As CS2 continues to evolve, staying ahead of the meta is crucial for competitive players. With the game now well-established following its release, we've analyzed pro matches and top-level play to bring you the most effective strategies for 2024.

1. The Advanced Split A Execute on Mirage

The classic A execute on Mirage has been refined for CS2's movement and utility mechanics. This updated version focuses on using smoke grenades more efficiently with the new smoke physics.

Key Components:

• Utilize the one-way smoke at Palace entrance
• Deploy the new "gap smoke" at CT that allows visibility under the smoke
• Use flash coordination that accounts for CS2's updated flash mechanics
• Position one player for the new "ticket booth pixel peek" that's become effective

This execute has seen a 68% success rate in professional matches when executed properly, making it one of the most reliable strategies on Mirage.

2. The "Ghost Default" on Inferno

This deceptive default setup on Inferno has been gaining popularity among top teams. It's designed to appear as a standard default while secretly setting up for a fast B execute.

Execution:

• Start with a standard 2-1-2 default (2 banana, 1 mid, 2 apartments)
• Use utility to create the impression of apartment pressure
• The mid player smokes deep mid to block CT vision
• Apartment players rotate through CT to B while banana players apply pressure
• Execute hits from multiple angles simultaneously

What makes this strategy effective is the psychological aspect – CTs often rotate away from B after initial banana control is established, making the site vulnerable to this delayed execute.

3. Vertigo Elevator Control Strategy

With Vertigo's recent updates, elevator control has become increasingly important. This strategy focuses on establishing dominance in this key area before executing onto either site.

The elevator area now serves as a pivotal point for rotations and mid-round decision making. By controlling this space, teams can:

• Gather information about CT rotations
• Quickly pivot between A and B site attacks
• Establish crossfires that are difficult for CTs to clear
• Use the new "elevator drop" smoke that obscures vision while allowing for silent drops

Pro teams are now dedicating specific practice sessions just for elevator control scenarios, highlighting how important this area has become in the meta.

4. The "Triple Utility" Ancient B Rush

Ancient's B site has traditionally been difficult to rush, but a new utility combination has changed that dynamic. This strategy uses a precise sequence of three utility types to create a successful rush opportunity.

The Triple Utility Sequence:

1. Molotovs: Deployed to clear close corners and force CTs into predictable positions
2. Specialized Smokes: Using CS2's new smoke mechanics to create one-way visibility at key angles
3. Coordinated Flashes: Timed specifically to blind defenders as the Ts emerge from the smokes

This strategy requires precise team coordination but has proven remarkably effective at breaking through previously stalwart B site defenses on Ancient.

5. The "Flex 3-2" Default for Nuke

Nuke's unique vertical layout has always required specialized strategies. The Flex 3-2 is a default setup that provides maximum adaptability while gathering information.

Initial Setup:

• 3 players outside (with specific roles for each)
• 2 players controlling ramp and secret

What Makes It Effective:

The power of this strategy is in its mid-round adaptability. Based on information gathered and utility used by the CTs, the team can flex into multiple executes:

• Outside control into A through heaven
• Outside control into B through secret
• Ramp push to lower
• Fast A through hut and squeaky

Teams using this default have shown a high win rate because it keeps the CTs guessing while providing the T side with multiple attack options based on real-time information.

Conclusion

CS2's meta continues to evolve as players discover new utility techniques and movement possibilities. These five strategies represent the current cutting edge, but the most successful teams are those who can adapt these concepts to their own playstyle and team dynamics.

Remember that perfect execution requires practice – spend time with your team in private servers working on the timing and communication aspects before bringing these strategies into competitive play.

Have you tried any of these strategies? Which ones worked best for your team? Let us know in the comments below!