06/11

MIRAGE

Mirage is one of the most iconic and widely played maps in Counter-Strike 2. Known for its balanced gameplay and strategic depth, Mirage is a staple in both casual and competitive play. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering Mirage can significantly enhance your performance and game sense. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Mirage, including key locations, strategies, and tips.

Overview

The layout of Mirage map is designed to provide balanced opportunities for both Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. Mid-control plays a crucial role in gaining an advantage over the enemy team. This map is known for its open spaces and well-structured choke points, making it a battlefield of strategy and precision. Each area offers unique tactical possibilities, whether it’s taking control of Middle, executing a coordinated push onto A or B, or setting up strong defensive holds. The design of Mirage encourages a mix of aggressive plays and patient setups, making it one of the most strategically versatile maps in CS2. Understanding the callouts and utilizing the various high ground positions, such as Sniper’s Nest and Palace, can provide an edge in engagements. Effective use of utility, such as smokes and flashes, is key to disrupting enemy sightlines and taking control of key positions.

About

  • Map Type: Bomb-defusal
  • Faction Terrorist: Phoenix Connexion, Eastern Europe
  • Faction Counter-Terrorist: SAS (Special Air Service), UK
  • Location: Morocco
  • Release Year: 2013
  • Map code: de_mirage

Logo

Official Mirage map logo from Counter-Strike 2, featuring three blue towers, palm leaves, and a red background with a blue border.

Mirage Map Callouts

T Start – The spawn area for Terrorists.
Side Alley – A pathway leading from T Start toward Mid.
House – A structure near T Start, potentially offering cover.
Palace Alley – A route leading towards Palace and A Site.
Palace Interior – The inside section of Palace, offering high ground over A.
Scaffolding – A structure near A Site, used for cover or movement.
T Ramp – A common entryway for Ts toward A Site.
Stairs – A position near A Site providing elevation advantage.
Jungle – A connector between A Site and Mid.
Connector – A crucial passage between Mid and A.
Middle – The central area controlling rotations between sites.
Top of Mid – The T-side entry point into Mid.
Catwalk – A ledge leading from Mid toward B Short.
Ladder Room – A small enclosed area connecting Mid, Sniper’s Nest, and B Short.
Sniper’s Nest – A key vantage point for CTs, overlooking Mid.
Underpass – A sneaky pathway leading from Mid to Lower Mid.
Back Alley – A position behind Apartments for flanking or holding angles.
Apartments – The upper area leading to B Site, often used for B plays.
Truck – A common defensive position near B.
Shop – A marketplace structure providing cover near B.
CT Start – The spawn area for Counter-Terrorists.

Mirage map callouts in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) with labeled locations such as T Start, Mid, Connector, A Site, B Site, and more.

Tactical Strategies

Terrorist Side

Mid control is crucial for gaining an advantage, using smokes and flashes to pressure the CTs and limit their visibility. Executing an A-site push involves deploying smokes for Jungle, Stairs, and CT while utilizing Molotovs and flashes to clear out defenders. A B rush is a fast-paced strategy that relies on overwhelming defenders with utility and numbers to secure the site quickly. Alternatively, a split push strategy attacks a bombsite from multiple angles, such as combining Mid and A Ramp for an effective A-site takeover.

Counter-Terrorist Side

A standard setup typically involves positioning one player at B, one at Mid, and three at A, or alternatively, two at B, one at Mid, and two at A for balanced coverage. Controlling Mid is essential, utilizing utility to delay and contest the T-side’s advances, preventing them from gaining map control. In situations where the CTs are outnumbered on a bombsite, adopting a retake strategy is crucial—rather than holding alone, prioritize regrouping with teammates and executing a coordinated retake using utility and crossfires.

Tips

Effective communication is key to success, ensuring that enemy positions and strategies are consistently called out to keep your team informed. Proper crosshair placement at head level enhances reaction time and accuracy, giving you an edge in gunfights. Mastering movement techniques like jiggle peeking and strafing allows for better positioning and survivability in engagements. Additionally, practicing utility usage, such as mastering smoke and flash lineups, is invaluable for executing strategies and gaining a tactical advantage over opponents.

Gallery

Sniper’s Nest on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, offering vision over Middle.
Terrorist Spawn area on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, leading towards Mid, A, and B.
Palace on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, overlooking Bombsite A.
Bombsite A on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, featuring crates, ramps, and key positions for planting the bomb.
Shop area near Bombsite B on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, used for rotations and cover.
Counter-Terrorist Spawn on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, leading to A and B sites.
Bombsite B on Mirage in Counter-Strike 2, showing the market entrance and plantable area.

Conclusion

Mirage remains a beloved and strategically rich map in Counter-Strike 2. By understanding its layout, key locations, and advanced strategies, you can elevate your gameplay and lead your team to victory. Whether you’re executing set plays or adapting to dynamic situations, mastering Mirage is essential for any CS2 player.

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