Mirage smokes on CS:GO define entry fragging and site control, turning mid into a layered web of vision denial. Understanding when and how to use these smoke grenades helps teams execute precise pushes and hold angles under pressure.
This guide breaks down practical setups, timing, and angles for Mirage so you can read pro patterns and translate them into reliable execution in your own games.
| Smoke Type | Primary Use | Common Throw Angle | Typical Banquet Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid Long | Blocks vision from Mid to A long and connector | Lower arc from Mid near crates | Ramp, Connector |
| Mid Short | Cuts lines from Mid to A short and tunnels | Higher arc from Mid doors | Mid doors, Rubble |
| Jungle Long | Secures A long from CT spawn and apartments | Straight line across middle | Jungle, Front |
| Tunnel Smoke | Denies A mid and makes site holds safer | From tunnel near crates to A mid | Tunnel, Rubble |
Core Mid Long Execution
The mid long smoke is the backbone of most Mirage site entries, blocking the most direct line from CT side to A long and connector. Landing this smoke consistently from ramp or connector lets your team control the cross and rotate safely.
Key Placement Tips
Throw from a stable position, keep your crosshair at head level, and practice drifting the corner so the smoke nests against the wall without drifting into the open lane.
Tunnel And Jungle Angles
Securing A long early with jungle long and tunnel smokes flips pressure to the CT side and opens safe rotations for your lurkers. Precise throws from jungle or front can seal apartments and stop default pushes before they start.
Rotation Windows
Use these smokes to move your lurker or support without exposing your site, timing your peek so the smoke still overlaps when you enter the angle.
Mid And Short For Site Holds
Mid short smokes are critical for holding A site after an entry, cutting off mid doors and rubble vision that enemies often spam to clear corners. A well-placed mid short lets you pre-aim common lines and contest space without overextending.
Entry Side Considerations
On the opposite side, a short smoke from near doors can deny CT vision into connector and give your entry a cleaner push lane into mid.
Coordination With Teammates
Mirage smoke execution scales with team coordination, where one player’s mid long becomes another’s safe rotate or a second smoke can lock down the opposite flank. Communication about swaps, nades, and callouts turns individual smokes into layered setups that pressure multiple lines at once.
Key Takeaways For Mirage Smokes
- Practice a small set of go-to smoke lines for mid long, mid short, tunnel, and jungle long.
- Anchor your throw mechanics to keep smokes consistent under pressure.
- Layer smokes across multiple angles to maintain site control without overcommitting.
- Communicate swap timings so your team can rotate and contest efficiently.
- Adapt your nade paths to push the smoke exactly where you need it against enemy banquets.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my mid long smoke drift into the open instead of nesting against the wall?
Check your release angle and timing; drifting usually happens when you release too late or your movement drags the throw off line, so anchor your stance and practice the same pickup point on ramp or connector.
Can I use a mid short smoke instead of a tunnel smoke for A mid control?
Yes, a mid short can block vision into A mid from tunnel, but it leaves the connector more open, so pair it with another smoke or a teammate holding the opposite side for full denial.
How do I decide who throws the jungle long on my team?
Assign the player with the most consistent arc and least risk of tipping the site, often the lurker or a support with stable smokes, and rotate this role only if that player struggles against specific banquets.
What should I pre-aim when pushing through a smoke on Mirage A long?
Pre-aim the common crossing points near the end of the smoke on A long and the connector corner, then use a quick peek to force enemies to burn smokes or take early trades.