CS2 Recoil Patterns & Spray Control
Master weapon recoil and spray control for CS2's most-used weapons
Recoil patterns in CS2 are fixed per weapon — the same weapon climbs and drifts the same way every time, which is why spray control can be learned as muscle memory. This guide covers the ten weapons you will spray most often. Want to practice the patterns interactively? Use our Spray Trainer — per-bullet pattern visualizations for this page are in the works.
AK-47
RifleRecoil Pattern
Climbs almost straight up for roughly the first 9-10 bullets, then drifts left before swinging back to the right. Recoil patterns in CS2 are fixed per weapon, so the path is learnable.
Spray Tips
Pull straight down through the initial climb, then down-right to counter the left drift, then back left. At range, prefer 2-4 bullet bursts or taps.
M4A4
RifleRecoil Pattern
Strong vertical climb through the first bullets with milder horizontal sway than the AK-47 in the later part of the spray.
Spray Tips
One of the easier rifles to spray. Focus on a smooth downward pull first — the horizontal correction needed is smaller than on the AK.
M4A1-S
RifleRecoil Pattern
Even more controlled than M4A4. Very vertical with minimal horizontal deviation.
Spray Tips
Best precision weapon. Pull down consistently for spray control.
Galil AR
RifleRecoil Pattern
Moderate vertical climb with more first-shot inaccuracy than the AK-47, but a large 35-round magazine forgives longer sprays.
Spray Tips
Pull down through the climb and correct horizontally as the spray widens. Strong T-side force-buy weapon.
FAMAS
RifleRecoil Pattern
Relatively tight spray with a clear vertical climb, but a small 25-round magazine limits sustained fire.
Spray Tips
Best used in short bursts at medium range. Solid CT force-buy option when you cannot afford an M4.
AWP
SniperRecoil Pattern
No spray pattern — bolt-action with one shot per chamber. Accuracy resets between shots, and moving while firing ruins the shot.
Spray Tips
Stand still (or counter-strafe to a full stop) before firing. Pre-aim common angles and reposition after each shot.
UMP-45
SMGRecoil Pattern
Moderate, mostly vertical recoil that is easy to manage at SMG engagement distances.
Spray Tips
Good at close range. A steady downward pull controls most of the spray.
MP9
SMGRecoil Pattern
Very manageable, mostly vertical with minimal spread.
Spray Tips
Fast fire rate makes it predictable. Good for eco rounds.
Deagle
PistolRecoil Pattern
Extremely high recoil. Requires spacing between shots.
Spray Tips
Single fire only. Tap fire with crosshair placement.
P250
PistolRecoil Pattern
Moderate recoil. Decent accuracy for a pistol.
Spray Tips
Eco weapon. Use in bursts at medium range.
Recoil Control Techniques
Tap Firing
Single shot then release. Most accurate method. Used for long-range engagements.
Burst Firing
3-4 shots in quick succession. Balance between fire rate and accuracy. Ideal for medium range.
Spray Control
Hold down fire and counter the recoil pattern. Requires practice and muscle memory. Best at close range.
Counter-Strafing
Press opposite movement key to stop instantly while maintaining accuracy. Essential for advanced play.
Practice Tips
- Use aim maps in community servers to practice spray control without pressure
- Record demos and review your spray patterns to identify inconsistencies
- Practice with one weapon at a time to build muscle memory
- Start with burst firing before attempting full spray control
- Focus on crosshair placement first, spray control second
- Play death match to get comfortable with recoil in real matches
- Most importantly: counter-strafe to stabilize before spraying
Frequently Asked Questions
What is recoil in CS2?
Recoil is the upward/downward movement of your crosshair when firing a weapon. Different weapons have different recoil patterns that must be learned and controlled.
How do I control spray recoil?
Spray control involves pulling your mouse in the opposite direction of the recoil pattern. Practice in aim maps to develop muscle memory.
What is counter-strafing?
Counter-strafing is pressing the opposite movement key while moving to instantly stop. Combined with recoil control, it's essential for accurate spraying.
Is spray control necessary?
For professional play, yes. For casual play, burst firing and tapping are often more effective than trying to control full sprays.