The AK-47 is the king of rifles in Counter-Strike 2. It’s a one-tap headshot machine, but let’s be honest—you can’t win every fight with a single bullet. When things get messy, you need to know how to spray. That frantic, uncontrolled spray where bullets fly everywhere except your target? We’ve all been there.
This guide is here to change that. We’re going to break down the infamous AK-47 spray pattern into simple, manageable steps. You’ll learn what the pattern looks like, how to control it, and how to practice effectively so you can confidently win those clutch moments.
Why Learning the AK Spray is Non-Negotiable
Sure, you can get by with short bursts. But mastering the full spray gives you a huge advantage:
- Win Duel: You can confidently take on multiple enemies without reloading.
- Clutch Rounds: A controlled spray through smoke or a tight angle can win a round for your team.
- Maximize Damage: You’ll land more bullets in a shorter time, making your sprays deadly efficient.
Think of it as learning a fundamental skill, just like knowing the CS2 Mirage callouts. It’s essential knowledge for anyone serious about improving.
The AK-47 Spray Pattern Demystified
First, let’s visualize what you’re up against. The AK-47’s spray pattern isn’t random; it’s a specific, predictable shape that you can learn.
The pattern forms a rough “7” or reverse “7” shape. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the first 30 bullets, which is what you’ll use 99% of the time:
- Bullets 1-5: The recoil pulls straight up. This is why your first shot is so accurate, but the next few climb rapidly.
- Bullets 6-10: The pattern starts to pull sharply to the left.
- Bullets 11-15: It reverses direction and moves hard to the right.
- Bullets 16-30: The pattern settles into a wiggling, sideways “S” shape, moving left and right until the magazine is empty.
The key takeaway? Controlling the spray is all about counteracting this movement with your own mouse movement.
How to Control Your AK Spray: A Step-by-Step Guide
Recoil control is a physical skill you need to build into your muscle memory. Don’t try to learn the whole spray at once. Break it down.
Step 1: Master the Initial Pull-Down
This is the most important part of how to AK effectively.
- The Drill: Go into a practice server and fire 10 bullets at a wall without moving your mouse. You’ll see them climb upward.
- The Correction: Now, do it again, but this time, immediately after you start shooting, pull your mouse straight down.
- The Goal: Your goal is to keep those first 10 bullets in as tight a horizontal line as possible. Practice this until it feels automatic.
Step 2: Learn the “T-Shape” (First 15 Bullets)
Once you’re comfortable pulling down, add the side-to-side movement.
- The Pattern: For the first 15 bullets, the pattern is essentially: Pull down, then pull down and left, then pull down and right.
- The Movement: Your mouse movement should mirror this: a straight down pull, followed by a diagonal down-left pull, then a diagonal down-right pull.
- The Goal: This “T-shape” is your most common spray in real-game scenarios. Getting this tight will win you most duels.
Step 3: Practice the Full Spray (Optional but Powerful)
The full 30-bullet spray is complex and rarely used, but knowing it can save you in a pinch. It requires you to make several smaller left-right adjustments while continuously pulling your mouse downward. Focus on steps 1 and 2 before worrying about this.
Your Ultimate AK Spray Practice Routine
Theory is nothing without practice. Here’s how to build your muscle memory using CS2’s built-in tools. You’ll need to use some CS2 nade practice commands (which also work great for weapon training).
- Open Your Practice Server:
- Go to Play > Practice > Workshop Maps and load a map like “aim_botz” or go to Play > Practice > Offline Practice on any map.
- Open the console (~ key) and enter the following commands to set up the perfect training environment:
- text
sv_cheats 1
sv_infinite_ammo 2
mp_roundtime 60
- mp_restartgame 1
- sv_infinite_ammo 2 gives you unlimited ammo without needing to reload, which is perfect for continuous spray practice. For a full list of useful commands, check out our guide on CS2 practice commands.
- The Wall Spray Drill:
- Stand close to a blank wall and spray. Don’t try to hit a target yet. Just focus on making the bullet holes as tight a group as possible. This helps you internalize the mouse movement.
- The Bot Spray Drill:
- Now, move to a target. In aim_botz or against stationary bots, practice transferring your spray from the wall to a target. Start with just the first 10 bullets, then the first 15.
Pro Tips for In-Game Spray Control
Knowing the pattern is one thing; applying it in a match is another.
- Crouching is Key: Crouching significantly reduces your recoil, making your spray much tighter. Use it during extended sprays.
- Movement Kills Accuracy: You cannot spray accurately while moving. Make sure you are completely stopped (counter-strafing) before you commit to a spray. This is a fundamental skill covered in our CS2 beginner guide.
- Know When to Burst or Tap: Don’t spray if your enemy is far away. At long range, like from A-site to A-ramp on Dust 2, switch to 2-3 bullet bursts or single taps to the head.
- Learn from the Best: Watch how pros like s1mple or NiKo use the AK. Notice when they choose to spray, burst, or tap.
A Note on CSGO Sprays in Half-Life 2
You might have heard this term and been confused. This is a fun piece of Counter-Strike history! The original Counter-Strike was a mod for Half-Life. The spray patterns we know and “love” today are a direct evolution of the recoil systems from those early days. So, while you can’t literally transfer your CSGO sprays in Half-Life 2, the phrase is a nostalgic nod to the shared DNA of these iconic games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the easiest way to remember the AK spray pattern?
The easiest way is to break it down into the first 15 bullets, which form a “T” shape. First, pull your mouse straight down to control the initial climb. Then, as the recoil pulls sharply left and right, you need to pull down and left, followed by down and right. Mastering this “T-shape” will win you most of your duels.
2. How long does it take to master the AK spray in CS2?
There’s no single answer, as it depends on your current skill and practice consistency. However, with focused daily practice of just 10-15 minutes, you can gain solid control of the crucial first 10-15 bullets within a few weeks. True mastery, where the correction feels automatic in the heat of a match, is an ongoing process that even pros continually refine.
3. Should I always spray with the AK-47?
No, knowing when not to spray is just as important. At long range (e.g., from A-site to A-ramp on Dust 2), spraying is very ineffective. Instead, use 2-3 bullet bursts or single taps for headshots. Reserve the full spray for medium-to-close range engagements where you need to output maximum damage quickly.
4. Does crouching really help with recoil control?
Yes, absolutely. Crouching significantly reduces your weapon’s recoil, making your spray pattern much tighter and easier to control. If you are committed to a spray duel and are in a safe position, crouching will greatly increase your chances of winning the fight.
5. Is the spray pattern random after the first few bullets?
No, the spray pattern is 100% predictable and identical every time. While it may look random because of its complex sideways movements, it follows the same set “7” shape. The “randomness” people feel comes from their own inability to perfectly replicate the counter-movement with their mouse, which is why building muscle memory through practice is so important.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey to AK Mastery
Controlling the AK 47 spray pattern isn’t something you’ll master in one day. It’s a grind. But with consistent, focused practice, it will become second nature.
Start with the pull-down. Master the first 10 bullets. Then master the first 15. Spend just 10 minutes a day in a practice server, and you’ll be shocked at how quickly you improve. Soon, you won’t be thinking about the pattern—you’ll just be hitting your shots.
