You won’t need to spray and pray if you’ve learned CS2’s spray patterns.
There are several skills CS2 players need to master if they want to climb the ranks. Aim is the obvious one, but there are plenty of subsections to aiming — one of which is recoil control. You're always taught to tap and aim for the head in CS2, but sometimes enemies rush at you quickly and firing one to two bullets isn't going to cut the mustard!
Counter-Strike isn't like it's peers in the FPS space when it comes to weapon recoil. Most automatic weapons in CS2 have a static spray pattern, meaning that unless you move, the bullets will land in the same spot every time.
Learning to control this spray pattern and tightening your bullet spread is paramount in CS2. Here's a look at what a spray pattern is and how you can learn to master recoil control.
What is a spray pattern in CS2?
The easiest way to learn a weapon's spray pattern in CS2 is to aim at a wall and hold the trigger. Stand a short-to-medium distance away, pull out your weapon, and hold the trigger. In most cases, the weapon will kick upwards and into several different directions left and right.
Without moving, reload and aim at the same starting point. Repeat the process, and the bullets should land in their existing bullet holes — that's your spray pattern!
Each automatic weapon in CS2 has a unique spray pattern that's slightly different than its peers, but you won't need to learn them all! In most cases, the average player will learn the main three patterns: the M4A4 and M4A1-S (CT), and the AK-47 (T).
In essence, to "learn" a spray pattern and control a CS2 weapon in full auto, you'll want to do the opposite of the result of the pattern. If the bullets in the pattern go up, you'll want to pull down. If the bullets go left, drag your mouse to the right.
We've included screenshots of each pattern of the above three weapons, plus the cheaper rifle variants in the FAMAS and Galil.
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How to practice spray patterns in CS2
Spending time during CS2 warmup or in a practice server on learning spray patterns will help in the long run. Practice pulling the weapon and counteracting the recoil to keep bullet spread as tight as possible.
You don't need to be perfectly accurate with every shot! Work on burst fire control and landing the first five to six bullets before resetting your aim and firing again. It's also important to determine when it's best to spray and when you should tap or burst — the further away the enemy, the more you should tap fire!
You can also use Steam Workshop maps to help practice your recoil control. One such map is Recoil Master, which features a huge wall and the spray pattern of your weapon displayed so you can follow the shots in real time.
The map includes several different settings allowing you to practice recoil and spray patterns in a range of circumstances. To install and play Recoil Master:
- Visit the Recoil Master map page on the Steam Workshop.
- Click "Subscribe" to add the map to your collection.
- Open CS2, then navigate to "Workshop Maps" under the Play tab.
- Pick the Recoil Master map, then press Go.
With plenty of practice both alone and in a live Premier environment, you'll slowly develop the skill to control your rifle and land sick multi kills without needing to reset or tap your weapon!
For more CS2 news and guides check out esports.gg.
