CS2 Beginner’s Guide: Counter-Strike 2 Basics

So, you’re new to Counter-Strike 2? Bet you want to make the most out of your experience! In this CS2 beginner’s guide, we’ll take you through the absolute basics of this classic online shooter, and answer some burning questions you might have.

Gameplay Basics

First thing’s first. Unless you’re coming from VALORANT, CS2 is unlikely to be like any FPS you’ve played up to this point. It requires precise mechanics and a lot of knowledge to play… not just at the highest level, but at any level. So before you head to matchmaking, be sure to go to Deathmatch first and try to figure out the firing model. Deathmatch gives you infinite and instant respawns, so there’s minimal downtime and lots of opportunities to practice your skills.

Starting Weapons and Aiming Accuracy

You will only realistically be using a few weapons at the start: the starter pistols (Glock, USP/P2000), the M4 (A1-S or A4), and the AK-47. For help deciding between the two M4s, check out our detailed guide: M4A4 vs. M4A1-S in CS2: Expert Comparison.

If you are a sniper, you might also want to use the AWP. You will also use some other pistols and SMGs at times, but you should focus on mastering these five weapons if you want to be successful in the beginning. Note that in order to be accurate, all of these weapons require you to stand still while shooting.

That’s right: if you’re coming from COD, that will be your biggest gameplay barrier. No matter how good your aim is, the movement inaccuracy on most weapons in Counter-Strike makes it nearly impossible to move and shoot at the same time. So, while you’re practicing in Deathmatch, try to develop a habit of stopping before shooting.

Once you figure out the movement, another important thing to keep in mind are spray patterns for the M4 and AK-47. You can’t simply fire the weapon and expect the bullets to go where the crosshair is, you have to learn how to control the spray as the weapon recoils. The general vibe is pulling down and slightly to the right. Also, remember that the AK-47 kills with a single headshot, while the M4 will need a headshot and an extra shot for armored opponents, so keep your weapon at head or neck height for the best results.

Playing Deathmatch will also help you achieve a rank that will allow you to unlock competitive modes in the game.

Once that’s all behind you, let’s talk about…

Matchmaking

Matchmaking is the main mode you’ll be playing in CS2. It has two aspects, Premier Mode, which requires the paid Premier pass, and per-map ranks. In general, Premier Mode is the most prestigious mode in Counter-Strike, but you might want to consider playing the competitive map pool on a per-map basis before you get into it.

Map knowledge is crucial in Counter-Strike. We’d recommend starting off with the most popular maps: Dust II, Inferno, and Mirage, before heading into the others. These three maps feature classic designs that will help you learn popular Counter-Strike strategies for teamwork and for planting/defusing the bomb.

Settings

Before you head into the game, there are some settings you should change. Definitely avoid using the dynamic crosshair once you have your movement figured out. It’s rather distracting, and won’t help you in any way.

Be sure to also fiddle around your sensitivity. Lower sensitivities are preferred by most pro players, as they can be more accurate, however, some play on higher sensitivities. What you have to figure out is how that works with your playstyle.

All set? Alright. You’re ready for the next important lesson:

The Economy

Before starting your first competitive game, you have to understand the one thing that will give you an advantage over other noobs. The economy. Buying the right weapons at the right time is absolutely crucial to beat the other team. You’ll hear three main callouts for a buy from your teammates:

Full Buy: Buying all the equipment you need, including a rifle, a set of grenades, and a defuse kit for the CTs. This comes up to around $5000 for Ts, and $5500 for CTs. The cost will be higher if you buy an AWP, but that’s not recommended unless you’re absolutely certain you can get kills with it.

Force Buy: Buy with whatever you have. You do this when you know that you won’t have enough money to Full Buy the next round. Buy the weapon you’re most comfortable with, but remember to buy armor because otherwise, you’ll just get absolutely destroyed.

Full Eco: DO NOT BUY ANYTHING. You do this when you know that buying anything will prevent you from buying what you need in the next round. It’s better to sacrifice this round for the next one.

In Counter-Strike, each team gets $3250 for winning a round, with an additional $250 if they win by exploding or defusing a bomb. Losers get $1400, with an additional $500 for every consecutive round loss up to $3400. If the losers win a round, their win will lower the consecutive losses counter by one. The loss bonus counter is displayed on the leaderboard when you press the Tab button.

Now that you know that, let’s get into the game.

Basic Gameplay Loop

Your main goal is to either defuse a bomb or plant one and ensure it explodes. There are two teams: Terrorists (Ts) and Counter-Terrorists (CTs), and you can guess which one does what. When playing as Ts, you’ll attack either of two bomb sites. As CTs, you’ll be defending against those attacks. The game is played until a team wins 13 rounds, or a tie occurs at a 12-12 scoreline.

Your first games will be chaotic, especially if you don’t know the maps. While the text under your radar might help you, the callouts (location names) may vastly differ depending on region, or even the experience of the folks you’re playing with. You will learn this organically as you go along.

In terms of pure gameplay, focus on the basics: protect the site you were assigned on CT-side, don’t play too aggressively if you’re not sure. Always group up on the T-Side, and play a team game. Even dying might be a worthy cause, if you give your teammates a chance to trade your kills. Whatever you do, do not get killed while carrying the bomb alone. If you want to go alone, you can drop the bomb using the “G” button.

Additional Tips

There are tons of awesome YouTube videos to teach you grenade usage, check them out.
Talking is winning. Calling out your opponent’s position can be a big boon to your team.
If you’re struggling with spraying, try tapping in rapid bursts, they will help you control your shooting as you learn the spray pattern of a weapon.
If you have a lot of money and your teammate is crouching next to you, they’re likely asking you to drop them a gun.
When you have the choice between going solo against multiple opponents and saving your weapons, save your weapons.
Pros don’t fake… Well, that’s not entirely true, but don’t overuse fake defuses or fake plants (where you pretend to complete either action, but don’t actually complete it, to confuse the opposing team). Eventually, you’ll end up running out of time.

And that’s all for the basics. Do you need more? Let us know on our socials, and until then, get up in the ranks!

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