In CS2, the Retake mode represents a unique and dynamic gameplay model that was added to the game as part of Operation Broken Fang on December 3, 2020, and remained after its conclusion on May 3, 2021, becoming part of the War Games category.
This mode offers players a special scenario in which a team of three terrorists defends a planted bomb against four counter-terrorists. Players are prompted to choose a loadout at the start of each round to either retake or defend the bomb site. The team that first wins 8 rounds wins.
Retake Mode Features
- Team Composition: 3 players as terrorists versus 4 players as counter-terrorists
- Round Start: The bomb is already planted, and players select loadouts using choice cards
- Player Spawn: Counter-terrorists spawn at random locations around the bomb site, while terrorists spawn directly on it
- Game Dynamics: Players cannot observe the enemy after death, friendly fire and money are disabled, and the bomb timer is set to 40 seconds
- Loadouts: In the first two rounds, players do not have armor. In subsequent rounds, loadouts provide kevlar+helmet with varying amounts of armor. The number of defuse kits per team also changes from round to round
Supported Maps
With the last update, the following maps became available for Retake mode:
- Ancient
- Dust II
- Inferno
- Mirage
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Train
- Vertigo
Strategies and Tips
Success in Retake mode often depends on quick decision-making and effective teamwork. It's important to choose weapon cards that complement your team's strategy and help you adapt to different situations. Having an MVP card, which grants an additional grenade, can significantly impact the round's outcome.
The key to winning in Retake lies not only in choosing the right set of weapons and equipment but also in understanding how and when to use available resources, especially considering the limited time for bomb defusal. Effective use of smokes, flashes, and grenades can make a retake attempt more successful, as well as protect the bomb from being defused.
Retake mode in CS2 offers players a unique opportunity to practice and improve their skills in particularly tense and dynamic situations, making it not only thrilling but also a valuable experience for players of all levels.
Counter-Terrorist Cards
Now, let's look at the possible cards for the defense side in Retake mode:
- Pistol Round: No armor, USP-S or P2000, 1 flashbang, and 1 smoke. Also, one defuse kit is allocated to the team.
- Force Round with Enhanced Pistols: No armor, Five-SeveN or CZ75-Auto (Only two such cards per team). The choice of P250 with two flashbangs is also given to only two players. Likewise, the choice of P250 with a smoke is given to two players. Two players can take Desert Eagle or R8 Revolver. In total, the team will have access to two flashbangs and two smokes, as well as two defuse kits.
- Semi-Buy: Full armor is available. Choices include: UMP-45, MP9, SSG 08, or FAMAS. The team will have access to two smokes, two HE grenades, and two flashbangs.
- Full Buy: Full armor is available. Choices include: M4A4, M4A1-S, or AUG. Also, AK-47 or AWP can be chosen if you received an MVP medal in the previous round. The team will have access to 4 defuse kits, 2 flashbangs, 2 HE grenades, 1 molotov, and 1 smoke.
Terrorist Cards
And now, let's review the available cards for the attacking side:
- Pistol Round: No armor, Glock-18. The team is given 1 flashbang and 1 smoke.
- Force Round with Enhanced Pistols: No armor. Choices include: Desert Eagle or R8 Revolver, two units per team. P250 with a flashbang or P250 with a smoke. Tec-9 or CZ75-Auto with an HE grenade.
- Semi-Buy: Full armor is available. The team is randomly given: UMP-45, Galil AR, MAC-10, or SSG 08. The team will also have access to two of each grenade type: flashbang, smoke, and HE grenade.
- Full Buy: Full armor is available. Choices include: AK-47 or SG 553. Also, M4A4/M4A1-S or AWP can be chosen if you received an MVP medal in the previous round. The team will have access to 2 flashbangs, 2 HE grenades, 1 molotov, and 1 smoke.
