Welcome to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the latest version of the classic game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). If you're new here or looking to switch from CS:GO, you're in the right place. This game is all about teamwork, strategy, and quick action. Whether you're playing as a Terrorist or a Counter-Terrorist, your mission is to complete objectives like planting bombs or rescuing hostages. Winning is about outsmarting and outshooting the other team.

CS2 is a game where every player's role is crucial. You must move smartly, shoot accurately, and work closely with your team. Don't worry if it sounds complicated; we'll break it down into simple steps to help you get started.

Basics of CS2

CS2 is more than just shooting; it's about playing smart. You're part of a team, and whether you're attacking or defending, you have a job. The game tests your ability to think on your feet, aim well, and work with your teammates.

• Moving and Shooting: Moving around is easy—use the WASD keys (default). Remember, running makes you less accurate, and crouching (Ctrl as default) helps you hide and aim better. When it comes to shooting, practice makes perfect. Use the left mouse button to shoot and the right button to aim more carefully.
• Using Grenades: Grenades can be your best friend. They can block the other team's view, confuse them, or stop them from coming through tight spots.
• Talking to Your Team: Winning is all about teamwork. Use your voice to share what you see and plan with your teammates.
• Money Matters: How you spend your in-game money can make a big difference. Buy smart, save when needed, and pick up any good gear you find on the ground to save some cash.

CS2 in-game roles

• In-Game Leader (IGL): This player is the team's strategist and decision-maker. They call the shots on tactics, deciding where the team moves and how they approach objectives. Being an IGL means knowing the CS2 maps inside out and having a good sense of call-out timing. It's a role best suited for players who can keep a cool head and deeply understand the game.
• Entry Fragger: The first one in during a team assault. This role requires quick reflexes and sharp aim because the entry fragger's job is to get the first kill, opening up the site for the team. They often face the highest risk but can swing the momentum in their team's favor with successful entries.
• Support: Supports are the backbone of their team, assisting in gunfights, throwing crucial grenades (like smokes, flashes, and Molotovs) to blind enemies or block their movement, and backing up the entry fragger. They might also be responsible for planting the bomb in a Terrorist side or covering while teammates defuse as Counter-Terrorists. Players who excel in this role are patient, have good game sense, and are willing to sacrifice personal glory for the team's success.
• Lurker: Lurkers play away from their team, creating distractions or waiting for the perfect moment to backstab the enemy. This role requires patience, excellent map knowledge, and the ability to read the opponent's movements. Lurkers can change the course of a round by catching the enemy off-guard, making them crucial in tight situations.
• AWPer/Sniper: Specializing in using sniper rifles like the AWP or Scout, AWPers hold long sightlines and pick off enemies from a distance. This role demands pinpoint accuracy, quick reflexes for "quick scoping," and a deep understanding of sightlines and enemy movements. AWPers can control the game's flow by taking down key targets, but it requires practice and a steady hand.

CS2 aim guide

Getting good at aiming in CS2 means learning a few tricks and practicing until you get it right. It’s all about making sure you can hit your targets quickly and accurately.

Why Aiming Right is Important: Being able to aim well means you can defeat enemies faster, which is a big deal. It can help your team win the game. It's all about making your shots count.

How to Aim Better

• Keep Your Aim Ready: Try to keep your aim at the height where you think an enemy’s head will be. This way, you don’t have to move your aim too much when you see an enemy, making it easier to hit them quickly.
• Shoot in Short Bursts: Instead of holding down the shoot button and letting all your bullets fly, shoot a few bullets simultaneously. This makes it easier to control where your shots are going and hit your target more often.
• Learn the Recoil: Each gun in CS2 acts a bit differently when you shoot it; they sort of kick back. If you learn how this kickback works, you can control your mouse to keep your aim steady.
• Use the Right Burst for the Distance: If an enemy is close, you can shoot more bullets at once. If they're a bit farther away, shoot fewer bullets at a time to stay accurate. And if they're really far, just shoot one bullet at a time to ensure your aim doesn’t go off.
• Putting It All Together: The best way to get better is by using these tips while you play. Try different ways of shooting and see what works best for you. The more you play, the better you'll get.

CS2 economy guide

In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), managing your money is key. Think of it as planning how to spend your in-game cash on weapons and equipment to help your team win.

• Making Money: You get cash after each round, win or lose. You also earn a bit extra for planting bombs, defusing them, or taking out enemies. Just remember, if you're attacking and the round ends while you're still standing, you won't get any money unless you've completed your objective.
• What to Buy: Your cash can buy weapons, grenades, armor, and more. Saving up for big purchases like the AWP sniper rifle is important, especially if you're aiming to be the team's sharpshooter.

Smart Spending

• Earnings per Action: Different moves give you different amounts of cash. For instance, defeating an enemy with a pistol or shotgun gives you a nice chunk of change.
• Round Results: Winning gives you a money boost, and even if you lose, you still get something. If you keep losing, you'll get a little more each time to help you catch up.
• Planning Purchases: Attackers might need about $5000 for gear, while defenders might need about $6000. Since full gear is pricey, you'll have to think about what you really need each round.

Buying Strategies

• Eco: When money's tight, you might skip buying anything or just grab a cheap weapon, saving up for later.
• Anti-Eco: If you think the other team is saving, you might buy cheaper, effective guns to take them down and earn more cash.
• Full Buy: When you've got enough money, you go all out and buy the best stuff to increase your chances of winning.
• Semi-Buy: Sometimes, you can't afford everything, but you buy what you can to stay competitive, hoping to afford more next time.
• Force Buy: In tough times, you might spend all your cash, hoping to turn the game around with a big win.

CS2 tips and tricks

Getting good at CS2 is about more than just shooting; it's about smart play and understanding the game.

• Shoot some bots: Begin your gaming session by practicing shots against computer-controlled bots. This helps you wake up your gaming skills and get your aim right.
• Learn the Maps: Focus on a few maps and really get to know them. Learn where to throw smoke grenades and basic attack or defense plans. Watching how expert players handle these maps can give you great ideas.
• Shooting Skills: CS2 has made it easier to see where your shots will land, which helps beginners aim better.
• Smoke Grenades: Smoke grenades now act more like real smoke and can even be blown around. Though shooting through smoke might give away your spot, using a grenade can surprise enemies hiding in it.
• Handling Corners: The game's servers are faster now, so everything happens more quickly, especially in fights around corners. Knowing how to position yourself, whether you're staying put or moving out, can really help.

Is CS2 hard for beginners?

CS2 can feel difficult for beginners. The shooting system requires players to learn recoil control, which takes time. New players may struggle with aiming, movement, and using the in-game economy. The pace of the matches can also feel fast compared to other shooters. However, beginners who practice regularly improve quickly. Playing on popular maps like Dust 2 or Mirage helps with learning basic strategies. Using aim training maps and watching skilled players also makes progress faster.

What is the best CS2 mode for beginners?

Beginners should start with modes that allow practice without too much pressure. Some of the best modes are:

• Casual: Matches are less strict and give new players time to learn.
• Deathmatch: Focuses on aim and movement with quick respawns.
• Wingman: Smaller maps with 2v2 matches that help players practice teamwork.

These modes give new players a chance to learn skills before joining competitive games.