MAPS / UPDATED / REVIEWED 2026-11-12
How to use CS2 map guides in competitive matches
Find the pause-menu guides, learn their match limits, and prepare utility before the round starts.
STEP 01
Where the in-match guides appear
Valve added competitive map guides in March 2026. In a competitive match, open the pause menu and activate a guide during the first five rounds of the half; the competitive version is more limited than the offline guide view.
STEP 02
Start with the official guides
Valve made official guides available for Active Duty maps. Use them to refresh a known smoke or other utility reminder, then return to the round plan instead of treating a guide as a replacement for communication or timing.
STEP 03
Subscribe to Workshop guides
For a more specific lineup, subscribe to a guide through the Steam Community Workshop and check that it is available for the map and the current game version. Review new lineups offline first so you know the lineup position, movement and throw before relying on it in a match.
STEP 04
Recheck lineups after map changes
Map geometry can change, so a lineup that was accurate in an older build may land differently. Valve later adjusted official map guides after surface smoothing; retest key throws after map updates.
Quick checklist
- Open the pause menu during the supported opening rounds of a half.
- Activate the official map guide or a subscribed Workshop guide.
- Practice the lineup offline and note the required position and throw.
- Retest important utility after the map or game updates.