Train - Competitive Map in CS2: Map Overview, Key Attack, and Defense Tactics

Train is a map in Counter-Strike 2's competitive mode, centered around a bomb-planting scenario. This map is one of the few with a Russian theme in CS2. The action takes place in a disused railway depot in Russia. The setting features dilapidated train cars, weathered walls, and shattered or boarded-up windows, reflecting a long-abandoned industrial site.

The "T" team must complete their objective of planting explosives in train cars containing hazardous chemicals, while the CTs must prevent this at all costs.

Train is a large map with numerous hidden paths and routes, making it highly balanced and popular among both new players and professional esports competitors.

Key Locations on Train

The main points of interest are the A and B bombsites, accessible via Main and Connector or T-Ramp (ladder area) respectively. Other significant locations include:

• Corridor: A narrow passage linking the T-Ramp and Connector.
• Toilet: A small room near the Corridor, offering an alternative route to Connector when approaching from A.
• Zigzag: A tight tunnel connecting the A and B sites.

T-Team Tactics

Attacking Bombsite A

Smoke tactics are the most effective for assaulting A. The T team should utilize smoke grenades as follows:

1. Throw the first smoke to block the area between Connector and the train with the bomb. This secures a safer path to the ladder room.
2. Place the second smoke between the brown train and the bomb train, further shielding your approach.
3. Use the third smoke to cover the blue train from either side.

This smoke strategy ensures a 90% success rate in securing the site. However, the remaining 10% represents the risk of a CT retake, especially if they regroup for a coordinated push when the Ts have no utility left. The most critical smoke is near the blue train—it discourages CT aggression, increasing the likelihood of safely planting the C4.

After planting, teamwork is paramount. Assign one player to control the ladder room; losing control of this area can lead to quick retakes by the CTs.

Attacking Bombsite B

For attacking B, smoke grenades are also essential:

1. Use the first smoke to block vision from the lower area, neutralizing potential sniper threats. A flashbang may be added if opponents are positioned on the roof of the lower train.
2. Deploy the second smoke to simplify reaching the plant zone, obscuring enemies, and aiding the push.
3. Throw a third smoke to create a higher cover, preventing CTs from rushing and facilitating a safer plant.

Leave 1-2 players behind to watch flanks and report CT movements, ensuring the rest of the team has better situational awareness during the plant.

CT Tactics

Default Setup

In a standard defensive setup, position two players cs2 at key locations with one guarding mid for flexibility. While this tactic is simple, it works exceptionally well on Train due to the map’s layout.

Alternative CT Strategy

A more dynamic strategy involves:

• One player on the ladder.
• Another on "Seven" to provide overwatch.
• A third defender positioned at A-default to monitor long and both A and B pushes.

This setup allows optimal grenade usage and quick rotations for support.

Interesting Facts About Train

1. Near the ladder between A and the depot, there was once a "Popdog" sign, referencing the creator of the original map. Though the sign is now gone, graffiti of a dog remains as a tribute.
2. A "No birds allowed" sign near the T spawn referenced a bug that let players ride birds to clip through textures. This sign is now graffiti on a dumpster.
3. A train at Bombsite B has a partially painted "Cinema" sign and the phrase "Пожелай мне удачи" below—a nod to Viktor Tsoi, a famous Russian musician.
4. Inside buildings, players can find nods to previous versions of Train, including slideshows on computers and framed photos on walls.

Additional Fun Facts

• A mosaic of Lenin was once visible near T spawn but has been removed in CS2.
• Information panels in buildings list railway station names, referencing existing maps and potential future ones.
• Train is the only CS2 map featuring highly realistic rain effects, including visible droplets on surfaces, hands, and weapons.