Grenades in Counter-Strike play a crucial role in the ranked gameplay. A properly placed smoke or a molotov can completely change the outcome of the round. This is especially important at higher CS2 ranks, where small details like proper CS grenade placement can have a significant impact on the game.

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What Are CS2 Grenades?

Counter-Strike grenades are one of the most important utility items in the game. Each grenade serves a different purpose in the match, and knowing how to use them effectively is the key if you want to get better at CS2. Here are all the grenades currently available in the game:

HE Grenade

Also know by its full name, High Explosive Grenade, HE Grenades are the most basic form of explosives available to any player in the game. They cost $300, and every player can only hold a single HE grenade. HE grenades have a very simple function: you throw them and they explode dealing damage.

While they might be simple in theory, an effective usage of HE grenades can be very difficult, as it requires not only the knowledge of CS2 active duty map pool, but also physics of the game. The grenade can bounce from walls and objects before exploding, which gives you some space to be creative with your throws, but you also have to make sure that you throw it in a way that actually connects with the enemy team. Also, keep in mind that HE grenades are subject to friendly fire, meaning you can accidentally kill yourself or your teammates.

Flashbangs

The Flashbangs are one of the most popular, as well as skill-intensive, pieces of equipment you can get your hands on in virtually any match. For a low price of $200 you can purchase a flashbang of your own, which can be used to stun all players in its range. Each player can hold up to two flashbangs at the same time.

CS flashbangs are extremely powerful. However, they are a double-edged sword as well. A proper flashbang can win you the entire round, while a failed one can completely ruin any match. When thrown, a flashbang creates a large and loud explosion in its range, blinding and deafening any player within for a couple of seconds (including yourself). While it depends on the angle and range, when placed properly, a flashbang can blind any player for almost five seconds, making it super deadly in ranked games.

Smoke Grenades

Smoke grenades, also known in the community s simply ‘smokes’ are another important piece of equipment, purchased virtually in every round where the CS2 economy allows for it. You should always have a smoke grenade on your team and while the $300 can be costly, it’s a must-have, especially if you’re defending.

Smokes are one of the most versatile tools in the game. In theory they have a very simple effect. When thrown, smoke grenades create large clouds of blinding smoke for whopping 18 seconds. Keep in mind that for 13 seconds te smoke will also prevent enemies from appearing on your CS2 radar. There are tons of different uses for smoke grenades in the game. They can be used to defend and prevent the enemy team from rushing a bomb site, you can use them offensively to cover your team’s movements or confuse the enemy, you can even use smoke grenades to put down fire.

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Incendiary Grenade / Molotov

While the teams get to use the same sets of grenades, in this particular case they get their own version of each. While they both create a flaming AoE effect which deals serious damage to anyone who steps into the flames, the incendiary grenade costs $500, making it the most expensive CS grenade, while the Molotovs are slightly cheaper at $400.

The reason why the CT version is $100 more expensive is because it’s slightly more versatile. An incendiary grenade can bounce between walls and objects before erupting in flames, meanwhile a single Molotov will always explode precisely when its thrown. This makes it so that players have to adapt their fire grenades depending on which team they are playing. Still, they are an extremely powerful tool. While they can be used to block map areas like smokes, molotovs are far deadlier and can be also thrown to kill campers or enemy players bunched together on the bomb site.

Decoy

Decoy is the last grenade, and at $50 it’s also the cheapest one in the game. This is mainly because it doesn’t really do anything, nor does it deal any damage (disclaimer: getting hit by a decoy deals a single point of damage, so it’s technically possible to get killed by one), but it has a very versatile effect. As it’s name implies, its meant to confuse the enemy team.

When thrown, a decoy stays in its place, while pulsing and showing up as your team’s member on the enemy radar. While it’s possible to guess that what you’re seeing on your radar is a decoy from its static behavior on the mini map, players who don’t know how to spot a decoy will most likely be tricked that your team is approaching, giving you time and space to rotate and surprise the enemy team.

How To Use CS2 Grenades?

Now that you learn what types of nades are available in CS2, here are some of the tips to help you work through the most common lineups and errors:

Learn CS2 Maps

One of the crucial skills that will help you in better grenade usage is map knowledge. Maps like Vertigo or Ancient features tons of different grenade spots, and executing them effectively requires you to know where to place smokes, molotovs, decoys, and when to use HE grenades. Before you get into ranked CS2, make sure you take your time to study and learn CS2 maps.

Create a Jump-Throw Binds

Jump-throw binds are a type of CS2 custom keyboard bind, which allows you to jump and throw your grenade at the same time. This not only save you time, but when carried out properly lets you reach spots that are not available otherwise. If you want to learn more, check out our CS2 jump-throw bind guide!

Avoid Friendly Fire

We can’t stress this enough, friendly fire with grenades can completely ruin a match for you. If you accidentally throw a fire grenade or a molotov at your team, you might end up killing them at a time when they needed that win for their economy. A misplaced flashbang can throw the entire round, and in the process, the entire game as well. When you plan to drop a grenade, always make sure there are no team members in the AoE.

Prioritize Grenades Over New Weapons

When you’re in the buy phase, a flashbang or a smoke isn’t only cheaper, but can have a greater impact on your gameplay, while at the same time saving your economy. If you manage to kill en enemy in your smoke or flashbang range, you might even pick up their gun, effectively getting a 2-for-1 deal. When purchasing items at the start of the round, always make sure to prioritize grenades.

In Conclusion

While they might require some skill to use effectively, CS2 grenades are great versatile tools, which can greatly improve your gameplay. Remember, if you want to improve as a CS2 player, you will need to learn how to use CS2 grenades.

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