How to defend on CS:GO s Train map


CSGO Train Defense



Call-outs


Here's an overview of the map, including call-outs that are helpful to learn.



Last time we went over the terrorist side on Cobblestone. Now we're back on track (choo-choo!) with a counter-terrorist guide for Train.


Train is another map that, like Cobblestone, has seen a lot of iterations throughout the years due to balance issues. The map itself consists of two train yards, an alley and a hallway. Your objective is to prevent the terrorists from blowing up one of two nuclear payloads.

Defending inside


Let's start with the inner bombsite. What usually happens is that the terrorists smoke off lower before they push down the ramp. This means it's a risk to stand far back and peek lower. After the smoke you won't know if they actually pushed site or not unless you have a teammate closer to the bomb train. You can however take an auto-sniper and shoot blindly into the smoke and do some serious damage. In addition, the long distances make the auto-sniper a really powerful weapon for retakes.


My favorite spot is the bomb train. If done properly you can dance around the train all day while you wait for backup. Especially if your team has a sniper nearby that keeps the enemies from pushing you. Peek over the train like this:


GreedyRectangularGraysquirrel (gfyCat video)


If you're lucky (or a sick aimer) you might pick up the first headshot. Then you can use a molotov to delay the push, fall back and call for backup. Most of the time your opponents will use flashes and smokes before they attack from upper, in which case you will know and have time to back off. Another option is to have another player holding upper.



Anti-eco


A round where your opponents haven't bought weapons and you try to secure the round with as few casualties as possible.



Sometimes you want to let out your inner ninja and go for the unexpected heroic play. One really cool spot is behind the spools between lower and upper. Normally I'd advise against staying close to your enemies on anti-eco rounds because of the risk of providing them with a weapon and a chance to get back into the game. But on round two, if you managed to win the pistol round, you can pick up a submachine gun and go for it. The SMG kill reward of $600 can mean a great deal later on. I've lost track of how many triple kills I've made from this position on the second round.


MedicalDownrightArgusfish (gfyCat video)


Other times you want to show off your great communication skills. Tell your teammate to stay close on upper and get ready to peek, then you throw a flashbang just as you get next to the fuse box on the wall. The flash will pop right in the face of any terrorists standing at the bottom of the stairs. As soon as your friend hears the pop, he can go for a quick peek and hopefully score a kill.


FineJovialArizonaalligatorlizard (gfyCat video)


On the next page: defending outside.

Defending outside


For the most part you can just hold angles, communicate and take the aim duels as the site has three really tight choke points: namely t-connector, ivy and ladder room. Every now and then you will however want to mix it up and consult that great playbook of yours.


If you have a good spawn towards ivy you can go aggressive. All you need is a flashbang and the heart of a lion. Bounce the flash off the floor and keep running. Now the terrorists have two options. Either they die because they turned around, or they die because they didn't.


SmallWigglyEquine (gfyCat video)


It's not that simple, but you get the point. You can gain a lot from pushing ivy every now and then. For instance, if you know their team has an AWP and your team doesn't, going aggressive can result in you acquiring one. At the very least you will gather much-needed information. If you know your opponents have a tendency to take their time you can try to sneak up on them. Otherwise it's probably wisest to back off and help your teammates around the bomb train.


As Train is a pretty straight forward map to defend I will give you some advice for those games when you're on the receiving end. Here's the scenario: you're down by a couple of rounds and your economy is low. Just before all hope is gone, you decide to do something about the situation. You buy a MAG-7 shotgun and flash your way into the ladder room. This is a risky play because if you have to move out in the open and try to retake a bombsite you are most likely screwed. On the other hand it can win you the round if you manage to surprise a terrorist coming down the ladder and pick up his AK-47.


AngryColorlessAiredale (gfyCat video)

Be careful!


It may seem easy to win the CT half on Train but you should keep two things in mind: It's just as easy for your opponents and it's really difficult to win eco rounds because of the long distances. What this means is that you should try to hold onto your precious weapons. You want as few eco rounds as possible. This mindset will win you games on Train. Don't chase down that last terrorist unless you think you can do some serious damage to their economy.

Find our other Counter-Strike: Global Offensive map guides here:


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