Retakes

Retakes is a community game mode in Counter-Strike 2 where Counter-Terrorists practice retaking bombsites after the bomb has been planted. It is one of the most popular ways to practice post-plant situations.

Overview

In Retakes mode, each round begins with the bomb already planted at a random site. CTs spawn with utility and must retake the site and defuse the bomb, while Ts defend the planted bomb. The mode focuses specifically on post-plant gameplay, which is one of the most critical aspects of competitive CS2.

How It Works

The bomb is pre-planted at a random bombsite at round start
CTs (typically 3-4) spawn near retake positions with random weapons and utility
Ts (typically 2-3) spawn in post-plant positions around the bomb
CTs have limited time to retake and defuse
After the round, teams may swap or players rotate based on server settings

Key Skills Practiced

For Counter-Terrorists

Coordinated retakes — Executing site takes with teammates
Utility usage — Using smokes, flashes, and mollys to clear positions
Trade fragging — Following up on teammate's entry
Time management — Balancing aggression with defuse time remaining
Clutch situations — 1vX retake scenarios

For Terrorists

Post-plant positioning — Optimal angles after planting
Crossfire setups — Coordinating defense with teammates
Bomb watching — Playing positions that deny defuse
Anti-flash discipline — Turning away from expected flashbangs
Delay tactics — Stalling CTs until the bomb detonates

Playing Retakes

Community Servers

Retakes is primarily available through community servers:

Open the Server Browser in CS2
Filter by Retakes in the tags or map filter
Join a server

Common Server Rules

Automatic weapon selection based on round or random assignment
Players receive utility (smokes, flashes, mollys) each round
Spawn points rotate to cover different retake scenarios
MVP or best player may stay on T side for consecutive rounds

Tips

CT Side

Don't peek one by one — Coordinate with teammates to overwhelm defenders
Molly the bomb — Forces Ts away from defuse-denial positions
Flash for your team — Pop flashes before entries
Check corners methodically — Don't tunnel vision on the bomb
Know the timer — If time is short, you may need to dry peek instead of using utility

T Side

Play time, not kills — Your goal is to prevent defuse, not get kills
Off-angle positions — Don't play the same spots every round
Listen for defuse — The bomb defuse sound is your cue to peek
Fake defuse awareness — Don't always immediately peek on defuse sound
Save utility for CTs approaching the bomb

Comparison with Other Practice Modes

Mode	Focus	Best For
Retakes	Post-plant situations	Site retakes, clutches, post-plant defense
Deathmatch	Raw aim	Warming up, spray practice
Practice Mode	Grenades, movement	Lineup practice, solo improvement
Aim Training	Flick and tracking aim	Building mechanical skill