Frokat
The freshest addition to the competitive map pool, de_ancient, is still not completely mapped out for all utility usage. Continuing the short series we started on de_ancient essentials, it’s time to talk about Middle and A. The amount of pressure CTs exert over the map can be tough to break for an unprepared T. It’s time to soften them up and even the odds.
Middle smokes
The heart of every tri-lane map and the hunting grounds for every AWPer, Middle has historically been the most contested area on every map. Even thinking about showing yourself on it requires preparation – and doubly so when it comes to Ancient’s Mid. The amount of presence CTs can establish here right after the round start is staggering, so don’t barge into it recklessly.
T Spawn into Upper Mid
This quick throw is available immediately after the round start. Line up next to the pillar, as shown, and place your crosshair on the lower right corner of the top 3rd brick in the arch. Then, perform a jump throw. While the lineup is easy, the jump timing can be tricky, so this time having a jump+throw will make things go smoother. However, it’s undoubtedly doable without one.
Split into Sniper’s Nest
With the amount of presence CTs can exert over the entirety of Mid, this smoke is unsafe to perform alone at the start of the round. But once you’ve cleared out Bottom Mid with your team, you can use it to push your advantage towards the rest of the lane. Align yourself at the center of the wooden border at Split, and aim for the bottom of the shadow at the tree’s bend. Then, simply release. No strict timings here – once you learn the lineup, the rest is easy. The smoke completely blocks off Sniper’s Nest, and those who attempt to stand at the corners will be blinded by the smoke while completely revealing themselves to you. So if you see this one used against you, don’t fall victim to it!
T Spawn into Mid Tunnel
Here’s a straightforward lineup on this one. This safe smoke is available immediately after the round start, and it seals Mid Tunnel off entirely for your sneaky Mid to CT spawn shenanigans. The bolt on the B Sign makes for an easy guide for positioning, and then we aim at the lower right corner of the top 3rd brick on the central arch as we did before. Once ready, jump and throw. This time, the map’s geometry isn’t actively fighting you, so jump+throw is not needed. Your lurker will thank you for this one!
Bombsite A Smokes
These are tricky. Not the “pixel-perfect lineup” tricky, but Valve’s decision to shield the A site with a massive structure that we call A Main makes it challenging to smoke out the entire site. Still, we have to work with what we can, lest every A take would look like a de_dust 2 B rush in Silver Elite.
From outside A Main to Big Box
This is a pretty significant smoke, as it takes away the defender’s main advantage of multiple-angle opposition by slicing their vision in half. Line up using the cracked brick as a guide, and then place your crosshair at the very bottom part of the shadow on the large structure as shown. This is a jumpthrow, and it is best performed with a bind for it, but with a bit of practice, you can pull it off without one.
Unfortunately, the opening between the Big Box and the wall is too wide to be fully covered with a single smoke grenade. This brings us to our next point…
From outside A Main to Temple Center
This bombsite yet again reminds us that CS:GO is a team game. So you better communicate with your team while setting your sights at A! This smoke throw works wonders with Big Box smoke I showed you before, dividing the site into two zones and disabling the defenders attempting to fight from the Temple.
Align yourself in the joint between the cracked stones, crouch, and place your crosshair at the highest point of the ruined wall section where two bricks meet, as shown. Then, move your cursor a brick’s height above the ruined wall, and, without releasing the crouch button, jump and throw.
Once in place, these two smokes let you focus your undivided attention on the player stationed in Plat (or Back Site as some call it) and quickly overwhelm him. Also, you can use the cover provided by the Big Box smoke to throw an Incendiary at the Plat if you’re feeling particularly efficient.
From outside A Main to A Elbow
This is an especially powerful smoke a T can throw as it blocks one of the most accessible pathways into the site for the defenders. Plus, it makes for a great smoke if you intend to bait the CTs into thinking it’s an A hit – having the main rotation point blocked off will make the A defender at least a little nervous.
Align yourself with a section of the wall as shown, and then use the decorative cube atop the pillar as a marker. Put your crosshair at its highest point at the center and perform a jumpthrow. As this smoke flies in deep, anyone using Elbow as cover will be in for an unpleasant surprise.
With that in mind, the developers have specifically designed A Site to encourage gunfights around Plat. In a way, it is pretty similar to a Dust 2’s B Site. So while smoke grenades are a must for effective offense, be ready to back them up with something more deadly.