Essential CS2 Smoke Spots on Ancient Map for Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists

The limited active duty map pool makes all in-game maps pretty popular in Counter-Strike 2. In the case of the Ancient map, one additional factor was the new lighting approach in the Source 2 engine, transforming the darkest map in CS:GO into a pleasant location for CS2 battles. Of course, to play it effectively, every player with a 10k+ rank should know all the essential Ancient smokes in CS2 to rank even higher.

Since the map is pretty CT-oriented, learning smoke lineup on Ancient in Counter-Strike 2 is more important for Terrorists. However, the CTs also have to know a few early spots and lineups to be even more effective on the map. Traditionally, the lesson should start with learning all the CS2 Ancient callouts, and here is a cheat sheet for you:

Most Useful Smoke Spots for Counter-Terrorists on Ancient Map

If looking attentively at the map plan above, one can see that Terrorists have only three narrow paths to the rest of the map: the Doors, Elbow, and Main. It means that the best CS2 smokes on Ancient for CTs must include fast isolation of those zones and only then use grenades for retakes.

CT Spawn to Doors

With the B Site being the main battlefield for both sides, the fastest possible smoke to the Doors should be one of the basic nades for Counter-Terrorists. In combination with one or two Incendiary grenades, it can fully block Ts on the Ruins and cut more than half of the map control.

Timing: Beginning of the round

When to Use: When CTs want to block Ts on the Ruins and apply active play in the Lamp Room and Ramp.

CT Spawn to Elbow

Another key path for Terrorists in the early timings is the Middle area, and the Elbow is the best option to take it. However, early smoke in combination with the Incendiary makes the fight for the Middle highly favorable for CTs.

Timing: Beginning of the round

When to Use: When CTs plan to fight actively for the Middle or want to distract passive Terrorists.

CT Spawn to Main

With opened skyboxes in Counter-Strike 2, the CT Spawn is arguably one of the best CS2 Ancient smoke spots, especially during A Site retakes. Of course, Counter-Terrorists can throw this smoke on early timings as well, but it’s better to come closer to A Short or Donut and simply listen if Ts are rushing A, and only then isolate the Main position.

Timing: Middle of the round

When to Use: Before the start of the A Site retake or to assist teammates holding the site.

CT Spawn to A Short

There is no need to risk and leave the best CS2 Ancient smoke spots area when the A Short isolation is needed before the retake. This simple lineup will help to block vision for opponents hiding in the Donut — key location during clutches.

Timing: Middle and end of the round

When to Use: During the A Site retakes or to distract opponents pushing A Short.

Back Alley to Ramp

Most of the B Site smokes can be thrown without knowing specific lineups and where to locate the crosshair as CTs arrive there faster than Terrorists. However, for a safer bombsite retake, one should learn a few specific points and needed bricks, and this easy-to-remember lineup is for the Ramp coverage.

Timing: Any

When to Use: During B Site retakes or when a CT is unsure about Ts holding B Long from Ramp.

Back Alley to Cave

The described above corner at the Back Alley is pretty flexible, giving the opportunity to throw diverse B-Site retake smokes on the Ancient map, including the one to the Cave. Be attentive to the method of throwing it — it’s not a simple left click + jump-throw; it’s a jump throw with both left and right mouse buttons used.

Timing: Any

When to Use: Before retaking the B Site or to block opponents pushing or hiding in the Cave.

Most Useful Smoke Spots for Terrorists on Ancient Map

Despite the fact that CTs are heavily dominating the map, the following Ancient smoke lineups will help you to execute key areas and win more rounds on the T side.

T Spawn to Top Mid

With the Sniper’s Nest being as powerful as on Mirage, early CS2 Ancient smokes from T Spawn is the must for successful Middle execution. Cutting the vision for a CT player with a preferable line and better angle in this position is key to the effective push of the Donut or Heaven spots.

Timing: Beginning of the round

When to Use: When your team wants to play actively in the Middle or execute a fast A-Site split via the Main and Donut.

To see how top teams utilize these smoke strategies on Ancient, catch CS2 games today for live action and expert gameplay analysis.

T Spawn to Donut

Just like with CTs, about half of all Ancient smokes for CS2 that should be learned by Terrorists can be thrown from the Spawn. The smoke to the Donut is a good addition to the Top Mid grenade and will make taking the Middle even easier.

Timing: Beginning of the round

When to Use: For more effective execution of the Middle or Heaven positions.

T Spawn to Heaven

Continuing the story about the Middle battle, Terrorists sometimes need to cut one more position that favors CTs on early timings. It can also help to organize the A Site fast tactics in combination with the Top Mid smoke, but be aware of the potential spamming via the wooden wall from the Lamp Room — the smoke won’t stop bullets.

Timing: Beginning of the round

When to Use: When CTs are too active on the Heaven spot and for fast A Site push via the Donut.

T Spawn to Lamp Room

This is one of the best Ancient smokes on the early timings, which helps during taking both the Middle and T Upper positions as it lands deep in the Lamp Room. It can also be useful if the CTs outplay your team in the Lamp Room itself, and you want to counter it.

Timing: Beginning of the round

When to Use: For fast Middle and T Upper taking or for isolation of CT player in the Lamp Room.

Stairs to A Short

Although the A Site entrance can be challenging, the preparation for its effective grabbing can be made from the Stairs. The Counter-Terrorist playing in the Donut can be pretty annoying, but this Ancient smoke in CS2 allows the vision to be cut beforehand.

Timing: Any

When to Use: Before A Site execution to block the vision for the Donut player, it can be useful even during retakes if you push the back.

Stairs to Temple

The Temple spot is one of the most dangerous during A Site execution, especially if a skillful AWPer is playing there. However, plenty of smoke lineups for Ancient in CS2 will cut the vision from there, blocking the vision for the Big Box player simultaneously.

Timing: Any

When to Use: Before entering the A Site or for a fake move.

Stairs to CT Lane

This is another critical grenade for the safe push to the A Site, blocking the help of the Triple Box player from the CT Lane and Spawn. In combination with the two mentioned above, this one is the third top smoke for the Ancient map to remember and use for more effective A Site taking.

Timing: Any

When to Use: For A Site offense, blocking CT help from the CT Spawn and Lane.

Doors to B Short

One of the reasons for making B Site more involved in the game is its openness to all types of grenades. Still, smokes that block the vision are the key to successful executions, and isolating the B Short (and so Back Alley) is one of the must-know lineups for Ts on Ancient.

Timing: Early to middle timings

When to Use: Before entering the B Site.

T Upper to B Long

The B Long smoke is often used in combination with the previous one as it cuts the vision for CTs in the two most often used spots for the bombsite holding. If your teammates want to enter the site at the earliest timings and aren’t afraid of the Ramp Incendiary, it’s better to learn an alternative lineup from the Water spot near the Tunnel. However, don’t forget to check the Cave position or simply add the following grenade.

Timing: Early to middle timings

When to Use: Before the B Site execution or for fake.

Ruins to Cave

If your team loves rushing the B Site via the Ramp, this smoke from the Ruins can be used at early timings to cut the vision for CTs in the Cave. Of course, it can also be used at later timings for the same reasons.

Timing: Any

When to Use: Before the B Site execution.

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Now you know all the best CS2 Ancient smokes that can be easily learned and actively used in the official matchmaking to surprise your teammates and opponents. Just don’t forget to dive into the practice mode and try them for stable landing and achieving proven effectiveness.