Defusing the bomb is one of the three conditions to win a round in a Competitive match of Counter-Strike – it’s one of the main objectives of the game. If you’re new to CS, don’t be ashamed, as we all have to start somewhere!
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about defusing. You’ll learn what defusing is, how to defuse the bomb, and tips to increase your success rate on the Counter-Terrorist side!
What Is Defusing In Counter-Strike?
Before getting any further, let’s ensure you understand the basics of Counter-Strike and what the term “defuse” means.
In a game of Counter-Strike, the objective of the Terrorist team is to plant the bomb. Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorists will try to prevent the enemy team from detonating the bomb, by eliminating the Terrorists before they get the bomb down, or defusing it to prevent the explosion. Only the Counter-Terrorist team can defuse a bomb!
Therefore, in Counter-Strike, there are three ways a team can win a round:
- Eliminating the enemy team before a plant or defuse occurs.
- Exploding the bomb. (Results in a Terrorist win)
- Defusing the bomb. (Results in a Counter-Terrorist win)
When Terrorists plant the bomb on a bomb site, the Counter-Terrorists will have 45 seconds to retake the bomb site and spare several seconds to defuse the bomb, which will win them the round. If the Terrorists manage to defend the bomb and allow it to explode, Counter-Terorrists will fail, giving the round win to the Terrorists.
With these concepts in mind, we can conclude that the game is based on the bomb, as both teams are relying on it to win the round.
How To Defuse Bomb CS2 [Step-by-Step Guide]
Now that we’ve learned what defusing is and how impactful it can be, let’s not embarrass ourselves by not knowing how to defuse in CS:GO.
For all beginners, here is a step-by-step guide to defusing a bomb:
Step 1: Locate The Correct Bomb Site
The first step is a no-brainer. There are two available bomb sites in every Counter-Strike map. Terrorists can only plant the bomb within bomb sites, and Counter-Terrorists will be notified when the bomb has been planted.
So, it is the Counter-Terrorists’ job to identify which of the two bomb sites (A or B) the bomb has been planted in. A planted bomb will also make ticking noises. By using this audio cue, you can listen to where the sound is coming from.
If one of your teammates has spotted the bomb, a red icon of it will appear on the radars of every player on the team. Your teammates can also inform you of which site the bomb has been planted on.
Step 2: Enter The Bomb Site
Once you have confirmed which bomb site should be contested, the second step is to fight your way into the site. If the Terrorists manage to get the plant down, it usually means they have control over the area.
While trying to enter the bomb site, prepare for upcoming gun fights, as Terrorists won’t let you walk in for free! Your enemies won’t be hiding in the bomb site itself. They could be hiding behind entry points to the site, so pull out your gun and clear every angle.
If possible, group up with teammates and go together. This allows you to gang up on Terrorists that are spread around the site, allowing you and your mates to help each other take duels.
Step 3: Find The Bomb
The bomb can be planted anywhere in the bomb site, so make sure you set sights on the exact position of the bomb plant so you can plan your moves accordingly.
If the bomb is planted behind cover, for example, behind a box, try taking control of the area so you can defuse the bomb protected by obstacles. You don’t necessarily need to kill all Terrorists before defusing, but eliminating them certainly helps.
Step 4: Clear The Bomb Site
If it is not possible to sneak in a defuse without killing the enemy team, you must work together with your team to pick off all pesky Terrorists hiding in different positions in the site.
Clear all angles on the bomb site and take gun fights together. Swinging as a unit will help you overwhelm opponents or trade kills accordingly.
Defusing the bomb can take a while, and when defusing, you will not be able to move. Teammates around the site must protect the teammate defusing the bomb. That is why eliminating your enemies will make defusing the bomb safer.
Step 5: Defuse The Bomb
Once the site is clear, or you get an opportunity to defuse behind cover, the final step is to start defusing the bomb.
To defuse the bomb, you must press your “Use” key, which is bound to the “E” button by default. When defusing, you must hold the defuse button. Initiating a defuse will create a sound that can be heard by teammates and enemy players, too.
Turning around or shooting your weapon will cancel the defusing process, and you’ll have to restart the countdown. However, while defusing, you are able to crouch and throw grenades, such as smokes and flashbangs, which can buy you some much-needed time.
If a defuse is successful, Counter-Terrorists immediately win the round, no matter how many players from each time remain alive.
How To Defuse Faster CS2?
A normal defuse will take a player 10 seconds, which is quite a while considering the bomb ticks for 45 seconds.
But, there is a way for players to take less time defusing the bomb. Counter-Terrorists can purchase a Defuse Kit for $400. The Defuse Kit will reduce the defusing duration to only 5 seconds, which halves the time required.
When a player with a Defuse Kit dies, the kit will be dropped on the ground next to their dead body. Teammates without one can pick it up by simply walking over the kit – it will automatically be picked up.
Tips To Defuse The Bomb In CS2
Defusing the bomb in itself is a very simple process; all you need to do is hold “E”. Though it sounds simple, the main obstacle is that Terrorists aren’t going to allow you to defuse it for free. Here are some things to remember in situations where you must retake a bomb site and defuse the bomb.
Work Together With Your Teammates
Counter-Strike is a team-oriented game, and this aspect is tested the most during retake situations. When trying to defuse a bomb, Counter-Terrorists are put on an intense 45-second timer, so they must work together efficiently to complete the mission.
Counter-Terrorists must coordinate gun fights and use their remaining grenades to clear out common angles or segment the bomb site into a favorable position. All of this must be done quickly, as the longer it takes, the less time they have to defuse.
It is also important for teammates to cover the person defusing. They essentially have to protect a stationary target which can be an easy kill for the Terrorist squad.
Understanding The “Fake Defuse”
The “Fake Defuse” concept is widely used in higher levels of play. When players initiate a defuse, a sound will be played that can be heard by Terrorists. By starting a defuse and canceling it immediately, Counter-Terrorists can bait out hidden Terrorists looking to kill the defuser.
It is a great tactic to force Terrorists into gun fights, as they must eventually check whether a player is defusing the bomb or not.
In the professional scene, fake defusing has turned into mind games. Some Terrorists will not budge when hearing the defuse audio, as they are predicting a fake defuse. However, some professionals do not fake and stick the defuse in the open, which is where the phrase “Pros Don’t Fake” comes from.
Use Smokes And Flashbangs (Ninja Defuse)
When defusing, players cannot move or shoot their weapons. However, one of the few things they can do is to shuffle through grenades and deploy them on the ground.
Sometimes, it is very difficult to bait out concealed Terrorists, often due to low time or a player disadvantage. In such situations, the best option is sometimes to deploy a smoke grenade, start defusing, and pray for the best. While defusing under the smoke, the diffuser can also throw flashbangs to blind opponents.
This term is popularly called a “Ninja Defuse,” which was created by one of the most prominent Counter-Strike YouTubers, Sparkles. Since ninjas are known to use smoke and act sneakily, a ninja defuse is the perfect term for this move.
Default Plants vs. Open Plants
As covered earlier, Terrorists can plant anywhere on the bomb site. There are two main types of planting positions.
“Default” plants are called that because it is the most common planting position. Bomb plants in default positions are usually behind cover, making it safer for Terrorists to plant. However, default plants can also work against the Terrorists, as Counter-Terrorists can also defuse it behind cover.
“Open” plants are much trickier to defuse safely. As the name suggests, the bomb is planted in the open, where there is no cover. Planting the bomb in open positions can be very risky for Terrorists, as they will remain exposed to multiple angles while getting the bomb down. However, if successful, the same idea is applied to Counter-Terrorists trying to defuse.
It is very difficult to defuse an open plant without eliminating all enemy players. You can deploy a smoke on the bomb and start defusing, but since there is no cover, enemy players can spam bullets through the smoke since no cover is available.