Retake Strategies: How to Effectively Play on Retake

In CS2, the Retake mode is a unique and dynamic gameplay model that was added to the game as part of Operation Broken Fang on December 3, 2020 and has remained.

The xplay.gg team has already told you about such servers, and today, we are ready to advise you on the best strategies to work on these servers and help you improve.

Highlights

• Explanation of what Server Retake is
• What strategies to use to play effectively on Retake servers
• Tips and common mistakes

Retake mode in CS2 gives players a unique opportunity to practice and improve their skills, and you can do so on the xplay.gg servers.

What are Retake servers?

Retakes are tactical plays executed by the defending team to reclaim a bomb site that has previously been lost to the attacking team.

Retake servers are community or professionally hosted servers that replay post-bombplay scenarios in CS2. These servers focus solely on one goal: either defense or retaking a control point on the bomb site. We wrote about these servers in detail in the article What Are Retake Servers? Benefits for Playing.

The Importance of Retakes

Retake scenarios allow you to focus on specific situations and skills necessary in competitive play, such as clutch situations, bomb blasts, and retaking sites. Players can also practice executing strategies together and develop the ability to interact and communicate. 

There are other servers on xplay.gg that will help you hone your CS2 skills. We wrote an article about the Overview of CS2 DM Server Features by xplay.gg.

You can also see tips for improving skills in CS2 on Reddit:

Strategies for Successful Retakes

Success in Retake mode often depends on quick decision-making and effective teamwork. Choosing weapons that complement your team's strategy and help you adapt to different situations is essential. Effective use of smoke, flashes, and Molotov can make an interdiction attempt more successful and protect the bomb from being cleared.

Planting the Site

Planting a bomb involves placing multiple players at strategic points on the blast site to block all avenues of entry. This will create difficulties for the attacking team when the takeover begins, making it difficult to hold the site. Coordinate with your team to cover all possible angles and prevent the enemy from gaining the upper hand.

Coordinated Push

Sometimes, an aggressive onslaught can surprise the attacking team. Coordinated movements and a surprise invasion can disrupt enemy defenses, allowing your team to take control of the area quickly. However, this strategy requires cohesive teamwork and communication between participants so your team doesn't become vulnerable.

Ensure your team has enough grenades (smoke, flash, and Molotov) before taking over. Use smoke grenades to block key lines of sight and flash grenades to blind defenders. Conduct a coordinated attack from different directions—one group may approach from the main route and others from the flanks (e.g., through tunnels or stairways).

The goal is to divide the defenders' attention and create chaos so they cannot focus on what's happening. 

Slow Rotations

Slow and methodical movement can be effective if the attacking team is spread out or in position. Careful movement will allow you to take out enemies individually and control territory.

Role Division

Divide your team into roles before starting a retake. For example, assign an AWP player to cover the long-range positions and a rifle player to the flanks. One player can take a high point for visibility, while the others must go through the control points and clear the bomb. This helps control the situation and minimize casualties.

Crossfires

This strategy involves positioning players to cover each other's corners, making it difficult for the opponent to engage without taking significant damage. This formation increases your team's defensive capabilities and prevents the attacking team from aggressively advancing.

Tips for a Successful Retake

Tip 1: Using Grenades

Before attacking the bomb, use smoke, smoke, and flashes to block enemies. Throw smoke into key positions such as windows, boxes, or flanks to reduce the possibility of someone shooting at you and create chaos. Good coordination with the use of grenades can dramatically change the outcome of a retake.

We have written a guide on grenades, which you may find helpful: CS2 Grenade Practice Commands Guide.

Tip 2. Work With Timing

Try to push up to one point at a time to avoid alternating elimination from your opponents. Give your opponent some time to get used to the situation before attacking. This will also help you better understand the enemy's positioning.

Tip 3: Distractions

Use distractions to confuse the opposing team. One player can simulate an attack from one side of the map while the bulk of your squad presses up the other. This can force the opponents to spread out, making it easier for you to bomb in.

Tip 4: Strong Positions to Retake

Before you start your retake, identify key positions from which to attack. This can be useful for teams that frequently use the same points. Your team should maintain control of these positions and keep the enemy out.

Tip 5: Adapt Your Playing Style

Adapting your playing style depending on the dynamics of the match is crucial to a successful game. Flexibility and willingness to change strategies will help your team remain unpredictable and effectively counter your opponent's tactics. Therefore, discuss different scenarios in advance and communicate as you capture a point. 

Tip 6: Listen to Your Opponent's Movements 

Listening to your opponent's movements and using sound cues can help you gain valuable information during a retake. Understanding your opponent's strategy and anticipating his actions will allow your team to react quickly and effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lack of communication between co-commanders can lead to confusion and disorganization during a retake. Ensure all team members know their roles and positions to avoid duplication or gaps in defense. 

Too many players at one entry point can leave other areas vulnerable. Balance your team's presence across the site to ensure complete coverage. Avoid concentrating all resources on one side, as this can create opportunities for the enemy to exploit weaknesses.

Neglecting a team's economy can hinder it in future rounds. Proper economic management will allow your team to remain competitive throughout the match.

Conclusion

Try to practice and refine your retake skills regularly, record your attempts, and analyze game footage to improve. We have a helpful article on how to do this: Best CS2 Tools for Recording Clips.