Flash Lineups

Flash Lineups are predetermined flashbang throw positions in Counter-Strike 2 designed to blind opponents at specific locations while minimizing flash exposure for the thrower's team. Mastering flashbangs is crucial for entry fragging and site executes.

Overview

Flashbangs are unique among grenades because their effect depends on where the target is looking relative to the flash detonation. A well-thrown flash can give attackers a decisive advantage, while a poorly thrown flash can blind teammates. Learning flash lineups ensures consistent, team-safe flashes.

Flash Mechanics

Understanding flash mechanics is essential for effective lineups:

Full flash: Target is looking directly at the detonation point within range — 2+ seconds of blindness
Half flash: Target is at an angle or distance — reduced blindness duration
No flash: Target has their back turned or is outside effective range
Self-flash: Turning away or using cover before detonation prevents self-blinding

Pop Flash

A pop flash is a flash that detonates as soon as it comes into the enemy's view, giving them no time to turn away. Pop flashes are the most effective type and require specific lineups and throw techniques.

Types of pop flashes:

Bounce flash — Thrown at a wall or ceiling to ricochet into an area
Over-the-top flash — Thrown over a wall or obstacle to pop immediately on the other side
Underhand flash — Right-click thrown to pop quickly at close range

Key Flash Lineups by Map

Dust II

Long Doors Pop Flash — Bounced off the wall inside Long Doors, pops for Long defenders
B Doors Flash — Over Upper Tunnel ceiling into B site
Short/Catwalk Flash — From CT Mid area, blinds Short pushers
A Site Retake Flash — From CT spawn over the wall to blind A site positions

Mirage

A Ramp Pop Flash — Bounced off the wall before Ramp, blinds Ramp defenders
Palace Flash — Over Palace ceiling into A site
B Apartments Flash — Pop flash around the corner into Van area
Window Flash — Over building into Window/Sniper position
Underpass Flash — Low flash into Connector catching mid players

Inferno

Banana Pop Flash — Bounced off walls in Banana to blind B defenders
Apartments Entry Flash — Pop flash into Apartments for A take
Arch Flash — Over the arch wall into Library/Site area
Top Banana Flash — From T Ramp, blinds aggressive B pushers

Tips

Always call your flashes — Warn teammates before throwing ("flashing long!" or "flash B!")
Practice timing — Enter Practice Mode and test your lineups
Pop flashes > air flashes — Enemies can avoid air flashes; pop flashes give no time to react
Carry two flashbangs — One for entry, one for re-flash or post-plant
Counter-flash — If you hear an enemy flash, immediately throw one back
Right-click for close flashes — Underhand throws pop almost immediately

Common Mistakes

Team flashing — Throwing flashes that blind your own teammates
Predictable timing — Always flashing before peeking (opponents learn to turn away)
Throwing too early — Flash pops before you're in position to capitalize
Not following the flash — The flash is useless if nobody peeks during the blind duration