CS2 Smoke Guide: 3 Lineups You Must Know (2026)
Back to Academy
SmokesLineupsUtilityGuide

CS2 Smoke Guide: 3 Lineups You Must Know (2026)

CS
CS Profit Team
14 min read

Mission Briefing

  • 11. How to Practice (The Autoexec)
  • 22. The Mirage "Instant" Window Smoke
  • 33. The Nuke "Red Box" Outside Smoke
  • 44. The Inferno "Deep CT" Smoke

The "Greencam" Update. Valve added a built-in cheat to see exactly where grenades land. Use it.

#1. How to Practice (The Autoexec)

Do not practice in a Matchmaking game. Start a private server.

  1. Open Console (~).
  2. Type map de_mirage.
  3. Copy-paste this entire block:
sv_cheats 1;
sv_infinite_ammo 1;
ammo_grenade_limit_total 5;
mp_warmup_end;
mp_freezetime 0;
mp_roundtime 60;
sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_pipreview 1;
give weapon_smokegrenade;
give weapon_flashbang;
give weapon_molotov;

The Secret Weapon: sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_pipreview 1 opens a small camera window that shows you the grenade landing spot before you throw it.

#2. The Mirage "Instant" Window Smoke

This is the barrier to entry for high-elo Mirage.

  • Position: Hold D immediately upon spawning (if you get the trash can spawn).
  • Aim: At the scuff mark on the doorframe.
  • Action: Jumpthrow while holding D.
  • Result: It lands in Window before the CT sniper can even peek.

#3. The Nuke "Red Box" Outside Smoke

Nuke is unplayable without this.

  • Position: T-Spawn, next to the truck.
  • Aim: The corner of the Silo building.
  • Action: Run-Throw.
  • Result: Creates a wall of smoke allowing you to cross to Secret without getting sniped from Garage.

#4. The Inferno "Deep CT" Smoke

Essential for taking B site.

  • Position: Banana, behind the half-wall logs.
  • Aim: The top wire, aligned with the church roof.
  • Action: Jumpthrow.
  • Result: Lands deep in CT spawn, blocking rotations and easy snipes.
Smoke grenade mechanics and strategies

#5. Complete Map-by-Map Smoke Encyclopedia

Let's cover the ESSENTIAL smokes for every competitive map.

MIRAGE

A Site Smokes (T Side):

1. CT Smoke (From Spawn)

  • Position: T spawn, next to the van
  • Aim: Top of the palace building, left edge
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Blocks CT cross to A site

2. Jungle Smoke (From Top Mid)

  • Position: Top Mid connector, left wall
  • Aim: Corner of the building overhang
  • Action: Running throw
  • Result: One-way smoke for Ts pushing Jungle

3. Stairs Smoke (From Ramp)

  • Position: Top of A ramp
  • Aim: Top left of the triple boxes
  • Action: Stand throw
  • Result: Covers stairs entrance

B Site Smokes (T Side):

4. Bench Smoke (From Apartments)

  • Position: Top of B apps stairs
  • Aim: Left side of the balcony railing
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Blocks bench angle

5. Market Smoke (From Mid)

  • Position: Mid bottom, near the pillar
  • Aim: Top of the market window frame
  • Action: Running jumpthrow
  • Result: Cuts off market window AWPer

Mirage Essential Pack

Smoke Priority

INFERNO

A Site Smokes (T Side):

1. Moto Smoke (From Pit)

  • Position: Inside Pit
  • Aim: Corner of the balcony roof
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Blocks Moto/Balcony AWP

2. Library Smoke (From Arch)

  • Position: Arch side entrance
  • Aim: Top of library window
  • Action: Stand throw
  • Result: Blocks library rotation

B Site Smokes (T Side):

3. CT Smoke (From Banana)

  • Position: Banana logs
  • Aim: Church cross wire
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Deep CT spawn block

4. Coffins Smoke (From Mid)

  • Position: Top Mid near construction
  • Aim: Skyline behind B site
  • Action: Running jumpthrow
  • Result: Lands on coffins

5. Spools Smoke (From Banana)

  • Position: Banana sandbags
  • Aim: Tree above site
  • Action: Stand throw
  • Result: Blocks first box angle

ANCIENT

A Site Smokes (T Side):

1. Donut Smoke (From Outside)

  • Position: Outside long wall
  • Aim: Top of the temple entrance
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Blocks donut angle

2. Heaven Smoke (From Main)

  • Position: A main entrance
  • Aim: Left side of heaven roof
  • Action: Running throw
  • Result: Full heaven coverage

B Site Smokes (T Side):

3. Window Smoke (From Mid)

  • Position: Mid near ramp
  • Aim: Window frame edge
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Blocks window AWP

4. Elbow Smoke (From Ramp)

  • Position: B ramp top
  • Aim: Elbow wall corner
  • Action: Stand throw
  • Result: Covers elbow rotation

ANUBIS

A Site Smokes (T Side):

1. Heaven Smoke (From Main)

  • Position: A main
  • Aim: Top of heaven structure
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Full heaven block

2. Connector Smoke (From Mid)

  • Position: Mid bridge
  • Aim: Connector entrance arch
  • Action: Stand throw
  • Result: Blocks connector rotation

B Site Smokes (T Side):

3. Site Smoke (From Ramp)

  • Position: B ramp
  • Aim: Back site boxes
  • Action: Jumpthrow
  • Result: Deep site coverage

4. Platform Smoke (From Lower)

  • Position: Lower B
  • Aim: Platform edge
  • Action: Running throw
  • Result: Blocks elevated angle
Grenade Practice Server

#6. Advanced: Volumetric Smoke Mechanics

CS2 changed smokes fundamentally. Here's what you MUST know.

The HE Grenade Interaction

The Discovery: Throwing an HE grenade into a smoke temporarily creates a hole.

Tactical Application:

  1. Enemy smokes chokepoint (e.g., Banana on Inferno)
  2. You throw HE into smoke
  3. Smoke clears for 2-3 seconds
  4. You peek through the hole before it reforms

Counter-Play: If you throw a smoke and hear an HE grenade, DON'T PEEK. The enemy is baiting you.

Molotov + Smoke Combo

The Mechanic:

  • Molotov on ground → Throw smoke on molotov
  • Smoke extinguishes fire instantly
  • Fire damage stops immediately

Use Cases:

  • Enemy mollies the plant spot → Smoke it → Safe plant
  • CT mollies Banana → Smoke it → Push through

Important: The smoke grenade MUST land IN the fire. Landing next to it doesn't work.

#7. The Jumpthrow Bind (No Longer Needed)

Good news: CS2's sub-tick system makes jumpthrows consistent WITHOUT a bind.

Old CS:GO Method (Don't Use):

bind "x" "+jump;-attack"

New CS2 Method:

  1. Hold left-click (prime the smoke)
  2. Press spacebar WHILE HOLDING left-click
  3. Release left-click at the apex of your jump

Result: Frame-perfect every time due to sub-tick precision.

#8. One-Way Smoke Setups (Controversial)

One-way smokes = smokes where you can see them, but they can't see you.

Are They Still Possible in CS2?

Answer: Yes, but MUCH harder than CS:GO.

How They Work:

  • Stand on elevated position (e.g., boxes)
  • Throw smoke at ground level
  • Your head is above the smoke
  • Enemy sees only smoke, you see their legs/shadows

Popular One-Way Spots (2026)

Mirage:

  • A Site Default Box: Smoke stairs, stand on default. See CT legs.

Inferno:

  • Banana Car: Smoke sandbags, stand behind car. See T legs.

Dust 2:

  • B Site Car: Smoke tunnel exit, stand on car. See T heads.

The Ethics Debate: Some consider one-ways "exploits." Valve hasn't patched them, so they're legal, but expect hate messages.

The Risk: One-way smokes ONLY work if the enemy doesn't know about them. Once they know, they'll HE grenade your smoke or spray through it. High-risk, high-reward.

#9. Practice Routine: From Zero to Hero

Here's how to master smokes in 2 weeks.

Week 1: Learning Phase

Day 1-2: Mirage

  • Load private server (use commands from Section 1)
  • Practice 5 essential Mirage smokes
  • Hit each smoke 10 times in a row

Day 3-4: Inferno

  • Same process, 5 Inferno smokes

Day 5-6: Your Best Map

  • Choose your 3rd map (Ancient/Anubis/Dust 2)
  • Learn 5 smokes

Day 7: Review

  • Test yourself: Can you hit all 15 smokes from memory?
  • If not, repeat failed smokes 20 times

Week 2: Application Phase

Day 8-14: Unranked Matches

  • Play Unranked (not Premier)
  • FORCE yourself to use smokes every round
  • Review demos: Did your smokes help your team?

Success Metric: By Day 14, you should hit 80%+ of your smokes in live matches.

Muscle Memory

Live Application

Team Utility Coordination

#10. Team Coordination: The "Exec" System

In high-level CS2, teams use utility "executes" (coordinated grenade storms).

What is an Execute?

Definition: All 5 players throw utility simultaneously to take a site.

Example: Mirage A Execute

  • Player 1: CT smoke
  • Player 2: Jungle smoke
  • Player 3: Stairs flash
  • Player 4: Tetris molotov
  • Player 5: Entry fragger (goes in first)

Timing: All utility thrown within 2 seconds → Overwhelming the defenders.

How to Practice Executes (5-Stack)

Step 1: Decide on roles (who smokes what).

Step 2: Load private server.

Step 3: IGL counts down: "3... 2... 1... THROW!"

Step 4: Review if smokes landed correctly.

Step 5: Run the execute 20 times until perfect.

Solo Queue Alternative

You can't coordinate with randoms. Instead:

Call Your Utility:

  • "I'm smoking CT"
  • "I'll molly Jungle"
  • "Flash for you in 3... 2... 1..."

Even if teammates don't respond, SOME will follow your lead.

#11. Grenade Economy: When to Buy

Smokes are $300. Flashbangs are $200. Don't waste them.

Full Buy Rounds:

Always Buy:

  • Smoke (most important)
  • 1-2 Flashbangs
  • 1 Molotov OR HE grenade

Total Utility Cost: $800-1000

Eco/Save Rounds:

Never Buy Utility. Exception: If you're IGL and need 1 smoke for a rush, buy ONLY that smoke.

Anti-Eco Rounds:

Buy HE grenades ($300). Enemy has no armor → HE grenade does massive damage. One HE + one body shot = kill.

#12. Flash Synergy: The "Pop Flash" Meta

Smokes are half the equation. Flashbangs complete the execute.

What is a Pop Flash?

Definition: A flashbang that detonates INSTANTLY as it rounds a corner, giving enemies zero reaction time.

Mirage Pop Flash Examples

1. A Ramp → Stairs Flash

  • Position: Top of ramp
  • Aim: Above the stairs, left wall
  • Action: Running right-click throw
  • Result: Flash pops at stairs entrance, blinding CTs

2. Palace → A Site Flash

  • Position: Inside Palace
  • Aim: Ceiling near the exit
  • Action: Right-click underhand
  • Result: Flash pops immediately outside Palace

The "Flash for Teammate" Call

Bad Communication:

  • "Flashing!" (When? Where?)

Good Communication:

  • "Flashing ramp in 3... 2... 1... NOW!"

Pro Communication:

  • "Flashing ramp, GO GO GO!" (Implies they should push immediately)

#13. Molotov Tactics: Area Denial

Molotovs don't get enough credit. Here's how pros use them.

Offensive Molotovs (T Side)

Purpose: Force CTs out of strong positions.

Example: Inferno Banana

  • Molly "Car" position
  • CT holding car MUST move
  • You push Banana uncontested for 5 seconds

Defensive Molotovs (CT Side)

Purpose: Delay rushes, waste time.

Example: Mirage B Short

  • Molly Short entrance
  • Ts can't push for 7 seconds
  • Your teammate rotates from A

The Post-Plant Molotov

THE most important molotov in the game.

T Side Post-Plant:

  • Bomb planted at A
  • 30 seconds left
  • CT trying to defuse
  • Molly the bomb
  • CT can't defuse until fire ends (7 seconds)
  • Time expires → T win

The Math: Molly prevents defuse. If you have a molly and 20 seconds left, YOU CANNOT LOSE (unless you miss the throw).

Pro Tip: Save your molotov for post-plant. Don't waste it during the site take. A post-plant molly is worth more than 2 kills.

#14. HE Grenade Tactics: The Forgotten Tool

Most players ignore HE grenades. Here's why that's a mistake.

Why Buy HE?

1. Smoke Clearing (Volumetric Mechanic)

  • Enemy smokes chokepoint
  • Your HE creates a hole
  • Free peek advantage

2. Spam Damage

  • Enemy hiding in common spot (e.g., Mirage Default Box)
  • HE grenade = 45-70 damage
  • Your teammate finishes them with body shots

3. Anti-Eco Dominance

  • No armor? HE grenade does MAXIMUM damage (90+)
  • Combined with one bullet = easy kill

The "Grenade Stack" Strategy

Setup: All 5 players throw HE grenades at the same spot.

Result: 5 x 50 damage = 250 damage. ANY enemy in that area dies.

Best Spots:

  • Inferno Banana (sandbags)
  • Mirage A Default (bomb plant position)
  • Dust 2 B Tunnels (exit)

#15. Workshop Maps for Practice

Don't just use the console commands. These maps accelerate learning.

Top Smoke Practice Maps (2026)

1. "Yprac - Arena & Prefire"

  • Workshop ID: [insert]
  • Features: All competitive maps, visual guides for smokes
  • Best For: Beginners

2. "Smoke Training by Matasaga"

  • All smokes, flashes, mollies for every map
  • Teleport system for fast practice
  • Best For: Intermediate players

3. "Refrag Nades"

  • Shows grenade trajectory with green line
  • Includes pro player lineups
  • Best For: Learning new maps

#Frequently Asked Questions

No. Sub-tick system makes manual jumpthrows consistent. Just jump and throw at the same time. No bind needed.

Yes. Use the commands in Section 1 to start a private server with infinite grenades and grenade camera.

Apologize immediately ("MB, missed smoke") and adapt. Better to acknowledge than pretend it didn't happen.

T side smokes are more impactful. Learn those first. CT smokes are simpler (usually just delaying rushes).

Minimum: 3 per map (one for each major area). Goal: 5 per map. Master Level: 10+ per map with variations.

No. Smokes are client-side identical. If you think they saw you through smoke, they either got lucky or you were partially outside the smoke.

#Conclusion: The Utility Meta

CS2 is 40% aim, 60% utility. A perfectly placed smoke is worth more than a perfect headshot.

Your Action Plan:

  1. Load private server with practice commands
  2. Learn 3 smokes on Mirage (today)
  3. Use them in Unranked (this week)
  4. Expand to Inferno and Ancient (next week)

The Reality: Most players at Gold rank know ZERO smoke lineups. Learn 15 smokes (3 per map, 5 maps) and you'll out-util 80% of players.

Need Motivation to Practice?

Set a goal: "I'll learn 1 smoke lineup per day." After 30 days, reward yourself with a skin trade-up using our calculator.

Calculate Your Reward →

Last Updated: December 25, 2026. Smoke lineups subject to map updates.

Need a knife to inspect while you wait for the smoke to bloom? Check our Gamma Doppler Guide for inspiration.