Still finding your M4A4 spray all over the place in Counter-Strike 2? Don’t worry — you’re far from the only one. CS2 brought some subtle but impactful changes from CSGO, especially when it comes to weapon mechanics. For many players, that’s meant relearning what they thought they already knew — especially when it comes to recoil.
The M4A4 spray pattern remains one of the most important mechanics to master in CS2. It’s not just about holding mouse1 — it’s about understanding the gun’s behavior down to the frame, so your bullets go where you want them to. This guide is your step-by-step blueprint to get there.
What Makes the M4A4 Spray Pattern Unique in CS2?
The M4A4 doesn’t spray randomly — and that’s a good thing. In CS2, just like in CSGO, every weapon follows a consistent, learnable recoil pattern. If you hold down fire, the M4A4 kicks upward for the first few bullets, then starts dancing left and right in a tight zigzag. Learn that pattern, and you can move your mouse in the opposite direction to compensate.
This is the foundation of spray control, and in CS2, it feels slightly different thanks to the new subtick system. Everything’s just a bit more responsive now, so while your inputs register more quickly, mistakes also stand out more. It’s like tightening the margin of error — rewarding precise players and punishing sloppiness.
The M4A4 Spray Pattern, Bullet by Bullet
Let’s break it down into phases:
Bullets 1–4: The First Kick
These go mostly straight up. Just a bit of downward compensation is enough. Most pro players try to land their kills here, before the pattern kicks in.
Bullets 5–15: The Zigzag Begins
Here’s where it gets tricky. After the vertical climb, the spray jumps sharply left — then swings right, and keeps alternating. Your job? Match those movements in reverse with smooth, controlled mouse motion.
Bullets 16–30: Controlled Chaos
After the 15th bullet, the spray gets wilder. It still follows a pattern, but the shifts become wider and less forgiving. Most pros won’t go this far unless they have no choice — burst control is usually better at this stage.
Pro Tip: Unlike your sensitivity settings, which stay constant, your spray control needs to be dynamic — adapting in real-time to the gun’s kick.
What Changed in CS2? M4A4 Recoil vs. CSGO
CS2’s new engine means recoil feels a bit different. Thanks to subtick updates, your inputs are processed more frequently, so your corrections register faster. That’s good — but it also means sloppy overcorrections can throw your aim off even faster.
The visual side has also improved. Muzzle flashes and bullet impacts are easier to read now, which helps you track your spray — though you might need time to adjust if you’re used to CSGO’s older visuals.
Some top-tier players have noted the M4A4 pattern in CS2 is slightly tighter — less horizontal drift — which rewards players who really dial in their muscle memory.
Your 3-Phase M4A4 Training Plan
Mastering spray isn’t just about knowing the pattern — it’s about practicing it the right way.
Phase 1: Wall Practice
Start on a clean wall using CS2 practice commands. Stand about 10 meters back and focus on drawing the spray pattern with your mouse. Fire in 10-bullet bursts — correct up, then right — and repeat until it feels second nature.
Phase 2: Add Targets
Once your wall work is clean, move to the aim training maps. Focus on dragging your spray between multiple targets — simulating real fights where enemies won’t stand still for you. This helps build the muscle memory that works under pressure.
Phase 3: Move and Spray
Real fights happen while moving. Practice stopping (counter-strafing) just before you spray. Combine this with good crosshair placement, and you’ll land more shots while staying mobile — just like the pros.
M4A4 vs. M4A1-S: Which Has the Better Spray?
The M4A4 is harder to control, but it rewards you with more damage, a bigger magazine, and better multi-kill potential. It’s ideal if you’re taking on multiple enemies or holding chokepoints.
The M4A1-S has a tighter spray and is easier to use in one-on-one fights, but it’s less forgiving if you get swarmed.
Want to dominate in spray-heavy positions? Learn the M4A4. Prefer precision and silence? Go for the M4A1-S. Ideally, know both and switch based on your team’s needs.
Pro-Level Spray Control Techniques
Spray Transfers
This is the art of switching targets while spraying. It requires a deep understanding of the pattern, so you know where your bullets are at any moment. Practice moving your spray from one dummy to another without stopping fire.
Stay Cool Under Pressure
Even if you’ve got the pattern down, stress can ruin your muscle memory. Practice under pressure — set time limits, add penalties for misses — and develop breathing or mental routines that help you stay calm in matches.
Combine Movement + Control
Real gameplay involves peeking, jiggle-shooting, and strafing. Mix these movements with your spray practice. You want to be able to hit your shots while moving smartly, not just standing still.
Mistakes to Watch For
Overcorrecting
Too many players yank their mouse too far when trying to control the spray, especially during the horizontal zigzag.
Fix it: Start with smaller movements. Use bullet decals to check where your shots go. Tweak slowly until you find the sweet spot.
Bad Timing
Knowing the pattern isn’t enough — you need to time your corrections correctly, too.
Fix it: Use rhythm training — even a metronome can help. Once it’s in muscle memory, you won’t have to think about it anymore.
Panic Spraying
Under pressure, players often ditch the pattern and just hold mouse1. That rarely ends well.
Fix it: Practice under pressure. Set up “clutch” drills where you must land a spray under stress.
How Spray Control Fits Into Your CS2 Game Plan
Spray control isn’t a solo skill — it’s a piece of your overall strategy. Knowing when to spray, when to burst, and when to tap can change the outcome of a round.
Pair your spray training with a solid weapon strategy, dialed-in sensitivity, and optimized viewmodel settings for better consistency in every match.
How to Track Your Progress
Instead of guessing, track how well you’re doing. Use training software or aim trainers that show your hit accuracy, reaction time, and spray consistency.
Log your results — are you landing more 10-bullet groupings? Getting quicker at transfers? These metrics tell you what’s working and what needs more reps.
Spray mastery should be part of your overall improvement plan. For best results, blend it with better game sense, communication, and positioning.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to Spray Mastery
Mastering the M4A4’s spray in CS2 isn’t easy — but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s a core skill that turns missed kills into round wins, and good players into great ones.
Stick to the plan:
- Nail the wall spray.
- Add targets and movement.
- Train under pressure.
Combine that with smart strategy, and you’ll not only control the M4A4 — you’ll own the battlefield. Keep grinding, keep tracking your progress, and soon you’ll be climbing the CS2 ranks with confidence.
