All Map Callouts & Key Locations in Counter-Strike

Learn all essential Counter-Strike map callouts and key locations with this guide. Improve team communication for effective strategies on every map.

Mastering map callouts is paramount to success in Counter-Strike. Effective communication about enemy positions and strategic points can turn the tide of a round. This section details essential callouts and key locations across various maps, providing actionable strategies for both Terrorist (T) and Counter-Terrorist (CT) sides.

General Principles for Callouts

• Be Concise: Use short, clear terms. "A Short" is better than "They're coming from the short path to A site."
• Be Accurate: If you see one enemy, say "one long." If you hear footsteps but don't see them, say "footsteps long."
• Use Map Knowledge: Understand common rotations and choke points. Anticipate enemy movements based on callouts.
• Practice: The more you play and communicate, the more natural callouts will become.

Dust II Callouts & Strategies

Dust II is a classic and one of the most played maps. Knowing its intricacies is crucial.

A Site

• Long A: The long pathway leading to A site from T spawn.
  • T Strategy: Often rushed with smokes for cover. A common entry involves a flash over "Long Doors" followed by a quick push.
  • CT Strategy: Hold "Car" or "Pit" for defensive angles. Use an AWP from "CT Spawn" or "Goose" to pick off early pushes.
• Short A / Catwalk: The elevated path connecting Mid to A site.
  • T Strategy: A fast push through "Mid Doors" and up "Catwalk" can catch CTs off guard. Coordinate with a "Long A" push for a pincer attack.
  • CT Strategy: One player typically holds "Short A" from "Site" or "Goose." A well-placed smoke at the top of "Catwalk" can delay pushes.
• Goose: The small, walled-off area on A site, often used for planting or cover.
  • T Strategy: Plant the bomb behind "Goose" for cover.
  • CT Strategy: Use "Goose" for cover during retakes or to hold angles on "Short A."
• Pit: The lower area at the end of "Long A," offering excellent cover.
  • T Strategy: Great for holding after-plant positions or for a lurker to pick off rotating CTs.
  • CT Strategy: A strong defensive position for an AWP, but vulnerable to grenades.
• Car: The car located on "Long A" near the entrance to A site.
  • T Strategy: Use as cover when pushing "Long A."
  • CT Strategy: A common spot for a CT to hold an angle on "Long A."

Mid

• Mid Doors: The double doors connecting T spawn to Mid.
  • T Strategy: Often smoked off by CTs. A quick peek with an AWP can catch an aggressive CT.
  • CT Strategy: Smoke "Mid Doors" early to prevent T pushes or AWP picks.
• Xbox: The box in Mid, offering cover and a boost spot to "Catwalk."
  • T Strategy: Boost a teammate onto "Xbox" for a quick push onto "Catwalk" or to gain an early pick.
  • CT Strategy: Be aware of T's boosting onto "Xbox." Pre-fire or throw a flash.
• Top Mid: The elevated area in Mid, near "Catwalk."
  • T Strategy: Control "Top Mid" to push "Catwalk" or "B Tunnels."
  • CT Strategy: Hold angles from "CT Mid" or "Window" to prevent T control of "Top Mid."

B Site

• B Tunnels: The winding tunnels connecting T spawn to B site.
  • T Strategy: A common rush route. Flashbangs are essential to clear corners.
  • CT Strategy: Hold "Upper B Tunnels" or "Lower B Tunnels" with shotguns or SMGs for close-quarters combat.
• Window: The window overlooking B site from "Upper B Tunnels."
  • T Strategy: A crucial entry point to B site. Use flashes to clear the site before dropping.
  • CT Strategy: Pre-aim "Window" or throw a molotov to deny entry.
• Plat / Platform: The raised area on B site.
  • T Strategy: Plant the bomb on "Plat" for good visibility and cover.
  • CT Strategy: Use "Plat" for cover during retakes or to hold angles on "Window" and "B Doors."
• B Doors: The entrance to B site from CT spawn.
  • T Strategy: Watch for rotating CTs from "B Doors" after planting.
  • CT Strategy: The primary rotation route to B site. Be cautious of T's holding angles.

Mirage Callouts & Strategies

Mirage is another highly competitive map, known for its balanced layout and strategic depth.

A Site

• Palace / Balcony: The elevated entrance to A site from T spawn.
  • T Strategy: A common entry point. Use smokes and flashes to clear "Palace" and "Site."
  • CT Strategy: Hold "Palace" from "Triple Box" or "Stairs." An AWP can be very effective here.
• Ramp: The sloped pathway leading from T spawn to A site, adjacent to "Palace."
  • T Strategy: Often used in conjunction with a "Palace" push.
  • CT Strategy: Hold "Ramp" from "Connector" or "Stairs."
• Connector: The hallway connecting Mid to A site.
  • T Strategy: A crucial route for lurkers or to split push A.
  • CT Strategy: A common position for a CT to hold Mid and A site.
• Triple Box: The stack of boxes on A site, offering strong cover.
  • T Strategy: Plant the bomb behind "Triple Box" for cover.
  • CT Strategy: A powerful defensive position for holding A site.
• Stairs: The stairs leading up to A site from CT spawn.
  • T Strategy: Watch for CTs pushing from "Stairs" during a retake.
  • CT Strategy: The primary rotation route to A site.

Mid

• Window: The window overlooking Mid from CT spawn.
  • T Strategy: Use smokes to block "Window" and prevent AWP picks.
  • CT Strategy: A prime AWP position to control Mid.
• Underpass: The lower pathway connecting T spawn to Mid.
  • T Strategy: A common route for a fast Mid push or to lurk.
  • CT Strategy: Be aware of T pushes from "Underpass."
• Chair: The chair in Mid, offering a slight elevation and cover.
  • T Strategy: Use "Chair" for a quick peek or to hold an angle.
  • CT Strategy: A common spot for a CT to hold Mid.

B Site

• Apartments: The multi-room area connecting T spawn to B site.
  • T Strategy: A common rush route. Clear each room carefully with flashes.
  • CT Strategy: Hold "Apartments" from "Site" or "Bench."
• Short: The short pathway connecting Mid to B site.
  • T Strategy: A quick route for a split push on B.
  • CT Strategy: Hold "Short" from "Bench" or "Market."
• Bench: The bench on B site, offering cover.
  • T Strategy: Plant the bomb behind "Bench" for cover.
  • CT Strategy: A strong defensive position for holding B site.
• Market: The shop area on B site, often used for cover.
  • T Strategy: Use "Market" for cover during a plant or to hold angles.
  • CT Strategy: A common position for a CT to hold B site.

This detailed guide provides a foundation for understanding and utilizing map callouts. Remember, consistent practice and clear communication with your team are the ultimate keys to success in Counter-Strike.