CS2 anchor guide: How to play as an anchor
Anchors may not be the most glamorous players in Counter-Strike 2, but they are absolutely integral to their teams.
Typically, the supportive foundations of any CT side, anchors are either the first or last line of defence when it comes to preventing the terrorists from planting the bomb and winning a round.
In this CS2 anchor guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about playing as an anchor; where the anchor spots are, the attributes you require, and the most important things to consider when anchoring.
What is an anchor?
First off, let's clear up what an anchor is in Counter-Strike 2.
An anchor is the main defender of a bombsite. In many cases, they are left alone to defend that site and will often be passive while their site partner helps to fight for map control in other areas of the map.
For example, on Mirage, a B or A anchor will primarily be tasked with sticking to the site to defend it, while their Short or Connector player will be tasked with assisting in holding Mid control.
There are two types of anchors in CS2: the big site anchor and the small site anchor. Big site anchors will typically play A, while small site anchors typically play B - although this is not always true.
Photo: Michal KonkolAlthough both require good aim to hold their bombsites, the big site anchors typically have greater mechanical skill. This is because the big site is often the one attacked more by terrorists, especially in early-round situations.
Conversely, small site anchors are typically more reserved players, far less active than their big site counterparts, as they are more frequently executed at the end of a round.
While both require composure and good clutching capabilities, this distinction means that small site anchors are more frequently left in clutch scenarios, so that is something to bear in mind when becoming an anchor in CS2.
Photo: Stephanie LindgrenAnchor positions in CS2
In the next part of our CS2 anchor guide, we'll take a look at the positions that count as anchor spots in CS2.
Although some of these will be self-explanatory, others may need further explanation, so we'll provide extra details when necessary.
Let's start with the big site anchors.
Big site anchor positions in CS2
- Mirage - A site.
- Inferno - A Pit/Apps: Although all three A players can be left to anchor the A site of Inferno at any given time, this duty will most often fall to the Apps/Pit player. They will almost always be the last player to rotate away from the A site.
- Anubis - A Site: Anubis A Site is interesting because it is more like a small site. Despite this, it remains a spot frequently played by big site anchors at a pro level.
- Ancient - A Site: Like Anubis, Ancient's A Site can have games that show minimal action.
- Vertigo - B Site: Although the smaller of the two sites on Vertigo, B site is the one typically played by players who play A on other maps. This is because the angles on Vertigo B Site require the same level of mechanical skill as the other sites on this list.
- Overpass - A Site: A Site of Overpass is the most active spot on this list. Unlike the other spots, the A rifler for Overpass will typically be charged with taking aggressive fights in the early round.
Photo: Stephanie LindgrenSmall site anchor positions in CS2
- Mirage - B Site.
- Inferno - B Site: Unlike most other small site anchor positions in CS2, the B Site of Inferno is often inhabited by someone with greater levels of mechanical skill. It is also one of the most active small site anchor spots in CS2 as the B anchor will be tasked with fighting for Banana control.
- Anubis - B Site: Less of a solo anchor position than the other spots on this list, the B Site anchor on Anubis will be tasked with a lot of support plays for other B Site players.
- Ancient - B Site/Cave: On Ancient, the B Site and B Cave can be used interchangeably as anchor positions. However, it is recommended that the mechanically stronger of the two players on the site is more frequently found on B Site.
- Vertigo - A Site: Although the B anchor on Vertigo will typically be a team's strongest rifler, the second strongest should be found on A.
- Overpass - B Monster: On Overpass B site, a lot of the anchoring will be shared with the Short player. However, the Monster player is the true anchor, as they will be the last to rotate.
You will notice that Nuke is missing from both of those lists. That is because there isn't a true big or small site anchor on that map. That being said, there are two anchor positions.
The two anchor positions on Nuke are Ramp and A Floor. These are the two most static positions on the map, and the players holding those spots need to be reliable regarding their mechanical skills.
Photo: Michal KonkolHow to anchor bombsites in CS2
In this section of our CS2 anchor guide, we will explain how to anchor bombsites in CS2.
Contrary to popular belief, the most important thing when anchoring a bombsite isn't to get kills. Instead, it's to buy time to allow your teammates to rotate in to assist you.
Of course, that isn't always possible, so getting one or two kills is also important. However, the longer you stay alive, the greater your chance of having a stronger site defence once your allies are alongside you.
Another key aspect of anchoring in CS2 is being unpredictable. Every player has their own style and preferred spots, such as around the Balcony on A Site Mirage, but having a variety of plays from these spots is incredibly important.
When you have this playbook built up, the terrorists will have a much harder time dealing with you and will find it far harder to pre-fire you.
Photo: Michal KonkolTop skills for CS2 anchors
- Mechanical ability: Although this can be said for every CS2 role, getting kills is important as an anchor. You will often take 1v1 fights without any support, so you need to be able to win the 50/50s when presented with them. We've created a guide on the best aim maps in CS2 if you need to boost your aim training.
- Clutch factor: Because you will always be the last person to rotate, whether you anchor big sites or small sites, you will always be left in clutches. Being comfortable in clutches is paramount, or you will save a lot.
- Versatility: Having a variety of plays and knowing when to switch up how you are playing is vital. Certain adversaries will be excellent at pre-aiming spots on maps, so keeping them guessing is important.
- Composure: The point where you will have to fight is often the most high-pressure moment of the round. Staying alive or taking one or two terrorists with you is absolutely necessary, and you will require composure in order to do so. Composure will also help with your ability to clutch.
Photo: Stephanie LindgrenBest CS2 pro anchors
To conclude our CS2 anchor guide, we'll provide a list of players you should watch if you want to improve your anchoring in CS2.
Although you should also spend time improving your mechanical skill if you wish to be an anchor, that can't help your game sense. However, by watching pros you will pick up CS2 anchoring tips and tricks and understand when and why they take the fights they do.
The best CS2 pro anchors are:
Photo: Michal Konkol