Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski, who has just been announced as a new FaZe player for the 2025 season, has shared detailed strategies for improving pug performance in CS2. Drawing from his experience, he highlights effective tactics, utility usage, and positioning to enhance teamwork and consistency across maps. Below is a detailed explanation of his insights.
Inferno: Adjusting Strategies on Both Sides
CT Side
On Inferno, many players make the mistake of committing to unnecessary duels at mid, which can leave their team exposed. EliGE recommends a more measured approach, utilizing early flashes from long to disrupt attackers. Once initial pressure has been applied, repositioning to stronger defensive setups, such as a crossfire with one player in cubby and another under porch, increases effectiveness.
When holding top mid, overcommitting can backfire, especially in pugs where coordination is often lacking. Retreating to Arch or Library after gaining early information allows you to cover more ground and forces attackers to use additional utility to displace defenders. This approach creates opportunities for holding back pushes without unnecessary risk.
T Side
Inferno rewards patient play on the T side. Rushing through halls or banana without clearing key angles can lead to disastrous trades. EliGE stresses the importance of working halls slowly, ensuring each angle is cleared methodically. Once control of halls is secured, having a player hold alt while others work banana prevents defenders from stacking a single bombsite.
When executing pushes, communication and positioning are critical. A player in halls or alt can keep defenders guessing, allowing the team on banana to make informed decisions. Without this coverage, defenders can anticipate the push and stack sites, reducing the chances of success.
Dust 2: Strengthening Utility and Awareness
CT Side
Long control is a defining aspect of CT play on Dust 2. EliGE provides a step-by-step method for securing long safely. Smokes placed near the corner box, combined with well-timed flashes, disrupt attackers’ plans. Starting with a Molotov at long doors delays pushes and provides time to establish control.
He recommends assigning roles for utility usage. For example, one player can throw a smoke, another provides supportive flashes, and a third covers follow-up flashes. Dropping extra flashes at the corner for teammates extends control time and allows for more effective engagements. These small adjustments significantly improve success rates in holding long.
T Side
On the T side, keeping lower tunnels under control is crucial for maintaining map presence. Jump-spotting can provide information, but care must be taken if the opposing team has an AWP. A safer alternative is sending a teammate to check lower from a controlled position.
Clear communication about whether lower is contested allows teammates to adjust their paths. For example, if lower is unsafe, mid pushes should avoid exposure to this area. Conversely, if lower is clear, mid players can focus on more aggressive positions. This level of awareness enhances overall team cohesion.
Mirage: Balancing Aggression and Patience
CT Side
Mid is a critical area on Mirage, and contesting it requires careful planning. EliGE advises using two players with good spawns to push cat, supported by a flash from a teammate at A. Pairing this with a Molotov at top mid helps flush out attackers and disrupt their early-round plans.
When mid control is contested heavily, retreating can be the smarter option. Players holding window should consider using smokes or fall-back positions to maintain presence without risking unnecessary deaths. Adjusting tactics based on the opponent’s approach ensures mid remains contested without overcommitting.
T Side
Mirage allows for varied tempos, and adjusting these can catch defenders off guard. Slower approaches at mid, supported by basic utility such as top mid and window smokes, force CTs to deplete their resources early. Coordinating with teammates through underpass while maintaining pressure at top mid provides balanced map control.
Understanding when to increase tempo is key. After securing mid control, applying pressure on connector and window forces defenders into difficult positions. This methodical approach allows Ts to gain ground without overexposing themselves.
Anubis: Maximizing Efficiency and Reducing Risk
CT Side
EliGE advises against using early smokes at B main, as this gives attackers an opportunity to exploit the area once the smoke dissipates. Instead, hold defensible angles, use jump-spotting for information, and save utility for reactive plays. This approach minimizes risks and prevents attackers from gaining easy control.
Mixing defensive setups ensures unpredictability. For example, pairing an AWPer with a rifler at B main can provide better coverage and deter pushes. Observing professional demos can provide additional insights into handling difficult positions on this map.
T Side
On the T side, patience often yields better results. Defenders frequently expend utility early, leaving them weaker in the later stages of the round. Avoiding unnecessary duels during this period allows attackers to create better opportunities for coordinated site takes.
Proper coordination at B ramp is essential. Clearing angles systematically, using Molotovs to deny defenders cover, and timing pushes with teammate support are key elements of a successful B site attack. Slower approaches force defenders to expend resources, creating vulnerabilities for late-round plays.
Ancient: Controlling Key Areas and Executing Efficiently
CT Side
Mid control is a primary focus on Ancient, and stopping mid rushes requires quick and effective use of utility. Coordinated Molotovs and grenades disrupt attackers and reduce their momentum. Defensive setups that mix smokes and proactive positioning create additional challenges for opponents.
Varying defensive patterns prevents attackers from exploiting predictable setups. For example, switching between aggressive and passive approaches at mid ensures attackers cannot easily adapt to CT strategies.
T Side
B site offers strong attacking potential, but executing successfully requires careful planning. EliGE highlights the importance of clearing angles and coordinating pushes. Using utility such as Molotovs to deny defenders cover while teammates systematically advance reduces risks and improves success rates.
Mixing faster and slower approaches keeps defenders uncertain. For example, beginning with a slow push to draw out utility and transitioning into a coordinated site take after initial pressure forces defenders to split their resources.
Nuke: Refining Rotations and Attacking Effectively
CT Side
Rotations are critical on Nuke, particularly for upper players. When opponents use outside smokes, upper players should consider dropping to lower bombsites to maintain coverage. Flexibility in positioning allows defenders to adapt to changing threats effectively.
Utility usage also plays a significant role. Players at ramp and door must coordinate their utility to delay pushes and prevent attackers from gaining control. Smart use of smokes and Molotovs can stall advances and give teammates time to rotate.
T Side
On the T side, mid- and late-round plays require a strong understanding of CT positioning. Coordinated pushes through door or ramp, supported by teammates clearing close angles, disrupt defenders and improve site take success rates. Proper utility usage, such as flashes and smokes, further enhances these executes.
EliGE emphasizes the importance of teamwork when executing site takes. Players must communicate effectively, clearing angles systematically and timing utility to maximize impact. This level of coordination often determines the success of late-round pushes.
