If you want to climb ranks in Counter-Strike 2, learning CS2 smoke lineups is non-negotiable. These essential utility throws separate average players from those who consistently win rounds through superior map control and execution. I’ve spent countless hours practicing and refining these lineups across all competitive maps, and I’m sharing the most reliable smoke grenade throws that every player should know.
This guide covers the must-know CS2 smoke lineups for Dust2, Mirage, Inferno, Ancient, Anubis, Nuke, Vertigo, and Overpass. Whether you’re grinding Premier matches or playing Faceit with friends, these lineups will give you and your team a significant tactical advantage. Each smoke includes step-by-step instructions with standing positions and aim points so you can practice them efficiently.
Why Smoke Lineups Matter in 2026?
Smoke grenades are the most powerful utility in CS2 because they completely block enemy vision. When you deploy a smoke properly, you deny critical information to opponents, allowing your team to take map control, execute site attacks safely, and delay enemy rotations. Professional players win rounds not just through aim, but through superior utility usage and coordination.
CS2 introduced volumetric smoke that behaves differently than CSGO. The smoke now blooms outward when it lands, creating realistic 3D clouds that interact with the environment. This means some old lineups no longer work, making it essential to learn updated CS2 smoke lineups rather than relying on outdated guides.
The most impactful smokes are those used in default rounds and executes. These see regular play in competitive matches and directly contribute to round wins. Fancy corner-case smokes might look impressive, but mastering the essential lineups first will dramatically improve your win rate more effectively.
How to Use This Guide?
Each smoke lineup in this guide includes three key components: standing position, aim point, and throw method. The standing position tells you exactly where to place your character, often aligning with specific map textures or objects. The aim point provides a reference to target your crosshair before throwing. The throw method specifies whether to use a standard throw, jump-throw, or running throw.
I’ve categorized each smoke by difficulty level: beginner-friendly, intermediate, or advanced. Start with the beginner smokes first as they’re the most reliable and commonly used. Once you’ve mastered those, progress to intermediate and advanced lineups to expand your utility arsenal.
Practice each smoke in an empty server before using it in matches. Muscle memory is crucial for consistent throws, especially for jump-throw lineups. Spend 10-15 minutes per map practicing these CS2 smoke lineups, and you’ll see improvement within a week.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Dust2
Dust2 remains the most played map in CS2, and these smokes are essential for both T and CT sides. The map’s open sight lines make smoke grenades particularly valuable for taking map control and executing sites.
Xbox Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from Xbox to mid doors, allowing your team to cross safely into B site or take mid control. It’s one of the most fundamental Dust2 smokes and should be in every player’s arsenal.
Standing Position: Go to T spawn. Align your left shoulder with the corner of the concrete barrier near the big door.
Aim Point: Aim at the top edge of the middle building’s roof, slightly left of center.
Throw Method: Standard throw (left-click) while standing still.
The smoke should land directly on top of Xbox, blocking vision from that position to mid doors. This smoke is consistent and doesn’t require a jump-throw bind, making it perfect for beginners.
Mid Doors Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
Blocking vision from CT spawn to mid doors is crucial for mid control. This smoke allows your team to cross through mid doors safely or execute toward B site without getting picked by CTs holding angles.
Standing Position: Go to the corner near short, aligned with the edge of the wall.
Aim Point: Aim at the power line above mid doors, specifically where the line meets the pole on the left side.
Throw Method: Jump-throw (jump and release left mouse button at peak of jump).
This smoke requires a jump-throw bind for consistency. Practice the timing until the smoke lands perfectly on the mid doors frame, blocking vision from CT spawn.
Long Corner Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
When executing A site, blocking vision from long corner is essential. This smoke allows your team to push onto A site without getting picked by defenders holding long angles.
Standing Position: Go to the blue container in long. Align your character with the left edge of the container.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the long wall, where it meets the sky, slightly to the right of the light pole.
Throw Method: Running throw (start running from the marked spot and throw while moving forward).
This throw requires good timing and movement. The smoke should land at the corner of long, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this smoke until you can hit it consistently while running.
CT Smoke (CT Side) – Beginner
This defensive smoke blocks vision from long to CT spawn, allowing CTs to rotate safely or reposition without being seen by T players pushing long.
Standing Position: Go to CT spawn near the boxes. Align with the edge of the large box.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the long wall, where it meets the skybox.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
This smoke is straightforward and reliable. It should land directly on the long ramp, blocking vision from long players into CT spawn.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Mirage
Mirage requires extensive smoke usage for successful executes. These lineups cover the essential smokes for both T side executes and CT side defense.
Stairs Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
Blocking vision from stairs is crucial when executing A site. This smoke allows your team to push onto the site without getting picked by defenders holding stairs or apartment angles.
Standing Position: Go to jungle, near the corner where the wall meets the crate.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the palace building, specifically where the roof meets the wall.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly on the stairs area, blocking vision from players holding that position. This is one of the most consistent Mirage smokes and essential for A executes.
Jungle Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from CT spawn to jungle, allowing your team to take control of jungle and set up for an A site execute without being seen.
Standing Position: Go to the corner near ramp, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the edge of the palace roof, where it meets the sky.
Throw Method: Jump-throw for maximum consistency.
This smoke should land between jungle and CT spawn, blocking the sight line from CT players. Practice this lineup until you can hit it consistently, as it’s crucial for taking mid control.
Window Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
Blocking window is essential for both A and B site executes. This smoke prevents defenders from getting information and picks from window, which is one of the strongest positions on Mirage.
Standing Position: Go to the area near market, aligned with the edge of the building.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the window frame, specifically at the left corner where it meets the roof.
Throw Method: Jump-throw with precise timing.
This smoke requires good timing and aim. It should land directly in the window opening, completely blocking vision from that position. Window smoke is versatile and useful for multiple execute strategies.
Connector Smoke (CT Side) – Intermediate
This defensive smoke blocks vision from connector to top mid, allowing CTs to hold positions without being seen by T players controlling mid.
Standing Position: Go to top mid near the boxes. Align with the edge of the box.
Aim Point: Aim at the archway above connector, specifically at the top left corner.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the connector opening, blocking vision from T players in mid. This smoke is crucial for CT players holding top mid and preventing mid control from T side.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Inferno
Inferno is heavily utility-dependent, and these smokes are essential for successful executes. The map’s narrow chokepoints make smoke grenades particularly valuable for blocking key angles.
Moto Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from second mid to banana, allowing your team to take control of banana without getting picked by defenders holding those angles. It’s one of the most fundamental Inferno smokes.
Standing Position: Go to T spawn near the boxes. Align your character with the edge of the box.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the building near second mid, specifically where the roof meets the wall.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the banana area, blocking vision from second mid and CT positions. This smoke is essential for taking banana control and setting up B site executes.
Long Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
Blocking vision from long to A site is crucial for successful executes. This smoke allows your team to push onto A site without getting picked by defenders holding long angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near apps, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the long wall, where it meets the skybox.
Throw Method: Running throw (start running and throw while moving forward).
This throw requires good movement and timing. The smoke should land at the end of long, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this smoke until you can hit it consistently while running.
Banana Car Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from CT spawn to banana, allowing your team to take control of banana without getting picked by defenders holding angles near car.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the box.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the building near CT spawn, specifically at the roof edge.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land near the car position in banana, blocking vision from CT spawn. This smoke is essential for taking banana control and setting up B site executes.
Pit Smoke (CT Side) – Intermediate
This defensive smoke blocks vision from A site to pit, allowing CTs to rotate or reposition without being seen by T players pushing the site.
Standing Position: Go to the area near CT spawn, aligned with the box.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the A site wall, where it meets the skybox.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the pit area, blocking vision from A site players. This smoke is crucial for CT players defending the A site and preventing T players from getting easy picks.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Ancient
Ancient requires specific smoke lineups due to its unique layout. These smokes are essential for taking map control and executing sites successfully.
Mid House Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from mid house to temple, allowing your team to take control of mid without getting picked by defenders holding those angles.
Standing Position: Go to T spawn near the boxes. Align your character with the edge of the box.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the mid house roof, specifically at the roof edge.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly on the mid house roof, blocking vision from that position. This smoke is essential for taking mid control and setting up executes on both A and B sites.
Tree Room Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
Blocking vision from tree room is crucial for A site executes. This smoke allows your team to push onto A site without getting picked by defenders holding tree room angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near mid, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the tree room building, where the roof meets the sky.
Throw Method: Jump-throw for maximum consistency.
This smoke should land directly in front of tree room, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this lineup until you can hit it consistently, as it’s crucial for A site executes.
Donut Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from donut to B site, allowing your team to execute B site without getting picked by defenders holding those angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near mid, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the donut area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the donut area, blocking vision from players holding that position. This smoke is essential for B site executes and is relatively easy to learn.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Anubis
Anubis requires precise smoke usage due to its open sight lines. These lineups are essential for taking map control and executing sites successfully.
Mid Water Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from mid water to the rest of the map, allowing your team to take control of mid without getting picked by defenders holding those angles.
Standing Position: Go to T spawn near the boxes. Align your character with the edge of the box.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the mid area, specifically where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the mid water area, blocking vision from that position. This smoke is essential for taking mid control and setting up executes on both sites.
Heaven Door Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
Blocking vision from heaven door is crucial for A site executes. This smoke allows your team to push onto A site without getting picked by defenders holding heaven angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near mid, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the heaven door frame, specifically at the left corner.
Throw Method: Jump-throw for maximum consistency.
This smoke should land directly in the heaven door opening, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this lineup until you can hit it consistently, as it’s crucial for A site executes.
Connector Smoke (T Side) – Beginner
This smoke blocks vision from connector to the rest of the map, allowing your team to execute sites without getting picked by defenders holding connector angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the connector area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the connector area, blocking vision from players holding that position. This smoke is essential for both A and B site executes.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Nuke
Nuke’s vertical layout requires specific smoke lineups due to its multiple levels. These smokes are essential for successful executes and site defense.
Main/Mini Smoke (T Side) – Advanced
This smoke blocks vision from main to mini, allowing your team to execute outside without getting picked by defenders holding those angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the main building, where the roof meets the sky.
Throw Method: Running throw with precise timing.
This throw requires excellent movement and timing. The smoke should land between main and mini, blocking vision from players holding those positions. Practice this smoke extensively as it’s crucial for outside executes.
Heaven Smoke (T Side) – Advanced
Blocking vision from heaven is crucial for A site executes. This smoke allows your team to push onto A site without getting picked by defenders holding heaven angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near outside, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the heaven area, where the roof meets the sky.
Throw Method: Jump-throw with precise timing.
This smoke should land directly in the heaven area, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this lineup until you can hit it consistently, as it’s crucial for A site executes.
Outside Smoke (CT Side) – Intermediate
This defensive smoke blocks vision from outside to CT positions, allowing CTs to rotate or reposition without being seen by T players pushing outside.
Standing Position: Go to the area near CT spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the outside area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the outside area, blocking vision from T players. This smoke is crucial for CT players defending against outside executes.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Vertigo
Vertigo’s unique layout requires specific smoke lineups due to its multiple levels and open areas. These smokes are essential for successful executes and site defense.
Bottom Yellow Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
This smoke blocks vision from bottom yellow to the rest of the map, allowing your team to execute A site without getting picked by defenders holding those angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the yellow area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Jump-throw for maximum consistency.
This smoke should land directly in the bottom yellow area, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this lineup until you can hit it consistently, as it’s crucial for A site executes.
Middle Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
Blocking vision from middle is crucial for controlling the map. This smoke allows your team to take map control without getting picked by defenders holding middle angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the middle area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the middle area, blocking vision from players holding that position. This smoke is essential for taking map control and setting up executes.
Ramp Smoke (CT Side) – Intermediate
This defensive smoke blocks vision from ramp to CT positions, allowing CTs to rotate or reposition without being seen by T players pushing ramp.
Standing Position: Go to the area near CT spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the ramp area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly on the ramp, blocking vision from T players. This smoke is crucial for CT players defending against ramp executes.
CS2 Smoke Lineups: Overpass
Overpass requires specific smoke lineups due to its unique layout and multiple angles. These smokes are essential for successful executes and site defense.
Water Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
This smoke blocks vision from water to the rest of the map, allowing your team to execute B site without getting picked by defenders holding water angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the water area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Jump-throw for maximum consistency.
This smoke should land directly in the water area, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this lineup until you can hit it consistently, as it’s crucial for B site executes.
Construction Smoke (T Side) – Intermediate
Blocking vision from construction is crucial for A site executes. This smoke allows your team to push onto A site without getting picked by defenders holding construction angles.
Standing Position: Go to the area near T spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the construction area, where the roof meets the sky.
Throw Method: Running throw with precise timing.
This throw requires good movement and timing. The smoke should land at the construction area, blocking vision from players holding that position. Practice this smoke until you can hit it consistently while running.
Monster Smoke (CT Side) – Intermediate
This defensive smoke blocks vision from monster to CT positions, allowing CTs to rotate or reposition without being seen by T players pushing monster.
Standing Position: Go to the area near CT spawn, aligned with the wall texture.
Aim Point: Aim at the top of the monster area, where the wall meets the sky.
Throw Method: Standard throw while standing still.
The smoke should land directly in the monster area, blocking vision from T players. This smoke is crucial for CT players defending against A site executes.
How to Practice CS2 Smoke Lineups?
Consistent practice is the key to mastering CS2 smoke lineups. I recommend setting up a practice routine that focuses on a few maps at a time rather than trying to learn everything at once. Start with Dust2 and Mirage since they’re the most played maps, then progressively add others to your practice rotation.
Setting Up Your Jump-Throw Bind
Many essential smokes require a jump-throw bind for maximum consistency. To set this up, open your console and enter the following command:
alias "+jumpthrow" "+jump;-attack"; alias "-jumpthrow" "-jump"; bind alt "+jumpthrow"
This binds the jump-throw action to your alt key. When you press alt, your character will jump and release the grenade at the peak of the jump, ensuring consistent throws every time. You can change the key binding to whatever feels comfortable for you.
Practice Commands for Unlimited Utility
To practice CS2 smoke lineups efficiently, use these console commands to give yourself unlimited grenades and infinite round time:
sv_cheats 1; sv_infinite_ammo 1; mp_roundtime_defuse 60; mp_freezetime 0; mp_restartgame 1
These commands create the perfect practice environment by removing time pressure and ammunition limitations. You can throw as many smokes as you need without waiting for rounds to restart or running out of utility.
Workshop Maps for Smoke Practice
Steam workshop offers excellent training maps specifically designed for practicing CS2 smoke lineups. These maps provide visual guides and markers that help you learn the correct standing positions and aim points. Popular options include maps that cover all competitive maps in one place, allowing you to practice everything in a single session.
I recommend spending 15-20 minutes per practice session focusing on 2-3 maps at a time. This focused approach is more effective than trying to practice all maps in one session. Once you’ve mastered the lineups for a few maps, add others to your rotation until you’re comfortable with all competitive maps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning CS2 smoke lineups, players often make several common mistakes that slow their progress. The most frequent error is not taking the exact same standing position every time. Being off by just a few pixels can cause the smoke to land in a completely different location.
Another mistake is throwing too early or too late when using jump-throw binds. The timing must be precise for consistent results. Practice the throw motion until it becomes muscle memory, and you’ll notice your consistency improve dramatically.
Many players try to learn too many smokes at once instead of mastering a few essential lineups first. Focus on the beginner smokes for each map before progressing to intermediate and advanced lineups. Quality over quantity applies here—mastering 10 essential smokes is more valuable than knowing 30 lineups inconsistently.
Finally, don’t neglect to practice smokes from both T and CT sides. Many players focus exclusively on T side smokes, but CT side utility is equally important for successful retakes and site defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About CS2 Smoke Lineups
How to get unlimited smokes in CS2 practice?
Use these console commands: sv_cheats 1; sv_infinite_ammo 1; mp_roundtime_defuse 60; mp_freezetime 0; mp_restartgame 1. This gives you unlimited utility and infinite time to practice smoke lineups without waiting for round restarts.
What is the most important smoke in CS2?
The most important smokes are those used in default rounds and executes. For each map, focus on mid control smokes and site entry smokes first. These see the most consistent use in competitive play and directly contribute to round wins.
How many seconds does smoke last in CS2?
Smoke grenades last for 18 seconds in CS2 before fading away. This duration hasn’t changed from CSGO. Plan your executes and timing around this 18-second window to maximize utility effectiveness.
Is CS2 smoke realistic?
CS2 uses volumetric smoke that behaves more realistically than CSGO. The smoke blooms outward when it lands, creating 3D clouds that interact with the environment. This system makes smokes feel more natural but changed some lineups from previous versions.
Do flashes work through smokes in CS2?
Flash grenades do not work through smoke in CS2. If you throw a flash at a smoke, it will not blind players on the other side. However, you can throw flashes over smokes or around them to blind enemies while maintaining vision denial.
Master Your CS2 Smoke Lineups
Learning CS2 smoke lineups is one of the most effective ways to improve your gameplay and climb ranks. These essential utility throws give you and your team a significant tactical advantage through superior map control, information denial, and execute support. The smokes covered in this guide are the foundation of competitive CS2 play and will serve you well from casual matchmaking to Premier and Faceit matches.
Start with the beginner-friendly lineups on Dust2 and Mirage, then progressively add intermediate and advanced smokes to your repertoire. Practice consistently using the methods outlined above, and you’ll see improvement within weeks. Remember that quality matters more than quantity—mastering a few essential CS2 smoke lineups is more valuable than knowing many lineups inconsistently.
As you become comfortable with these lineups, expand your utility knowledge by learning additional smokes, molotovs, and flash combinations. The most dangerous players are those who can use all utility types effectively to support their team’s tactical objectives. Grab your grenades, head into a practice server, and start mastering these CS2 smoke lineups today.