The Complete CS2 Mirage Smokes Guide for Total Map Control
Executing a successful site take on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2 is a symphony of coordinated utility. Without the right smokes, your push turns into a chaotic duel against defenders holding superior angles. Failed executes, wasted rounds, and frustrating losses are often the result. This guide eliminates that guesswork. We provide the most comprehensive, lineup-specific guide to CS2 Mirage smokes, transforming your utility game from a weakness into a decisive weapon for securing round wins. Mastering these will give you and your team the foundational skill needed for higher-level play, much like understanding the broader CS2 maps guide is essential for overall success.
Understanding the Value of Smoke Grenades on Mirage
A smoke grenade is more than just a visual barrier; it’s a tool for reshaping the battlefield. On a structured map like Mirage, they are indispensable for negating the CT side’s innate positional advantage. Properly thrown smokes block critical sightlines, allowing your team to safely cross dangerous open areas, isolate engagements, and execute coordinated splits. They are the key to establishing map control, cutting off rotates, and creating favorable duel conditions. While raw aim is crucial, as highlighted in guides like how to get better at CS2, utility mastery is what separates competent players from truly effective ones. This level of strategic utility use is what makes pros like ropz so dominant.
What You’ll Need to Practice
Before you begin, set up the ideal practice environment:
- Enable Cheats: Type sv_cheats 1 in the console.
- Get Infinite Grenades: Type sv_infinite_ammo 2.
- See Trajectories: Type sv_grenade_trajectory 1 to visualize your throws.
- Use a Jump Throw Bind: For maximum consistency on long throws, you must set up a jump throw bind CS2. This is non-negotiable for pro-level play.
Essential T-Side Mirage Smokes for A Site Executes
A well-executed A site take requires smokes that blanket the entire site, isolating defenders and allowing for a clean plant.
1. CT Spawn Smoke
This smoke blocks rotations from CT Spawn and isolates any player playing in CT or Ninja. It’s vital for securing the site and setting up a post-plant defense.
- Location: Stand in the far corner of Top Mid, against the wall closest to Window.
- Aim: Place your crosshair at the very top of the distant antenna.
- Throw: Execute a standard jump throw (using your bind). The smoke will land perfectly, sealing off the CT entrance to A Site.
- Visual Reference: Imagine a line from your position to the antenna. The smoke will arc directly over the building.
2. Jungle Smoke
The Jungle position has sightlines onto Ramp, Tetris, and the site. This smoke neutralizes that powerful angle.
- Location: From T Spawn, move to the left side of the Middle ramp.
- Aim: Find the highest point of the roof above Window and aim just above it.
- Throw: A running jump throw will arc the smoke over the building and drop it directly into Jungle, blocking vision from Stairs and Snipers Nest.
- Visual Reference: You are throwing from the shadow of the ramp onto the highest part of the opposite roof.
3. Stairs Smoke
This smoke blocks the common off-angle from Stairs and the connector to Window, allowing your team to push onto site from Ramp without being flanked.
- Location: Stand at the top of Ramp, facing the A Site.
- Aim: Find the vertical pipe on the wall to your left. Aim just to the right of its top.
- Throw: A simple standing throw will pop the smoke directly on the Stairs platform.
- Visual Reference: The pipe is your guide. This is an easy, reliable lineup that doesn’t require a jump.
4. Window/SNB Smoke
Smoking Window (Sniper’s Nest) is critical for controlling Mid and preventing a devastating flank through Connector. This is one of the most important smokes on the map.
- Location: Stand in the middle of Top Mid, just before the shadow.
- Aim: Aim at the tip of the highest diamond-shaped antenna on the roof.
- Throw: A running jump throw will consistently land a smoke that completely blinds the Window player. This is a cornerstone of Mid control.
- Visual Reference: The diamond antenna is your target. This lineup is crucial for enabling splits and is a key part of any Mirage callouts strategy.
Essential T-Side Mirage Smokes for B Site Executes
Taking B requires swiftness and precision, as CTs can rotate quickly through Market and Short.
1. Market Window Smoke
This smoke blocks the long-range view from Market Window onto B Apps and Short, which is the most common position for a B site anchor.
- Location: From B Apps, stand in the doorway of the second arch.
- Aim: Aim at the top of the thin, dark vertical support beam on the building ahead.
- Throw: A standing throw will land the smoke directly in the Market Window, allowing your team to push onto Short safely.
- Visual Reference: You are lining up the throw with the architecture of the building opposite Apps.
Although this debate is still remains, is mirage ct sided or t sided.
2. Bench Smoke
The Bench area on B Site is a common hiding spot. This smoke denies it and provides cover for a plant for the default bomb spot.
- Location: From Short, line up with the left edge of the Market door.
- Aim: Aim at the top of the small satellite dish on the roof.
- Throw: A running jump throw will land the smoke deep on the site, covering Bench and the back site area.
- Visual Reference: The satellite dish is a small but clear target from this position.
Crucial CT-Side Smoke Grenades for Retakes and Halts
Smokes aren’t just for attackers. CTs can use them to slow a T execute, fake a presence, or safely retake a site.
1. A Ramp Smoke
If you hear a push developing Ramp, throwing this smoke can halt their advance entirely, giving your team precious seconds to rotate.
- Throw: From Stairs or Jungle, you can lob a smoke directly onto the Ramp entrance. No precise lineup is needed; simply aim to land it at the top of the slope to block the T advance. This is about game sense, not pixel-perfect lineups.
2. Mid Smoke from CT
To prevent a T push through Mid into Connector, a CT can quickly smoke off the Top Mid area.
- Throw: From CT Spawn, run towards Connector. You can throw a smoke directly into the middle of the Top Mid area to block vision towards Window and Connector. This is a reactive, strategic smoke.
Advanced Utility: Combining Smokes with Flashes
A smoke alone is a barrier; a smoke combined with a flash is a trap. After throwing your Window smoke, a pop flash thrown over it can blind anyone pushing through it. When executing onto A, flashbangs thrown over the Jungle smoke can blind defenders playing default or Tetris. This synergy is what makes a coordinated team unstoppable. For those looking to master this, practicing with CS2 smoke practice commands on a CS2 dedicated server is invaluable. You can also use CS2 grenade binds to make throwing utility combos faster.
Practice Makes Perfect: How to Train Your Lineups
Knowing the lineups is one thing; hitting them under pressure is another.
- Use Private Servers: Utilize the CS2 dedicated server commands or practice in a private game with bots.
- Enable Cheats: Use the commands listed at the start of this guide: sv_cheats 1, sv_infinite_ammo 2, and sv_grenade_trajectory 1.
- Repetition: Practice each lineup 10-15 times until it’s muscle memory. Consistency wins rounds.
- Practice Retakes: Don’t just practice throws. Have a friend hold sites so you can practice throwing smokes for retakes under mild pressure.
Conclusion: Control the Smoke, Control the Game
Mastering these CS2 Mirage smokes will fundamentally change how you play the map. You will transition from reacting to the CT setup to actively dismantling it. You’ll provide immense value to your team even on days your aim is off. Integrate these lineups into your play, communicate with your team, and watch your win rate on Mirage soar. For a deeper dive into the technical settings that can give you an edge, such as ensuring the best audio cues, consider reviewing the best CS2 audio settings guide.
Ready to master other maps? Explore our complete collection of callout guides, like the CS2 Inferno callouts guide and the CS2 Overpass callouts guide, to elevate your strategic communication.
FAQ: CS2 Mirage Smokes
What is the most important smoke on Mirage?
The Window smoke is arguably the most critical. It is the foundation of Mid control. Without it, CTs can freely operate in Sniper’s Nest and Connector, gaining information and threatening flanks onto both A and B sites. Securing Mid with this smoke is the first step to a successful round.
Why do my smokes sometimes have gaps?
Gaps or “one-way” smokes can occur due to slight variations in your throw or the landing spot. In CS2, the CS2 tick rate & sub-tick system and new smoke physics mean consistency is key. Always use a jump throw bind CS2 for lineups that require it and practice landing smokes on the exact pixel to minimize gaps.
Can I throw smokes without a jump throw bind?
Yes, many smokes can be thrown with a running or standing throw. However, for long-distance, consistent lineups (like the CT smoke from T Spawn), a jump throw bind CS2 is highly recommended and used by nearly all professionals to guarantee perfect accuracy every time.
How do I retake a site that is smoked off?
Retaking a smoked site requires patience and information. Use your utility to clear common angles; a High-Explosive Grenade (HE) can force players out of position, and a well-tapped flashbang can blind holders. Listen for audio cues like footsteps or the defuse sound. Push through smokes only as a last resort or if you have a strong read on an opponent’s position. Understanding peeker’s advantage can also help in these scenarios.
Are these smokes different from CS:GO?
While the core map layout of Mirage is largely unchanged, the transition to the Source 2 engine in CS2 altered grenade physics and smoke behavior slightly. Most classic CS:GO lineups still work, but it is always best to verify them in CS2, as some may have very slight adjustments. The core strategy, however, remains identical. For a full comparison, you can read our CS2 vs CSGO guide.
