CS2 Nuke Complete Map Guide: Callouts, Strategies and Vertical Gameplay

Nuke: Mastering Vertical CS2#

Nuke is the most unique competitive map in CS2 thanks to its vertical layout — A site sits directly above B site. This creates fast rotations for CTs and demanding decision-making for T-side. Nuke has always been CT-sided, but smart T-side play can overcome that advantage.

Map Layout#

Nuke is a two-level map:

• A Site (Upper): Above ground, accessed through Lobby/Hut, Squeaky (vent door), or Outside
• B Site (Lower): Below ground, accessed through Ramp, Secret, or Vents from A site
• Outside: Large open area connecting T spawn to both sites

Essential Callouts#

A Site (Upper)#

• Heaven: Elevated walkway above A site (CT side)
• Hell: Below Heaven, lower level viewing A site
• Hut: The small building T-side pushes through to A
• Squeaky: The vent door from Lobby to A site (makes a distinctive squeak)
• Rafters: The overhead beams above A site
• Main / Lobby: T-side interior approach
• Mini: Small area near Hut entrance

B Site (Lower)#

• Ramp: Main corridor from T side down to B site
• Control Room: The room at the bottom of Ramp
• Secret: Hidden path from Outside to B site
• Vents: Ventilation system connecting A and B sites
• Back Vents: Behind the B site
• Toxic / Dark: Areas around B site
• Decon: Decontamination area near B site

Outside#

• Yard: The main open area
• Silo: The large silo structure
• Red / Red Container: Container providing cover
• Garage: Building near T spawn outside
• Marshmallow / CT Red: CT-side outside positions

T-Side Strategies#

Default Setup#

• 2 players take Outside control (smoke CT positions)
• 1 player holds Lobby for info
• 2 players go Ramp for B info/pressure
• Based on info, commit to A or B execute

A Execute#

1. Smoke Heaven and Mini to block AWP angles
2. Flash through Hut and Squeaky simultaneously
3. One player pushes through Squeaky, one through Hut
4. Outside players provide Yard control to prevent CT flanks

B via Secret#

1. Take Outside control first
2. 2-3 players drop Secret into B site
3. Remaining players push down Ramp or Vents
4. Smoke and flash before entering the site

CT-Side Setup (2-1-2)#

• 2 players A site: One Heaven, one Hut/Squeaky area
• 1 player Outside: Watch for Outside aggression from elevated position
• 2 players B/Ramp: One Ramp, one site/Vents

CT Rotation Advantage#

Nuke is CT-sided because CTs can rotate extremely fast:

• A to B through Vents: ~5 seconds
• A to B through interior: ~8 seconds
• This means CTs can play aggressively on one site knowing they can rotate quickly

Key Tips#

1. Outside control is critical: T-side must fight for Outside to have B site access via Secret
2. Squeaky door gives info: CTs can hear the door open from across the map. Use it strategically
3. Heaven is the power position: Controlling Heaven controls A site completely
4. Vents connect everything: Use Vents for sneaky rotations and flanks
5. T-side wins 6-7 rounds on Nuke and that is acceptable: Do not panic on T-side. Focus on converting pistol rounds and force buys

Conclusion#

Nuke is a map that rewards creative T-side strategies and disciplined CT play. The vertical layout is unique in CS2 and provides gameplay you will not find on any other map. Master Outside control on T side, learn to play Heaven on CT side, and use Vents creatively. Nuke is not as scary as its reputation suggests — it just requires a different mindset.