Unorthodox Tactics for Mirage

We continue the tactical solutions cycle. Last week, we observed Anubis' unorthodox tactics. Now, it's Mirage.

Mirage in CS2 is a map laden with opportunities for creative, unorthodox tactics. Known for its balance and versatility, Mirage requires a blend of coordination, psychology, and surprise to dominate. Here's a breakdown of unconventional tactics to throw your opponents off-guard—because sometimes, the best strategies come from thinking a little sideways.

Aggressive CT Mid Control

Mirage's Mid is a battleground that can dictate the entire round. Here's a twist: adopt an aggressive CT Mid hold instead of the usual passive approach.

How to Execute: Place an AWPer in the Window and two riflers in the Connector and Short. Have the Window AWPer aggressively peek at Top Mid, ideally with flash support from a teammate in A. Meanwhile, the Connector and Short players control chokepoints and can fall back if needed.

Why it Works: Terrorists expect a CT AWPer in Window to play cautiously, fearing a potential smoke block. By peeking early with flash support, the AWPer disrupts this assumption, potentially picking off unaware T players. If the Window is smoked, don't fret—drop a Molotov behind the smoke to clear out Terrorists lurking close to Boxes​.

Fake Presence on Mid from A Site

A fake Mid presence works wonders for a Mirage CT-side strat. Instead of fully contesting Mid, CTs can pretend to challenge it, tricking Terrorists into rerouting to A or B—often right into a prepared trap.

How to Execute: Set up a lone AWPer in Window to take an aggressive peek or throw a flash over Mid. Meanwhile, one CT from A can throw smokes or flashes to simulate a Mid-stack, luring T players into A. The rest of the CT team can hold passive but strategic positions in A, such as under Palace or on top of Ticket Booth.

Why it Works: Terrorists often rely on Mid for map control; seeing signs of CT aggression here may discourage them from contesting, leading them to pursue A as a "safer" option. Instead, they walk right into your ambush​.

Aggressive A-Main Push with Pre-Molly Setup

The A site offers an unexpected aggressive option: a preemptive A-Main push following a Molotov and smoke combination.

How to Execute: Start the round with a Molotov at A-Main, creating a temporary firewall that blocks T access. Immediately follow with a deep smoke near the Molotov and position 2-3 CTs close to A-Main. As the Molotov fades, flash A-Main and push aggressively. One CT remains on the site for backup, watching for any Palace peeks.

Why it Works: The Molotov buys time and obscures the incoming push. Terrorists waiting for the fire to dissipate are usually caught off-guard when CTs push into them. Use this during eco rounds for maximum impact, where close-range SMGs like the MP9 thrive.

Underpass CT Push with "Surround" Tactic

Mirage's Underpass is an often-overlooked avenue for sneaky plays, allowing CTs to surprise unsuspecting T players attempting to control Mid.

How to Execute: One CT moves from B Short to Underpass early in the round, with Mid-backup from Connector or Window. The Underpass player sneaks up, potentially catching Terrorists off guard from below. You can lock down Mid with minimal resources if executed with an Underpass and Short crossfire.

Why it Works: Terrorists focused on Top Mid and Window rarely anticipate a CT push from Underpass. Once this position is secured, the Underpass player can control the tempo of the round, providing intel and possibly flanking T players rotating to B.

T-Side "Bait and Switch" in A Site

For T players, a split push with deceptive tactics can manipulate CTs into poor positioning. A compelling Mirage twist is the "bait and switch" on A.

How to Execute: Have one T player move aggressively into Ramp, creating a diversion by firing shots or throwing a flash. This player then falls back while the main push occurs from Palace. Smokes on Stairs and Jungle obscure CT's vision, forcing them to focus on Ramp while the Palace push catches them by surprise.

Why it Works: This tactic exploits CT players' tendency to over-rotate or push for early picks on Ramp. With their attention drawn to Ramp, they're blindsided by the Palace assault​.

B-Site Anchor "Ninja Box" Surprise

B site can be notoriously challenging to hold, but using unorthodox positions like the Ninja Box behind Van creates deadly ambush points.

How to Execute: Position one CT behind the Van (Ninja Box) near the Apartments. This setup pairs well with a Short player holding Market Window, creating a crossfire. If B is pressured, the Ninja player can emerge unexpectedly, supported by flashes from Market.

Why it Works: Many T players overlook the Ninja Box when rushing onto the site. This position is perfect for eco rounds, catching aggressive Ts off-guard as they drop into the site​.

Fake Plant & Decoy Setup on T-Side

Fake plants can unsettle opponents and grant T players a critical psychological advantage when facing tight clutch situations.

How to Execute: Start the plant animation in an exposed spot, cancel, and immediately reposition behind the cover. Alternatively, use a decoy grenade to simulate planting sounds. If the enemy peeks, they're ripe for a headshot.

Why it Works: Most players react quickly to the plant sound, hoping to eliminate the planter. This setup is deadly in clutch scenarios, especially with intelligent decoy use and well-timed fake plants to bait CTs into unfavorable engagements​.

Deep Apartment Push on B for Map Control

T-side often ignores B Apartments control, which opens up opportunities for bold CT plays.

How to Execute: After throwing an early Smoke or Molotov into the Apartments, push into the narrow hallway with an M4 or AWP. From here, you can hold a forward position or retreat if B is uncontested, leveraging the apartment's control to rotate or flank.

Why it Works: Controlling Apartments early lets CTs gather intel on B hits or Mid-rotations. If Ts disregard Apartments, this position can yield easy frags or critical information for rotations​.