practice prefire positions and site executions
- Aim Botz: Improve mechanical aiming skills
- Recoil Master: Practice spray patterns
- Smoke Training Maps: Learn utility lineups
Educational Content
- YouTubers: voo CSGO, Elmapuddy, NartOutHere, Mahone TV
- Strategy Websites: Stratbook.gg, LiquipediaSCS, CSGO-Strats
- Pro Match Analysis: HLTV.org match demos, tournament VODs
- Pro Player Streams: Watch how professionals approach different situations
Community Resources
- Reddit: r/GlobalOffensive, r/LearnCSGO
- Discord Servers: Find practice partners and teams
- FACEIT/ESEA Hubs: Join community hubs for more structured play
- Local LAN Events: Experience team play in person
Conclusion
Mastering CS:GO strategy requires understanding fundamentals, consistent practice, and adaptability. Use this cheatsheet as a reference to improve your strategic thinking, but remember that experience and application in real games is essential for improvement. Focus on mastering a few strategies thoroughly rather than trying to implement everything at once. With dedication to improvement and effective team communication, you’ll see your strategic gameplay develop significantly over time.