The Ancient map in Counter-Strike 2 is a dense jungle of tight corridors, stone ruins, and strategic chokepoints. While it’s often considered slightly CT-sided due to its narrow entryways and strong defensive angles, a well-coordinated Terrorist (T) side can dismantle even the most disciplined defenses. This guide breaks down the most effective ways to enter both bombsites—A and B—on Ancient, with a focus on utility usage, map control, and timing.
Overview of Ancient’s Layout
Ancient is defined by its three-lane structure:
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A Site: Accessible via A Main and Donut.
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Mid Control: The pivot point that connects to both sites.
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B Site: Reachable through Ramp and Cave (also called House or Lamproom).
Each lane offers unique challenges and opportunities. Success on T-side hinges on early map control, utility discipline, and coordinated site hits.
A Site Entry Strategies
1. A Main Push (Default A Execute)
Path: T Spawn → A Main → A Site Key Utility: Smokes for Temple and CT, Flashbangs for A Main peek, Molotov for Ninja or Default
Execution:
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Start with a smoke for Temple to block off the AWPer’s angle.
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Follow up with a CT smoke to isolate defenders.
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Use flashes over A Main to blind defenders holding close angles.
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Molotov Ninja or Default to flush out lurkers.
Tips:
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Send one player through Donut to split the site and pressure from two angles.
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Be wary of boosts on the box near Temple or aggressive CTs peeking A Main.
2. Donut Split
Path: T Spawn → Mid → Donut → A Site Key Utility: Mid smoke, Donut molotov, Flash for connector peek
Execution:
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Gain Mid control early with a smoke for Sniper’s Nest and molotov for Donut entrance.
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Once Mid is secure, send one or two players through Donut.
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Time the push with the A Main players to pinch the site.
Tips:
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Donut control is crucial for post-plant defense.
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A lurker in Mid can cut off CT rotations from B or flank late.
B Site Entry Strategies
3. Cave (House) Rush
Path: T Spawn → Cave → B Site Key Utility: Smoke for CT, Flash for Cave peek, Molotov for Pillar
Execution:
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Fast rush through Cave with entry flashes to blind defenders.
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Smoke CT lane to block rotations.
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Molotov Pillar or Backsite to clear common anchor spots.
Tips:
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This is a high-risk, high-reward strat. If CTs are playing aggressive Ramp, you may get caught in a crossfire.
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Consider sending one player through Ramp to split the site.
4. Ramp Control into B Split
Path: T Spawn → Ramp → B Site Key Utility: Ramp smoke, Flash for close angles, Molotov for Cubby
Execution:
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Take Ramp control slowly with clearing flashes and pre-aiming Cubby.
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Once Ramp is secure, coordinate with Cave players for a split push.
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Smoke CT and Backsite to isolate duels.
Tips:
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Ramp control gives you post-plant advantage and cutoff potential.
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Watch for CT boosts on the ledge near CT spawn.
Mid Control: The Key to Flexibility
Mid is the linchpin of Ancient. Controlling it opens up options for both sites and forces CTs to spread thin.
5. Mid Default
Path: T Spawn → Mid Key Utility: Smoke for Sniper’s Nest, Flash for Mid peek, Molotov for Donut
Execution:
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Use a Sniper’s Nest smoke to block the AWPer.
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Flash over Mid to blind aggressive CTs.
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Molotov Donut entrance to deny early control.
Follow-ups:
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From Mid, you can:
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Split A via Donut.
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Lurk into CT spawn.
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Fake A and rotate to B through Donut and CT.
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Tips:
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Mid control requires utility investment and team coordination.
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A lurker in Mid can punish over-rotating CTs.
Advanced T-Side Tactics
6. Fake A, Hit B
Setup:
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Throw full A execute utility (Temple, CT smokes, flashes).
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Keep one or two players making noise at A.
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Rest of the team silently rotates through Mid or T Spawn to B.
Goal:
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Bait out CT rotations and hit B with fewer defenders.
Tips:
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Timing is everything. Don’t rotate too early or too late.
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A lurker in Donut or Mid can catch rotating CTs.
7. Contact Play into Cave
Setup:
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Walk silently into Cave with no utility.
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Peek B site dry to catch CTs off guard.
Goal:
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Surprise defenders who are expecting a full execute.
Tips:
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Best used once or twice per half to avoid predictability.
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Pair with a late Ramp push for a split.
Post-Plant Positions
Once the bomb is down, positioning wins rounds. Here are strong post-plant setups:
A Site:
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Donut: Great for crossfire and flank watch.
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A Main: Safe angle with long sightlines.
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Temple (if taken): Dominant control point.
B Site:
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Ramp: Controls CT rotations.
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Cave: Holds site and watches flank.
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Backsite: Risky but powerful if smoked off.
Final Thoughts
Ancient rewards methodical play, map control, and utility usage. As a T-side player, your job is to chip away at CT defenses, force rotations, and capitalize on timing windows. Whether you're rushing Cave with a MAC-10 or executing a full A split with perfect smokes, the key is coordination and adaptability.
With practice, Ancient becomes less of a maze and more of a playground for calculated aggression. So grab your AK, line up those smokes, and start carving paths through the jungle ruins—one bombsite at a time.