Mirage is one of the most iconic and balanced maps in Counter-Strike 2. Its enduring popularity comes from a layout that rewards both sharp aim and deep tactical understanding. To play Mirage at a high level—especially in international lobbies—you need to master core strategies, know all the key callouts, and be able to communicate those locations in multiple languages. This guide covers essential tactics, a comprehensive list of callouts, and pronunciation tips for multilingual teamwork.
Essential Tactics for Mirage
- Mid Control: The heart of Mirage. Both sides fight for Mid because it enables fast rotations and split attacks. Use smokes for Window and Connector, flashes for Top Mid, and molotovs for common defensive spots. If you control Mid, you can pressure both A and B sites or split your attack for maximum confusion.
- A Site Splits: Classic T-side executes combine Mid and A Ramp/Palace pushes. Smokes for CT, Jungle, and Stairs, plus flashes over A, let you overwhelm defenders. Timing is key—coordinate your push from Ramp, Palace, and Connector together.
- B Site Takes: Focus on B Apartments and Short. Use deep flashes and molotovs for Van, Bench, and Back Site. Controlling Ladder Room is crucial for cutting off CT rotations and supporting a B push from Mid.
- CT Defense: Standard setups use two on A (Ramp, Palace, or Ticket), one in Window (sniper), one Connector/Flex, and one on B. Early utility at Mid and Apartments can delay T pushes. Quick rotations via CT Spawn, Jungle, and Market are vital for retakes.
- Rotations and Fakes: Because of Mirage’s open Mid, fakes are powerful. Throw utility on one site, then hit the other after pulling rotations. Use Underpass and Connector to move quickly between sites.
Complete Mirage Callouts: English, Russian, and Pronunciation
Clear callouts are the backbone of team communication. Here are the most important Mirage locations, with English names, Russian equivalents, and pronunciation guides for international play:
| English Callout | Russian (Русский) | Pronunciation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| T Spawn | Респаун Т | “Res-pawn T” | Terrorist starting area |
| A Ramp | Рамп | “Ramp” | Slope leading to A Site |
| Palace | Палас | “Palas” | High room above A Site |
| Tetris | Тетрис | “Tet-ris” | Boxes at the base of A Ramp |
| Sandwich | Сэндвич | “Send-vich” | Gap between Tetris and A Site wall |
| Firebox | Фаербокс | “Fai-er-box” | Back corner of A Site |
| Triple | Трипл | “Trip-l” | Three stacked boxes on A Site |
| Default | Дефолт | “De-folt” | Common bomb plant spot |
| Ninja | Ниндзя | “Nin-dzya” | Hidden spot behind A boxes |
| Stairs | Стаирс | “Stairs” | Stairs from CT to A Site |
| Jungle | Джангл | “Jang-l” | Hallway between Connector and CT |
| CT (Ticket Booth) | КТ / Тикет | “K-T” / “Tiket” | CT spawn and booth at A |
| Connector | Коннектор | “Kon-nektor” | Path from Mid to A |
| Window | Виндо | “Vin-do” | Sniper spot overlooking Mid |
| Ladder Room | Лестница | “Les-nitsa” | Room with ladder between Mid and B |
| Short (Catwalk) | Шорт | “Short” | Path from Mid to B Site |
| B Apartments (Apps) | Апсы / Апартаменты | “Apsy” / “Apartamenty” | Hallway leading to B Site |
| Bench | Бенч | “Bench” | Bench at back of B Site |
| Van | Ван | “Van” | Vehicle at B entrance |
| Market | Маркет | “Market” | Room connecting B Site to CT |
| Underpass | Подвал | “Pod-val” | Tunnel from Mid to B Apps |
| Top Mid | Топ мид | “Top mid” | T side entrance to Mid |
| Chair | Стул | “Stool” | Chair at Top Mid for early picks |
In other languages, most callouts are adopted from English, sometimes with local pronunciation or spelling. For example, in Spanish, “Palace” is “Palacio,” in German it’s “Palast,” and in French “Palais.” “Short” becomes “Corto” in Spanish, “Kurz” in German, and “Court” in French. Many international teams agree to use English callouts for clarity, but adapting to your group’s preferred language is key for success.
Pronunciation Tips for Multinational Teams
- Keep callouts short and clear: “Mid,” “Short,” “Apps,” “Van,” “Bench,” “Palace.”
- Practice as a team and agree on a standard set of callouts before matches.
- Use map pings if language barriers cause confusion.
- Listen to pro streams in different languages to hear how callouts are pronounced and adapted.
Sample Tactical Round: A Split with Mid Control
- 3 Ts take Mid with smokes for Window and Connector, flashes for Top Mid.
- 2 Ts wait at A Ramp/Palace. Once Mid is controlled, push Connector and Ramp together.
- Use smokes for CT and Jungle. Call out “Stairs!” “Triple!” “Firebox!” as you clear A Site.
- Plant for Default or Triple, depending on control. Use concise callouts like “Planting Default!” or “Bomb Triple!”
Conclusion: Mastering Mirage for International Play
Success on Mirage depends on a blend of sharp aim, smart tactics, and—above all—clear communication. Learn every key position and its callout, practice with your team’s preferred language, and use concise, universally understood terms in clutch situations. Watch pro demos, drill utility lineups, and adapt your strategies to your opponents. With these skills, you’ll be ready to dominate Mirage in any international match.
