Inferno is one of Counter-Strike’s most iconic and strategically rich maps, renowned for its tight chokepoints, tactical depth, and the importance of utility and teamplay. To succeed on Inferno—especially in international lobbies—you need to master core strategies, know all the key callouts, and communicate locations clearly in multiple languages. This guide covers essential tactics, a comprehensive list of callouts, and pronunciation tips for global teamwork.
Core Tactics for Inferno
- Banana Control: Banana is the most contested area on Inferno, leading directly to B Site. Both sides use grenades—smokes, molotovs, and flashes—to fight for control. Gaining Banana lets Ts execute onto B or fake, while CTs can use it for early info and aggressive holds.
- Mid and Apartments: Controlling Mid and Apartments is vital for A Site attacks. Ts often split their team, sending some through Apartments (for Balcony or Boiler) and others through Mid (Short or Long). Smokes and flashes are crucial for taking or holding these areas.
- Executing A: Typical A takes involve splitting from Short, Long, and Apartments. Use smokes for Arch and Library, molotovs for Pit and Graveyard, and flashes to blind defenders. After-plant, holding Pit, Balcony, and Site is key.
- Executing B: For B, Ts use smokes for CT and Coffins, molotovs for New Box and Dark, and flashes to clear defenders. Fast Banana control is often followed by a coordinated rush or a delayed execute with fakes elsewhere.
- CT Rotations and Utility: CTs must use early utility to delay pushes, especially on Banana and Mid. Quick, informed rotations are vital—Speedway and Arch allow fast support between sites. Crossfires in Pit, Site, and Construction are strong for retakes and holds.
- Fakes and Map Control: Successful teams mix real executes with fakes, using utility and presence to draw rotations before switching sites. Map control is about applying pressure and forcing the defense to spread thin.
Complete Inferno Callouts: English, Russian, and Pronunciation
| English Callout | Russian (Русский) | Pronunciation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| T Spawn | Респаун Т | “Res-pawn T” | Terrorist starting point |
| Banana | Банан | “Ban-an” | Narrow path to B Site |
| B Site | Плэнт Б | “Plent B” | Bombsite B |
| CT Spawn | Респаун КТ | “Res-pawn K-T” | Counter-Terrorist starting point |
| Mid | Мид | “Mid” | Central area, connects to A/B |
| Second Mid | Второй мид | “Vtoroy mid” | Alternate Mid route |
| Apartments (Apps) | Апартаменты / Апсы | “Apartamenty” / “Apsy” | Buildings above A Site |
| Balcony | Балкон | “Balkon” | Overlooks A Site from Apps |
| Pit | Яма | “Yama” | Depression near A Site |
| Short | Шорт | “Short” | Path from Mid to A Site |
| Long | Лонг | “Long” | Long path to A Site |
| Library | Библиотека | “Biblioteka” | CT rotation near A Site |
| Arch | Арка | “Arka” | Connector from Mid/Long to B/CT |
| Graveyard | Грейвярд | “Greyvyard” | Corner near Pit on A Site |
| Boiler | Бойлер | “Boyler” | Doorway from Apps to Top Mid |
| Construction | Констракшн | “Kon-strak-shn” | Area outside B Site |
| Coffins | Кофины | “Kofiny” | Back of B Site, headshot angle |
| New Box | Новый бокс | “Novyy boks” | Box at back of B Site |
| Dark | Дарк | “Dark” | Shadowy corner on B Site |
| Fountain | Фонтан | “Fontan” | Center of B Site |
| Sandbags | Сэндбэги | “Sendbegi” | On Banana, common hiding spot |
In other languages, most callouts are derived from English or adapted phonetically: in Spanish, “Banana” is “Banana,” “Apartments” is “Apartamentos,” “Pit” is “Foso.” In German, “Banane,” “Wohnungen,” “Grube.” Many international teams 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: “Banana,” “Pit,” “Apps,” “Short,” “Long,” “Coffins.”
- Agree on a standard set of callouts and practice them as a team.
- Use map pings if language barriers arise.
- Watch pro streams in different languages to hear how callouts are adapted.
Sample Tactical Round: B Execute with Banana Control
- Ts gain Banana control using smokes, molotovs, and flashes.
- Line up smokes for CT and Coffins, molotov New Box and Dark, flash over site.
- Push together, clear site, and plant for Banana or Coffins. Use callouts like “Coffins!” “New Box!” “Dark!” as you clear angles.
- After plant, hold crossfires from Fountain, Banana, and Construction.
Conclusion: Mastering Inferno for International Play
Success on Inferno is built on sharp tactics, strong utility usage, and—above all—clear communication. Learn every key position and its callout, agree on a common language or set of terms, and practice coordination for fast executes and retakes. With these skills, your team will be ready to dominate Inferno in any multinational match.
