Train is one of the most strategically rich and visually distinctive maps in Counter-Strike history. Its open bombsites, vertical gameplay, and complex train layouts reward teams with strong coordination, utility usage, and clear communication. For multinational squads, mastering Train means knowing the main tactics, all key locations, and how to pronounce callouts in different languages. This guide covers essential strategies, a comprehensive list of callouts, and tips for international teamwork.
Key Tactics for Train
- Map Control: Gaining control of key areas—such as Ivy, Main, and Popdog (Ladder Room)—is crucial for both sides. Ts use these routes to split attacks on A or B, while CTs must hold or retake them to prevent site collapses.
- Utility Usage: Smokes, flashes, and molotovs are vital for blocking sightlines (e.g., Z Connector, Old Bomb, E-box) and forcing defenders out of strong positions. Well-timed utility can enable fast plants and isolate CTs.
- Site Splits: A site is often attacked via a split from Main, Popdog, and Ivy. B site is usually hit through Upper and Lower (Ramp) or via fast rotations from Popdog/Main.
- CT Rotations: CTs often play two on A (one close, one back), one Ivy, one B, and one flex (Z Connector/Popdog). Fast, coordinated rotations are key for retakes and support.
- Fake Executes: Throwing utility and pressuring one site before quickly switching to the other is highly effective due to Train’s long rotation times and complex layout.
- Communication: With so many angles and vertical levels, clear, concise callouts are essential for both defense and attack.
Complete Train Callouts: English, Russian, and Pronunciation
Here are the most important Train 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 |
| Ivy | Иви / Зелень | “Ee-vee” / “Zel-en” | Long corridor on the left side (from T perspective) |
| Main (T Main) | Мейн | “Main” | Main entrance to A site |
| Popdog (Ladder Room) | Попдог / Лестница | “Pop-dog” / “Les-nitsa” | Vertical shaft between A site and T Main |
| Brown Halls (Halls) | Браун / Халлы | “Braun” / “Hally” | Corridor above B site |
| Upper B | Аппер / Верх | “Apper” / “Verkh” | Upper entrance to B site |
| Lower B (Ramp) | Лоуер / Рамп | “Louer” / “Ramp” | Lower entrance to B site |
| B Site | Плэнт Б | “Plent B” | B bombsite |
| A Site | Плэнт А | “Plent A” | A bombsite |
| E-box | Эбокс / Электрик | “E-box” / “Elektrik” | Box near Popdog on A site |
| Old Bomb | Старая / Старый плэнт | “Staraya” / “Stary plent” | Back of A site, near bomb train |
| Z Connector | Зетка | “Zetka” | Connector between A and B |
| Heaven | Хэвен | “Hev-en” | Balcony above B site |
| CT Spawn | Респаун КТ | “Res-pawn K-T” | Counter-Terrorist starting area |
| Bomb Train (Green/Red/Blue) | Зеленый / Красный / Синий вагон | “Zelenyy” / “Krasnyy” / “Siniy vagon” | Trains on A site (Green is closest to T Main, Red in the middle, Blue farthest) |
| Oil Train | Ойл | “Oil” | Train near B site |
| Upper/Lower (B site) | Верх / Низ | “Verkh” / “Niz” | Entrances to B site |
Other languages (Spanish, German, French, Turkish, Chinese, etc.) often use English-derived callouts, with local pronunciation. For example, “Popdog” in Spanish is “Escalera,” in German “Leiterraum,” but most teams simply say “Popdog.” “Heaven” is “Cielo” (Spanish), “Himmel” (German), “Ciel” (French). For international play, teams usually agree on English callouts for clarity.
Pronunciation Tips for Multinational Teams
- Use short, clear callouts: “Ivy,” “Main,” “Popdog,” “Z,” “Heaven,” “Upper,” “Oil.”
- 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: A Split with Ivy, Main, and Popdog
- Ts split A with three routes: two from Main, one from Ivy, one from Popdog.
- Use smokes for Z Connector, E-box, and flashes for Old Bomb and Green Train.
- Call out “E-box!” “Green!” “Heaven!” as you clear A site and plant the bomb.
Conclusion: Mastering Train for International Play
Success on Train demands precise 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 splits and retakes. With these skills, your team will be ready to dominate Train in any multinational match.
