CS2 Warden Map Full Guide

Warden is a community map in CS2 based on the former prison island of Alcatraz. Created by catfood, Almaas, and Thomas, this map brings the iconic prison atmosphere with complex routes and multiple strategic possibilities. Let's break down everything you need to master Warden.

Map Overview and Layout

Warden features a prison setting with two bomb sites labeled A and B. The map has a more complex layout than standard CS2 maps. You'll find multiple routes connecting different areas. The prison theme includes cells, corridors, towers, and outdoor sections visible in the background.

The map released in May 2024 and received updates through January 2025. Players describe it as "intricate" with many hiding spots and cover positions. First-time players need a few rounds to learn all the routes and connections.

CS2 Warden Guide: Key Areas

Bombsite A is the outdoor site. It features a large hole in the brick wall perfect for throwing utility. This opening allows easy grenade lineups from outside the site. The site has multiple entry points and various cover positions using crates and walls.

Bombsite B sits indoors with a large skylight above. This roof window creates unique opportunities for CS2 Warden flashes from above. The site offers plenty of cover for defenders with tight corners and multiple angles to hold.

Mid area connects both bomb sites with several pathways. Control of mid is crucial. It allows rotations between sites and provides flanking opportunities. The prison corridors create close-quarters combat situations.

Cells section features prison cells that provide hiding spots and off-angles. Players can use these for unexpected plays. The tight spaces favor close-range weapons like SMGs and shotguns.

Towers give elevated positions for snipers and riflers. These spots offer long sightlines but expose you to multiple angles. Good positioning here can control key map areas.

CS2 Warden Map Tactic: Terrorist Side

A Site Execute: Gather your team near the main entrance to A. Throw smokes to block defender positions. Use the hole in the brick wall to send CS2 Warden grenade utilities onto site. Flash over the wall before entering. Split your team between two entry points to avoid being caught in crossfire.

B Site Rush: Speed is key for B. Send three players through the main entrance with entry fraggers leading. Support players throw flashes through the skylight if possible. The indoor setting favors fast executes. Clear corners systematically as defenders have many hiding spots.

Mid Control Strategy: Take mid control early in the round. This gives you information and flexibility. Station one or two players mid to watch for rotations. You can fake towards one site then hit the other. Mid control also allows quick rotates if your initial push fails.

Split Attacks: Warden's complex layout rewards split strategies. Send two players through one route and three through another. Time your pushes to hit simultaneously. This divides defender attention and creates trading opportunities.

Default Setup: If unsure, play default positions around the map. Gather information about defender positions. Look for weak spots. Use utility to probe defenses. Wait for mistakes then capitalize with a coordinated push.

CS2 Warden Tips: Counter-Terrorist Side

A Site Defense: Position one player watching the main entrance. Another holds the side route. Use the brick wall hole for defensive grenade throws. Molotov common plant spots when you hear terrorists approaching. Fall back to safe positions if overwhelmed.

B Site Hold: The indoor B site needs at least two defenders. One watches main entrance. Another covers flanks and alternative routes. The skylight creates vulnerability to flashes. Wear sunglasses virtually by turning away when expecting flashes from above.

Mid Presence: Always have mid awareness. Station one player to watch mid or set up crossfires with A or B defenders. Call out enemy movements. Mid information helps your team rotate effectively.

Retake Strategies: Warden's complex layout makes retakes challenging. Gather your team before pushing. Throw smokes to block enemy positions. Use flashes to clear corners. Check all angles systematically. The many routes mean terrorists can hide anywhere.

Rotation Timing: Learn the fastest routes between sites. Warden has multiple paths so choose wisely. Don't over-rotate on fakes. Wait for bomb confirmation or strong evidence. One player rotating early can leave the other site vulnerable.

Warden Grenade Lineups

A Site Smokes: From outside A, aim at specific points on buildings to smoke common defender positions. The brick wall hole allows precise throws. Practice one-way smokes that let you see defenders but they can't see you.

B Site Skylight Flashes: The large roof window on B creates unique flash opportunities. Stand outside and throw flashes that bounce through the skylight. These blind defenders inside. Coordinate pushes with these flashes for maximum effect.

Mid Control Utility: Smoke off long sightlines in mid corridors. This allows safe passage. Molotov common camping spots in cells. Flash around corners before peeking. The tight spaces make utility extremely effective.

Defensive Mollies: Learn molotov lineups for common plant spots on both sites. Delay terrorist plants while your team rotates. Throw from safe positions to avoid trades.

HE Grenades: The prison setting has many enclosed spaces. HE grenades deal extra damage in tight corridors. Throw them at grouped enemies during site executes or retakes.

Warden Flashes: Advanced Techniques

Popflashes: Use walls and corners to throw fast flashes. These give enemies minimal reaction time. Essential for entry fragging on Warden.

Skylight B Flash: The signature Warden flash uses the B site skylight. Throw from outside to blind defenders inside. Time your entry with the flash.

Cell Block Flashes: Bounce flashes off cell walls to blind multiple angles. The prison architecture creates many bounce opportunities.

Fake Flashes: Throw flashes towards one site while attacking another. This forces defenders to turn away or reposition. Creates confusion.

Reverse Flashes: When defending, throw flashes that blind attackers as they enter. Position yourself to capitalize on blinded enemies.

General Tips for Warden

Learn the Routes: Spend time in practice mode exploring all pathways. The complex layout takes multiple games to memorize. Knowing shortcuts and connections is crucial.

Sound Cues: The prison setting amplifies footsteps. Listen carefully to determine enemy positions and numbers. Walk when repositioning to avoid giving away your location.

Crosshair Placement: Pre-aim common angles in corridors and around corners. The tight spaces mean fights happen quickly. Good crosshair placement gets you first shot advantage.

Weapon Choices: SMGs and shotguns work well in close prison corridors. Rifles dominate longer sightlines. AWP is effective in towers and long angles but risky in tight spaces.

Team Communication: Call out enemy positions using specific location names. The complex map makes communication even more important. Develop callouts with your team.

Adapt Your Style: Warden rewards both aggressive and passive plays. Mix up your positions. Don't be predictable. The many angles mean you can surprise enemies easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't rush blindly through corridors. Warden has many off-angles and hiding spots. Clear systematically. Don't over-commit to one area. The map's complexity allows easy flanks. Always watch your back.

Don't waste utility randomly. Save grenades for coordinated executes or retakes. Don't ignore mid control. Information from mid determines round outcomes. Don't forget about the skylight on B. It's a unique feature that creates opportunities.

Warden is a fresh take on CS2 maps with its prison theme and complex layout. Success requires learning all routes and connections. Master the unique grenade opportunities like the brick wall hole on A and skylight on B. Coordinate with your team using proper utility.

The map rewards creative plays and good communication. Spend time in practice mode learning grenade lineups and flashes. Develop map-specific tactics with your team. With practice, Warden becomes an exciting and dynamic battleground.