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CS2 guide

Ancient

Team strategies for the T and CT sides, AWP positions, utility players, key areas, and lineups to win on Ancient.

5v5 pool

Strategy

Comment jouer Ancient

Official Pool

A map that tests your control and patience. Lines of sight are short and obstructed, the AWP isn't as effective here as elsewhere, and the mid lane decides everything because it connects both sites.

More of a CT strategy in pro play. Strong defenses gain an advantage by blocking Ramp B with their support players.
1
The defect

One player covers the mid lane, two prepare for A Main, and two stay near ramp B. We gather the information before choosing the site.

2
Mid, then Short toward A

We take out Elbow with a smoke grenade at the entrance to the Sniper Nest, then Short and A Main hit A at the same time to take Temple from behind.

3
Slow execution on A

Use smoke grenades in CT and Temple, throw a Molotov on the platform, use flashbangs in Main and Short, and enter through both doors at the same time. Donut must be smoked or cleared every time.

4
Rush B Down the Ramp

The ramp is the closest entrance to the T spawn in Smoke Back Halls. Throw a Molotov at the corners of the anchor, flashbang above the ramp, and take cover behind the pillar.

5
Split House and Ramp

Two players go through the Lamp Room toward House, while three take the ramp. The anchor on the pillar can't hold both of them.

Positions AWP

Sniper NestCT · Bans the mid lane on the T side
DonutCT · covers the arrival at A
HeavenCT · dominates Site A
Top MidT · Challenges the Sniper Nest

Key Utilities

  • Smoke at the gates of the Sniper Nest to take Elbow
  • CT and Temple smokes on every run A
  • Molotov on Platform A
  • Molotov CT at the top of Ramp B against the rush
  • Smoke Back Halls on both sides

Where to Plant

A · Triple BoxProtège la bombe des angles en hauteur. Tenue from A Main ou Short.
A · Big BoxThe box between the bomb and the CT finish line.
B · PilierImpossible à défuser from la porte, le retake doit entrer.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving Donut unmarked when moving into the A zone is like leaving a player open behind you
  • Set up Ramp B without a flash in front of a prepared anchor
  • If you give up the mid lane without any information, the defense will switch to a safe strategy

As a pro

Ancient représente entre 21 et 37 % des maps jouées sur les tournois pro suivis en 2026. Les meilleurs rounds y sont des vagues d’utilitaires parfaitement synchronisées plutôt que des exploits individuels.

Key areasto know before playing

A
Site AAttacked through A Main, defended from Temple and CT. Smokes on CT and Temple open the site.
B
Site BTight site taken through B Ramp and B Lane. Cave and Pillar are the angles to clear.
M
MidThe passage to Donut and Elbow. Controlling it lets you rotate quickly from one site to the other.
Do
DonutThe shortcut to site A from mid, often key to take CT from behind.

The best on Ancient

The map leaderboard appears as soon as players have 3 matches on Ancient.

Ancient lineups

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Open the Ancient radar

Play Ancient on FANAL

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Maps created by FANAL based on analyses of pro matches and gameplay data (csdb.gg, map guides, MetaBot, side statistics, tradeit.gg, official pool history).