Why Mirage Smokes Are Essential
Mirage is the most popular competitive map in CS2 history. It's a map where smokes decide rounds — a well-executed A take with proper smokes can win rounds without firing a single bullet before entering the site.
Unlike Dust 2 where aim often prevails, Mirage heavily rewards teams who have practiced their utility. Learn these essential smokes and you'll immediately improve your Mirage win rate.
T-Side A Execute Smokes
1. CT Smoke from T Spawn
Purpose: The most important smoke on Mirage. Blocks CT Spawn vision, preventing CTs from watching A site from their strongest position.
How to throw:
When to use: Every A execute. Without this smoke, CTs have a direct line of sight to A site from CT Spawn.
2. Jungle Smoke from T Spawn
Purpose: Blocks the Jungle/Connector area, preventing CTs from peeking or throwing utility from this position.
How to throw:
When to use: A execute. Blocks one of the three main CT positions on A site.
3. Stairs Smoke from T Spawn
Purpose: Blocks the stairs/firebox area, completing the triple smoke that isolates A site.
How to throw:
When to use: Combined with CT and Jungle smokes for a full A execute. These three smokes together block ALL CT positions watching A site.
4. Window Smoke from Top Mid
Purpose: Blocks the Window/Sniper's nest overlooking mid, allowing safe passage through mid to Short A or Connector.
How to throw:
When to use: When taking mid control or executing through Short A. Essential for mid-round plays.
T-Side B Execute Smokes
5. Market Window Smoke from B Apartments
Purpose: Blocks the Window/Market area, preventing CTs from watching B site from this elevated position.
How to throw:
When to use: Every B execute. This is mandatory before entering B site.
6. Short B/Catwalk Smoke
Purpose: Blocks the Short B area, preventing CTs from pushing or peeking from Catwalk into B site.
How to throw:
When to use: B execute. Isolates the site from CT rotations through Short.
CT-Side Smokes
7. Top Mid Smoke from CT Spawn
Purpose: Delays T-side mid control, giving your team time to set up positions.
How to throw:
When to use: Start of every CT round. Slows down T-side mid takes and prevents early picks.
8. A Ramp Smoke from CT
Purpose: Blocks T-side vision from A Ramp, preventing them from pushing onto A site.
How to throw:
When to use: When you hear Ts approaching A Ramp. Delays their push and forces them to wait or push through smoke.
A Execute Combo (The Triple Smoke)
This is the bread and butter of Mirage T-side:
All three smokes are thrown from T Spawn simultaneously. After smokes land, flash and push together. The entire A site is isolated — CTs can only fight through smoke or retreat.