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The Strikeistan blog
Guides, explainers and analysis about Counter-Strike 2, written by the Strikeistan team.
Guides · Vertigo Flashes: Pop Flashes for Every SiteWhere flashbangs earn their $200 on Vertigo, for both T and CT sides, plus timing tips so you blind enemies instead of your own team.
Guides · Is Train Still in CS2? Map Pool Status ExplainedTrain came to CS2 in November 2024, joined Active Duty in January 2025 and left again in January 2026. Here is its status and how to check it yourself.
Guides · Is Overpass Still in CS2? Where You Can Play It NowOverpass left the Active Duty pool in July 2026 when Cache returned. Here is what that means, the full pool history and how to see where it is playable.
Guides · CS2 Wingman Callouts: How to Call in 2v2 on Any MapWingman maps rotate often, so learning a method beats memorising a list. Here is how to make CS2 Wingman callouts fast and useful in 2v2.
Guides · Poseidon CS2 Map Guide: Layout and Callouts (Wingman)Poseidon is a Greek island Wingman map added to CS2 in January 2026. Here are its routes, the callouts players use and tips for both sides in 2v2.
Guides · Sanctum CS2 Map Guide: Layout and Callouts (Wingman)Sanctum is a vertical temple Wingman map that joined CS2 in January 2026. Here is its layout, common callouts, 2v2 tips and its current status.
Guides · Mirage Molotovs: Lineups to Clear Common SpotsWhere to throw molotovs and incendiaries on Mirage for both sides: Firebox and Van on T side, and Apartments, Palace, Ramp and Top Mid on CT side.
Guides · Alpine CS2 Map Guide: Layout and Callouts (Competitive)Alpine is a ski resort hostage map that joined CS2 Competitive in January 2026. Here is how the layout works, the main areas and how to find it now.
Guides · Mirage Flashes: Pop Flashes for Every SiteThe flashes that matter on Mirage for both sides: A entry flashes, Apartments flashes, Mid flashes and CT retake flashes, with tips on throwing them.
Guides · Stronghold CS2 Map Guide: Layout and Callouts (Competitive)Stronghold is a Gibraltar fortress defusal map added to CS2 Competitive in January 2026. Here is how its layout works and the callouts teams use.
Guides · Mirage B Site Smokes: Execute Lineups for CS2How to build a Mirage B execute around the Market Window, Market Door and Short smokes, with timing, roles, cost and the CT counters to expect.
Guides · Warden CS2 Map Guide: Layout and Callouts (Competitive)Warden is a prison island defusal map that joined CS2 Competitive in January 2026. Here is its layout, the common callouts and its current status.