Pistol Round in CS2: Ultimate Guide [2024]

The pistol round in Counter-Strike 2 is an important turn that has the power to drastically alter the outcome of a match. In CS2, winning the pistol round gives your team a financial advantage so they can buy better weapons and gear in later rounds. This early victory establishes the tone and pace of the game, impacting both teams’ mindsets and tactics. Gaining an advantage over your opponents mentally and establishing early dominance may depend on your ability to master the pistol round CS2.

Purchasing

Players begin the game with a meager $800, so they must use their money carefully. Here are a few situations to think about:

1. Kevlar Vest: A Kevlar vest is the most dependable purchase. It makes aim punching less likely and less damaging to the body, enabling more steady aiming and firing.
2. Smoke Grenade and Wire Cutters (CT Side): On defense, at least one player should buy a smoke grenade and wire cutters for bomb defusal. This player must play cautiously to survive until the bomb is planted and then defuse it efficiently.
3. P-250 and Grenades: Another viable option is to purchase a P-250 pistol. Often, the team’s strongest rifler will request this pistol and buy a bulletproof vest themselves. The player who buys the P-250 also purchases grenades and plays a support role.
4. Dual Berettas: Extremely effective at close range, the Dual Berettas are a strong choice for maps with tight choke points, such as the Connector on Anubis.

Playing Defense

Different maps require different defensive strategies. Here are default setups for popular maps in Premier Mode:

Mirage

Four players with bulletproof vests head towards point B to counter a potential rush. Meanwhile, the player with the defuse kit and smoke grenade positions themselves behind the ticket box. If terrorists target point A, the player at CT waits for backup before retaking the site together.

Inferno

Three players focus on defending Banana, while the remaining two hold positions near the pit and under the balcony at point A. This setup aims to control key choke points and delay enemy advances.

Overpass

Four players defend point B, with the fifth player initially checking Mid. Based on the information gathered, this player decides whether to reinforce site A or rotate to B.

Anubis

A standard setup involves three players at point B, one in the middle, and one at point A. This balanced formation allows for flexibility in responding to enemy movements.

Nuke

Three players take strategic positions at point A (Top Hut, behind Silo, and Heaven), while two defend the ramp. This setup counters the frequent quick pushes to point A.

Ancient

Three players defend point A, one holds mid, and the last player covers point B. This setup accounts for common attacking routes, especially the push through Donut to A.

Vertigo

Defending Vertigo involves three players at point A and two at point B, with one keeping an eye on mid. This formation balances coverage across potential attack points.

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Playing Attack

Simplified Strategy

Simplicity is key if it comes to a Glock-18 and bulletproof vest. The victory can be secured with a well-executed rush using few grenades. Instead, a Tec-9 or P-250 will give you more power; stay away from the Desert Eagle or R8 Revolver since they are too big to use in handgun rounds.

Coordinated Assaults

Success is increased when acting in groups or pairs. Position control and the likelihood of successful engagements are increased when allies cover one another and supply additional firepower. Attacks in groups also present chances to overwhelm and isolate defenders.

Embrace Risk

Don’t be scared to take measured chances. Leading an attack or engaging the enemy can be essential to the success of the team. Put the success of the team ahead of your own goals, and be prepared to make sacrifices in order to achieve strategic advantages.

Training Pistol Rounds

Improving Aim

With pistol rounds, headshot accuracy and speed are essential. Practice on the “Community Servers” tab’s Pistol DM or Pistol Retake servers. Another useful training aid for improving pistol accuracy is Aim Botz.

Crosshair Positioning

Accurate crosshair placement speeds up transitions from target acquisition to shooting. When enemies appear, keep the crosshair at head level and leave a small space between you and the corners to allow for reaction time.

Weapon Choices: USP, Glock, P250 and Co.

USP (CT Side): The USP is accurate at long range but has limited ammunition. Aim accurately to conserve the three available magazines.

Glock-18 (T Side): The Glock-18 is effective for run-and-gun scenarios but lacks long-range accuracy. Its burst fire mode can be useful but should be used sparingly.

P250: The P250 offers increased damage and armor penetration, making it a strong upgrade over the USP and Glock. Aim carefully to maximize its potential.

Tec-9 and Dual Berettas: The Tec-9 is ideal for T-side rushes, while the Dual Berettas excel at close range. Dropping these weapons to skilled teammates, who then purchase Kevlar, can create powerful “raid boss” scenarios.

Discover the ultimate CS2 weapons tier list for 2024, outlining the top picks and strategies dominating the current meta.

T-Side Strategy: Mass Your Forces

Attack bomb sites as a whole team to outnumber defenders. Once discovered by CTs, move quickly to overrun the site before reinforcements arrive. Leverage the Glock’s strengths in close-range combat.

CT-Side Strategy: Maintain Distance

Use the USP’s accuracy to your advantage by engaging from a distance. Delay enemy advances and wait for team rotations to maintain a strong defense.

Tips for Success

Strength in Numbers: Coordinate with teammates to create tactical advantages. On CT side, allow teammates to take first contact before engaging. On T side, attack with multiple players to overwhelm defenders.

Jump into Choke Points: Jumping into choke points creates space for teammates and disrupts enemy crosshairs. This tactic is especially effective for T-side rushes.

Dual Berettas: Use Dual Berettas in tight chokepoints and with a teammate to bait. Maintain movement to maximize their effectiveness in retake scenarios.

Cooperation: Strategize with your team before advancing. On CT side, establish protocols with site partners. On T side, communicate strategies to ensure coordinated attacks.

Purposeful Utility: Buy utility with a clear plan. T-side smokes provide safe passage to bomb sites, while flashes facilitate close-range engagements. CT side utility should aid in delaying enemy advances and enabling retakes.

Mastering the Pistol Round in CS2

To sum up, getting a head start and dictating the tone for the remainder of the match require proficiency with the pistol round CS2. You can greatly improve your chances of winning the important first round by practicing your aim and strategies, working as a team, and making wise purchases. Gaining an advantage over your opponent depends on your ability to comprehend the subtleties of each map and make the best equipment decisions, whether you’re attacking or defending. Recall that the pistol round requires not only personal talent but also cooperation, communication, and strategic planning.