Nuke

Nuke
Game Modes	—
Scenario	—
Teams	—

Overhead view of Nuke in Counter-Strike 2

Overview

Nuke is a unique Counter-Strike 2 map set in a nuclear power facility, featuring a distinctive vertical layout with two bombsites stacked on top of each other. Bombsite A sits on the upper floor (Roof/Heaven area) while Bombsite B is directly below on the lower floor (Reactor). This vertical design creates gameplay unlike any other map in the competitive pool, requiring teams to think in three dimensions.

Nuke has historically been considered a CT-sided map due to the defenders' ability to rotate quickly between sites through the internal Vents and Ramp system, while Terrorists must commit to longer rotation paths. However, developed T-side strategies involving coordinated utility and split pushes have significantly narrowed this gap in modern CS2.

The map rewards teams with strong coordination and the ability to execute complex multi-pronged attacks. Individual skill matters less on Nuke than on maps like Dust II, as the vertical nature and many enclosed spaces make team-based gameplay essential.

Map Layout

Bombsite A

Bombsite A is located on the upper floor of the facility, on the Roof area. It is accessible from Outside (through the Silo or Secret passage), Hut (the small building on the roof), and Squeaky (the squeaky door from Lobby). The site features Heaven (the elevated platform), Hell (below Heaven), and the main open roof area. CT defenders play from Heaven, Hut, or behind the various boxes on the Roof. The open nature of the site makes it vulnerable to coordinated Outside pushes.

Default plant is in the open area of the site. Post-plant positions include Hut, Secret, and Main (near the squeaky door entrance).

Bombsite B

Bombsite B is the Reactor room on the lower floor, directly below A site. Access comes through Ramp (a long sloping corridor from Lobby), the Vents (connecting A/Upper to B/Lower), and through Secret (an outside path leading down). The site features the large Reactor in the center, Dark/Toxic area, and various box positions. B site is more enclosed and favors the defending CT side due to limited entry points and the strong headshot angles from behind the Reactor.

The default plant is behind the Reactor. Retakes come from Ramp and Vents, making B retakes complex when Terrorists establish crossfires.

Mid

Nuke does not have a traditional Mid lane. Instead, the Outside area and the Lobby function as the primary transition zones. Outside connects T Spawn to the A site approaches (Silo, Secret, and the Roof), while Lobby is the indoor area connecting to Squeaky (A) and Ramp (B). Control of Outside is critical for T-side strategy, as it opens up multiple A-site attack vectors and the Secret path to B.

The Garage area on the CT side of Outside provides defenders with an aggressive position to contest Outside control early in the round.

Callouts

Area	Callout	Description
A Site	Heaven	The elevated platform overlooking A Site from above
A Site	Hell	The area directly below Heaven
A Site	Hut	The small building on the A Site roof
A Site	Squeaky	The squeaky door entrance from Lobby to A Site
A Site	Main	The main doorway connecting Lobby to A Site
Outside	Silo	The large silo structure used for boosting onto A Site
Outside	Secret	The passage from Outside leading down to B Site
Outside	Garage	The CT-side garage area for contesting Outside
Outside	Red / Marshmallow	The red container/structure on Outside
Transition	Lobby	The indoor lobby area connecting to Squeaky and Ramp
Transition	Ramp	The long descending corridor from Lobby to B Site
B Site	Reactor	The central reactor structure on B Site
B Site	Vents	The ventilation system connecting A Site to B Site
B Site	Dark / Toxic	The dark corner area of B Site
B Site	Decon	The decontamination room near B Site

Strategy

T-Side Defaults

Outside Take: Three or four players push Outside with smokes blocking Garage and flashes over the roof. Once Outside is secured, options open up: push Silo to A, take Secret to B, or split between both.

A Execute: Coordinate a push through Squeaky and Main (from Lobby) while two players come from Outside through Hut. Smoke Heaven and flash the site from multiple angles for a fast A take.

Ramp Push to B: Three players push Ramp with utility to clear angles while two take Outside and push through Secret/Vents to create a split on B site from two directions.

CT-Side Setups

Standard 2-1-2: Two Outside (one Garage, one Mini/Roof), one Lobby watching both Squeaky and Ramp approaches, two B (Reactor and Ramp). The Lobby player rotates based on information.

Outside Aggression: Push two or three players Outside early to contest the T-side take. Winning Outside forces Ts to invest utility and time, often delaying their execute.

B Stack: Three players hold B (Reactor, Dark, Ramp) with two on A. Effective against teams that frequently target B, but vulnerable to fast A executes.

Utility Guide

• Garage Smoke from T Spawn — From Outside near the T-side entrance, aim at the top of the Garage opening and throw to block the CT aggressive peek from Garage.
• Heaven Smoke — From outside Hut, aim through the gap in the roof and throw to block the Heaven player's sightline over A Site.
• Ramp Smoke — From inside Lobby before pushing Ramp, smoke the bottom of Ramp to block the CT holding from B Site.
• Squeaky Flash — Pop flash through the Squeaky door by throwing a flash off the frame as you push through, blinding any CT watching the door.
• Silo Molotov — From Outside, throw a Molotov onto the Silo area to clear any CT player playing on top of it.

History

Nuke was created by Jo Bieg and first appeared in Counter-Strike Beta 5.0 in 2000. Its nuclear power plant setting and vertical layout made it unique from the start. The map received a complete visual and gameplay overhaul in CS:GO in February 2016, which modernized its aesthetics while adjusting layout elements to improve competitive balance.

The 2016 remake was one of the most dramatic map reworks in Counter-Strike history, adding the Silo boost, adjusting Outside geometry, and completely redesigning the interior spaces. In CS2, Nuke received further Source 2 enhancements while maintaining the post-2016 layout that professional teams had grown accustomed to.

Trivia

• Nuke is the only competitive map with bombsites stacked vertically, requiring players to think about positioning in three dimensions.
• The map was historically one of the most CT-sided maps in competitive play, sometimes reaching 12-3 or worse at halftime in professional matches.
• A famous "Silo boost" was discovered that allows players to reach the top of the Silo from Outside without a teammate, dramatically changing A-site attacks.
• Nuke was the first map to be removed from the CS:GO active duty pool for a complete rework in 2016.
• The ventilation system connecting A and B sites is a unique rotation path that rewards players who master its timings.