“Why Does My Smoke Always Clip Through the Wall?!”
We’ve all been there: you practice a lineup for hours, throw it in a match… and it phases through Temple wall. The enemy mows you down while you scream, “But Reddit said this works!”
Here’s the hard truth: 70% of Ancient smoke guides are outdated after CS2’s smoke overhaul. Volumetric smokes bloom faster, react to bullets, and have new collision quirks. I’ve tested every lineup in this guide against 2025’s physics – no more clipped smokes or wasted $300 nades.
CS2’s Smoke Physics: Ancient’s New Rules
CS2 didn’t just upgrade graphics – it changed how smokes behave. Here’s what matters on Ancient:
Bloom Speed
- Smokes now fully expand in 1.5-1.9 seconds (was 1.7s fixed in CS:GO)
- Why it matters: Throws for Long pushes need to be 0.3s earlier
Bullet Holes = Temporary Vents
- Shooting smokes creates 0.5-second sightlines
- Pro move: Pre-fire common angles like Donut during executes
Lower “Ceiling” for Smokes
- Collision height dropped from 128 → 96 units
- Ancient quirk: Temple smokes now sneak through roof gaps
Practice Setup (Paste in Console):
sv_cheats 1; sv_grenade_trajectory 1; mp_buytime 9999; ammo_grenade_limit_total 5
Need the full config? Use our CS2 practice commands guide
T-Side Smokes: The 3 Must-Know Packages
Mid Control Trio (Win Opening Shots)
- Window Smoke (Instant Intel Denial)
- Where: T-spawn pillar (left side)
- Aim: Chip in the brick at 45°
- Throw: Jump throw
- Why it works: Blocks CT snipers before they scope in
- Donut Dominator (Split Enabler)
- Position: River left corner
- Marker: Seam between buildings
- Throw: W+jump throw (critical!)
- Secret benefit: Lets your lurker flank unnoticed
- Red Room Lock
- Use when: CTs love pushing mid
- Best version: From back-right spawn → notch in dark tree
A-Site Execute (3-Smoke Combo)
Throw these within 2 seconds:
- Donut Denial
A-main entrance → gap in hollow wall (jump throw)
- CT Spawn Block
Same spot → upper ledge crack
- Temple Anchor
Crouch left corner → 3rd leaf vein (W+jump)
Struggling with crosshair placement? Tune it via crosshair commands
CT-Side: 5 Smokes That Save Rounds
Early Round Staples
- Elbow Delay Smoke
- From: CT spawn back-left corner
- Target: Center of the discolored brick
- Throw: W+jump
- Buys: 20+ seconds for rotations
- Temple One-Way
- Position: Temple entrance left
- Aim: Darkest leaf cluster
- Why pros use it: See T movements without exposing yourself
B-Site Retake (Spirit’s 2025 Strat)
- Cave Control (“Chopper’s Special”)
CT-B corner → run+jump before hitting the box
- Short Isolation
B-main back → square on wall (jump throw)
- Long Delay
Same spot → above the graffiti ‘A’
Pro Team Secrets: Make Randoms Feel Like Premade
The Synchronized A-Take
| Role | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Window smoke from spawn | 0:05 round start |
| Entry | A-main positioning | 0:03 |
| Lurker | Donut smoke + flank watch | 0:04 |
| IGL | “EXECUTE NOW!” call | When CTs waste utility |
B-Site Fakeout (Mind Games)
- Cave player throws Intel smoke
- Ramp team executes short/long smokes
- Mid player punishes over-rotating CTs
Practice with bots: Use bot coordination commands
Fixing Smoke Bugs: No More Ghost Nades
“My Smoke Clipped Through Wall!”
- Fix 1: Add cl_forcepreload 1 to autoexec
- Fix 2: Verify game files + update GPU drivers
Inconsistent Jump Throws?
Paste this bind in the console:
alias “+jumpthrow” “+jump;-attack”; alias “-jumpthrow” “-jump”; bind “j” “+jumpthrow”
Full setup: Autoexec configuration guide
Smoke Rendering Late?
- Disable HDR in video settings
- Lower shadow quality to Medium
Practice Like a Pro: Drills That Stick
Daily 15-Min Routine
- Warmup (3 mins)
- T-spawn window + donut smokes x5
- Execute Rehearsal (7 mins)
- A-site triple smoke timing drill
- Retake Scenarios (5 mins)
- B-site isolation package vs bots
Best Workshop Maps
- Ancient Smoke Lab – Visual guides for all lineups
- Retake Simulator 2025 – Realistic B-site practices
- CS2 Nade Master – Physics testing playground
Install help: Workshop map guide
FAQ: Quick Solutions
Q: Why did my CS:GO lineup fail in CS2?
A: Smokes now “hug” surfaces differently. Aim 5° higher for Temple throws.
Q: Which smoke gives most solo queue impact?
A: Mid donut smoke – enables splits/stops CT pushes instantly.
Q: How to coordinate without comms?
A: Throw window smoke at 0:05 – signals teammates to execute.
Your Ancient Smoke Checklist
- Master the mid control trio
- Bind jump throws
- Drill A-execute daily
- Fix clipping with cl_forcepreload 1
- Use Spirit’s B-retake smokes
Progression Path:
Basic lineups → Execute packages → Adaptive smoke usage
Final Thought: Smokes Win Rounds, Not Aim
Ancient rewards brains over flick shots. When you consistently land these smokes:
- Your entry fragger survives site pushes
- Lurker gets free flank kills
- 1v3 retakes become winnable
Start with 3 lineups this week – maybe window smoke and the A-site combo. Add more as they become muscle memory.
For deeper strategy, Pair with Anubis callouts or beginner fundamentals.
