KZ in CS2: Explained & How to Play?

For most gamers, CS2 is all about shooting and teamwork, and that's great. But what if you're tired and don't want to dive into another intense match? Well, the CS2 community has something to offer. You might have heard about custom maps with additional modes, like Surf maps, where you can experience a sense of flow. However, there is also an advanced version of these maps.

CS2 KZ is a game mode that demands skill and stamina, yet it’s just as engaging. So, what is KZ in CS2, how do you play it, and what are the best maps? Let’s find out!

What is KZ in CS2?

KZ in CS2, short for KreedZ, refers to special servers designed to enhance your movement skills. The maps usually consist of obstacle courses. To climb up or complete these maps, you need to have a clear understanding of movement mechanics. Some servers even have competitive modes, where you and other players can compete in speedrunning.

CS2 KZ maps focus on mastering advanced movement techniques such as bunny hopping, long jumping, air strafing, and more. The servers are categorized into different tiers based on difficulty. While a simple KZ server will test your understanding of the basic mechanics, a more complex one won’t leave you any room for mistakes.

Playing on these servers is a lot of fun if you know what you’re doing. But even for beginners, it’s a great way to learn complex mechanics. Besides, once you practice those movements on a KZ server, you'll be able to replicate them in competitive modes, giving you a tactical advantage.

How to Play KZ: Guide and Tips

Before jumping into how to play KZ, the first thing you need to do is to create useful binds, like assigning the jump function to the mouse wheel. To do this, you need to open the developer console and enter the following commands:

bind mwheelup +jump

and/or

bind mwheeldown +jump

Not only will this make jumping easier, but it also has a practical application. Many stunts on KZ servers require coordinating your movements with the crosshair, and having both on the same device simplifies this process.

Now, let's learn how to improve at KZ by going over some of the basic mechanics you'll need to master.

Bunny hopping

Bunny hopping is the crucial element in any CS2 KZ guide. Without it, you won’t be able to complete a single map, as it allows you to surpass the movement speed limit set by developers. To perform bunny hopping, you need to press the “W” key, make a jump, and in the air, turn the mouse either to the left or to the right, and respectively press the “D” or “A” buttons. Then, you need to find your rhythm and do the same thing, but without pressing “W”. That is, if you turn to the right, press “D,” and if turning left, press “A.” The key is to time your landing and jumping perfectly, coordinating with your mouse movements.

It might sound tricky, but we’ve prepared a detailed guide on how to bunny hop in CS2 to help you master this technique.

Pre-Strafe

Pre-strafe is a technique that gives you acceleration before jumping, allowing you to jump further. You have to start running straight by pressing the “W” key and move diagonally to the edge of the block. After half the distance, you should press “D” or “A” (depending on the direction) to start running at an angle, increasing your speed. Then, when there is only a little bit left to the wall edge, release “W” and turn the mouse toward the jump direction, and jump while continuing to hold “D” or “A”. Before landing, make sure to crouch.

Here are some tips for the pre-strafe:

1. It's best to keep the crosshair on the floor to maintain comfort.
2. The mouse should be moved smoothly, avoiding sudden movements.

Air-Strafe

Air-strafe is another crucial important technique on KZ maps. To perform it, you have to jump and move the mouse in the same direction you’re drifting. If mastered, this technique allows you to jump 180 degrees with ease.

Long Jumps

Long jumping in CS is achieved by combining pre-strafe and air-strafe. You should start with a good pre-strafe and perform an air-strafe during the end of it. For example, if you want to jump to the right, run up by pressing “W” and then press “D.” When you're close to the end of the block, release “W” and move the mouse so that you look in the direction of the jump. Then jump and in the air press “A” and turn 30 degrees to the left with the mouse. After that, release “A,” press “D” the very next second, and turn right. Repeating these movements will help you gain speed and practically start flying.

Best KZ Maps

Finding the best KZ maps is pretty straightforward. Just type KZ in the game's community server browser and choose from the available options or use third-party resources. You can find lists of KZ servers here and pick a server from your region.

Pay close attention to the server title, as it often indicates the tier of a KZ map. The higher the tier, the harder the map. Therefore, if you are a beginner, start with tiers 1-2.

Here are some simple maps to help you get accustomed to KZ mode, which will allow you to get used to them before tackling more complex tiers:

1. KZ_checkmate: A beautiful chess-styled map. It may be quite challenging for newbies, though the community in the comments section boasts that it’s too easy.

   

2. bhop_KZ_deadcore: Despite its challenging appearance, the map’s aesthetics and beautiful skybox make it a great choice for first-timers.

   

3. KZ_phamous: More of a training ground than a map, it’s perfect for honing skills like bunny hopping and strafing. All platforms are in a pleasant minimalist style.

   

4. KZ_niche: A beginner-friendly map with a separate room dedicated to practicing long jumps.

   

5. KZ_skytower: Designed for practicing jumps, with a HUD that displays key parameters like speed and button presses.

   

***

And that was our CS2 KZ tutorial. As you can see, KZ maps are an excellent way to boost your skills and have fun. Sure, at first, you might get frustrated, slap your keyboard, and genuinely won't understand what you're doing wrong. That's all right, as that’s all just part of the process.

After spending some time on the map there and going through a few mechanics guides, you’ll notice that you're getting better each time. The more you improve your skills, the further you’ll go, and soon enough, the sky will be your only limit.