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Ancient - Map Overview from the Official CS2 Map Pool

Ancient - Map Overview from the Official CS2 Map Pool

Ancient" is a competitive CS2 map with a bomb-plant scenario. The map’s setting is inspired by Mexico, featuring one of the country’s iconic landmarks—Chichen Itza, the political and cultural hub of the Mayan civilization.

Key Locations on the Map Ancient

Ramp, Pants, Uplift, Pit, Cube, Temple, Street, Donut… These are just a few of the positions featured on the Ancient. However, the main focus points are Sites A and B, where the attacking team must plant the bomb, while the defenders aim to protect them. The two bombsites are located on opposite sides of the map.

To reach Site A, attackers can approach through Pants or Mid. For Site B, they can use the Tunnel, Ramp, or try to flank by passing through Mid, Split, and Alley.

Strategies for the Terrorist Team (T)

At first glance, Ancient might appear simple and straightforward in structure. However, despite this seeming simplicity, the map allows for some excellent and creative gameplay combinations. These tactics, though, require the use of grenades, as planting the bomb without them significantly reduces the attackers' chances of success. Both sites can be covered by defenders from multiple angles.

Attacking Site A

Approaching Site A requires a well-prepared grenade setup. At least one teammate should monitor a potential push from Mid. Engaging in direct gunfights isn’t advisable, as it might make planting the bomb nearly impossible.

For attacking A, smoke grenades are crucial. Use jump throws to smoke off the CT base and Donut. Standard grenades are also useful, while Molotovs should be aimed behind the box and into the Temple.

If the attacking team secures the site, one player should still remain in Mid. Once the bomb is planted, they can stealthily move into the House, creating a flanking opportunity for retaking defenders.

Attacking Site B

Compared to Site A, pushing B is feasible even without a full grenade setup. Planting the bomb here tends to be easier, which is why professional players cs2 often favor this site. A typical B-split attack is executed via Ramp. Early frags are possible, as CT players frequently try to contest this position. Other teammates should wait until the Ramp push is executed.

For smoke grenades, throw them from various positions:

  • First lane: from the right side of the door;
  • Second lane and corner: from the left side of the door;
  • Connector: from around the corner.

Flashbangs are also essential for clearing out hidden enemy positions. At B, grenades are especially effective in the corner of the second lane, a common spot for defenders.

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Strategies for the Counter-Terrorist Team (CT)

Structurally, "Ancient" is somewhat reminiscent of "Dust 2," featuring three main pathways and bombsites located at opposite ends of the map. However, Ancient is more compact, offering the defending team more opportunities for aggressive pushes.

Professional players on the defensive side often adopt an aggressive playstyle, identifying weak points in the attackers’ strategy within 2-3 rounds and exploiting them effectively. Statistics reflect this dominance, with CT teams winning over 55% of rounds on Ancient.

Most CT pushes revolve around Mid. The simplest approach is to hold it with two players. Two others stay on Site B, while the fifth player can guard Ramp. This allows for quick rotations to Mid if needed, creating a potential surround on attackers heading toward Site B.

Defenders also have several "rat spots" to hide in:

  • Site B: Two key positions are excellent for ambushes, especially with a teammate distracting the attackers.
  • Site A: A strong hiding spot is located near Main. Even professional players often overlook this area.

Interesting Facts

  1. "Ancient" was initially conceptualized as a rework of "Aztec." While this idea was abandoned, many design elements from "Aztec 2" remain in the final version.
  2. Chichen Itza, a Mayan political and cultural hub, is one of the map's standout landmarks. In 2007, it was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  3. The "Broken Fang" operation featured content inspired by "Ancient," including 19 weapon models and numerous skins cs2 for knives and gloves.
  4. On the Terrorist spawn base, a melody plays that resembles themes from the Indiana Jones movies.