CS:GO Roles: What is the Task of Each Player on the Team?

In competitive gaming, particularly within the dynamic world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, team synergy and strategic execution are paramount. Terms like AWPer, lurker, rifler, and in-game leader have long been part of the vocabulary. However, their significance might not be immediately apparent in a game without distinct classes or characters. Compared to popular esports titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, and Valorant, it's not evident that each player's role differs significantly from their teammates'.

This holds particularly at lower skill levels, where players often focus on acquiring frags to secure a round victory, occasionally using utility. Nevertheless, as skill level rises, roles on a CS:GO team become more distinct and playstyles more refined, unlocking the potential of each player to the fullest. The article is an enlightening guide to understanding CS:GO roles and the precise responsibilities of each CS:GO team member.

Entry Fragger

In CS:GO, the Entry Fragger plays a pivotal role as the lead attacker during assaults, pushing into bombsites to secure kills or support team strategy by clearing enemy positions and sharing intelligence. Quick reflexes and precise aiming are vital for this CS:GO position.

The Entry Fragger should focus on their role's high-risk nature, learning from mistakes and adapting strategies based on opponents' tendencies. Additionally, practicing entry routes, honing game sense, and maintaining a positive mindset are key elements to excel in this CS:GO team role.

For Entry Fraggers, maximizing firepower is crucial, opting for pistols like the Tec-9 or Five-Seven. The UMP-45 is recommended for SMG due to its versatility in close and medium-range combat. However, the priority lies in wielding a strong rifle such as the AK47 for forceful attacks, while CT-side options encompass the AUG, M4A4, and M4A1-S. You also shouldn't forget about smokes to counter incendiary grenades.

Nikola "NiKo" Kovač, a formidable entry fragger for FaZe Clan, demonstrates his prowess in the clip below. This aggressive and rapid gameplay exemplifies the CS role of an entry fragger.

Support

The support role in CS:GO involves assisting the entry fragger by trading kills and offering various aid forms. This includes using grenades strategically to control positions and objectives. Support players require map knowledge and teamwork, as their contributions can significantly impact a team's success.

Aside from dedicated support players, anyone can take on a support Counter-Strike role based on the situation and objectives. Transitioning to support can happen when low on HP or lacking utility items, boosting teammates' winning prospects in specific rounds.

Supports mostly use grenades, defusing kits, and cheap weapons while dropping more expensive rifles for their entry fraggers and AWPers.

Timofey 'interz' Yakushin is considered one of the best support players in CS:GO. However, at the moment, the player is not a part of any team.

In-Game Leader

An in-game leader is essential for team coordination and strategy. They organize gameplay flow and make critical decisions like economy management (sometimes this role lies on a Support), site pushes, and rotations. The in-game leader's adaptability and decision-making skills are crucial for success in various scenarios.

Of course, the most critical part is their deep understanding of maps and strategies, along with studying opponents' tendencies.

In competitive teams participating in Majors, the in-game leader (IGL) often embodies a strategic role rather than being a high fragger. While an IGL can assume different CS:GO positions, such as AWPer or support, their role in CS:GO remains pivotal within the team structure due to their tactical expertise.

Regarded as one of the most decorated in-game leaders, gla1ve is renowned for his transformative influence on Counter-Strike's gameplay. With years of calling experience, he steered Astralis to the top spot, redefining the game's landscape.

Lurk

Lurkers are solo players tasked with deceiving opponents, gathering intel, cutting off retakes, and controlling map areas. Effective lurkers offer invaluable insights, from hindering flanking foes to providing critical movement information.

To excel in the lurking role in CS:GO, players should focus on mastering map awareness, understanding enemy behavior, and picking the right moments to strike. Practicing trigger discipline is key, allowing the player to let one enemy pass by to set up an ambush for the entire opposing team.

For CS:GO Lurkers, weapon choice is key. Pick the Tec-9 or Five-Seven pistols for eco rounds or the MP5-S SMG for its fire rate. Prioritize M4A1-S on CT and AK-47 on T for rifles. Use grenades smartly for fakes and clutches, employing fire grenades, smoke, and flashbangs.

Ropz, whose real name is Robin Kool, is a prominent Estonian esports professional recognized for his role as a Lurker in the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. He is a valued member of the FaZe Clan and is widely regarded as one of the top players in his position.

AWPer

The role in CS:GO of an AWPer is to excel in long-range engagements, requiring exceptional reflexes and the ability to land shots even in challenging angles. Recently, the AWP has become less mobile, reducing its pushing potential compared to earlier versions. An AWPer can significantly damage the opposing team, which becomes particularly pivotal when securing early picks, such as through the Mid Doors on Dust 2.

To enhance your skills as an AWPer in CS:GO, focus on crosshair placement and positioning to excel in long-range fights. Map awareness is vital for pre-aiming common spots and predicting enemy movements. Improve your movement mechanics during peeks and utilize flashbangs strategically. Key aspects include effective communication with your team, providing valuable information, and adapting to game dynamics.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz, a cornerstone of the legendary Astralis, stands out as the greatest AWPer in Counter-Strike history. Renowned for his exceptional mechanical prowess and unparalleled game intelligence, the device's strategic understanding often places him ahead of opponents.

What If One of the Most Important Players Dies?

In CS:GO, players should be versatile and adaptable, capable of fulfilling all CS:GO roles within their team. Proficiency in utility usage, rifle, and AWP handling is essential for all players. While individuals tend to excel in specific CS roles, a perceptive in-game leader will recognize strengths and guide players accordingly. Teams with players adept in different roles in CS:GO are better equipped for strategic success than those needing direction or clarity.

Since CS:GO is a team-play game, the side with a better understanding of what’s happening  and what opponents are doing has an advantage. It doesn’t guarantee victory in the round, but even the death of the most important player should be immediately transformed into useful info with the right next step.

There is no need to grab AWP after your sniper dies — just call for a flash and neutralize the scoped opponent with SMG. If your Lurk was caught — don’t run to replace him, but use his info of what angle or position is now uncovered by opponents and outsmart them. The situation with IGL, Entry, and Support is more prosaic, as almost everyone tries their roles occasionally in every round, more or less. Just train your main skill in the game — micro and macro understanding.

Example of Actions for All CS:GO Roles on the Mirage Map

For better understanding roles in CS:GO and how they work in the game, let’s review how Terrorists can play their roles against a CT default with the idea to split attack A site:

So, the Lurk player goes to the Back Alley near the B Site, where he can hold push from the B Apartments and also control the Underpass if middle players have a bad spawn to detect it. AWPer and Support go to the Top Mid, where the sniper can pick the Window or Connector, while Support can throw needed nades and then hold push from the Short or Underpass. IGL goes to the T Roof, where he can assist with a Flash for an Entry, ready to arrive at the A site from A Apartments.

Let’s say the AWPer did his job and killed a CT #3 in the Window. Then, many teams will try to regain some space on the map, so the rest of the players will try to take closer positions to define where the rest of the Ts are.

In the ideal situation, Support can end the life in the round for a CT #4, who pushed Short, while IGL threw a Flashbang for his Entry, who killed a blinded CT #1 in the close A Site position.

However, not everything was ideal in the round, and a CT #2 heard the movement of IGL and killed him when the leader/bomb-holder was aiming a CT Smoke. A CT #5 received this info and decided to push the B Apartments and try to help his mate, but patient Lurk neutralized him. There is no need to imagine how the 1 vs. 4 situation ends if the Terrorist team has such a good teamplay and roles defined.

Now, with our CS:GO roles explanation, you know what they look like and their tasks during the match. You should remember that, unlike most other games, your position can change not only during the match but even under one round if some of your teammates die. Therefore, train for every role, adapt to the situation on the battleground, and just have fun! 

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