Ancient has been in the rotation for over a month and a half now. Let’s see how the pros actually handle this eccentric map, with its lush forests.
A few of the matches considered for this article are Gambit versus Natus Vincere in the BLAST Premier Spring Final. G2 and FaZe also competed, giving another interesting point of reference.
A fickle CT advantage
It seems like one thing the pros use is the CT advantage. There is a clear pattern in the majority of matches that show the CTs winning the larger part of the round. The pros seem to be most comfortable on the defence, something that might not be all too surprising considering maps are often CT-sided. Ancient shows it a bit more clearly with the luxurious amount of time counter-terrorists get to position themselves on the bombsite.
Clearly though, this time is a necessity. The clip shows how b1t is methodical in checking his angles, and that is exactly how the pros are handling it. The bombsites on Ancient are expansive, making it a necessity for a professional player to know the map through and through. The pros have studied this map and know all the nooks and crannies of a bombsite before pushing it. Without a methodical approach, a defuse attempt is hopeless.
Move like a unit
Even when a team of excellent players like Gambit is disadvantaged, they turn the bombsite to their hand. Notice how with a considerably worse buy they still get the advantage. This comes down to a few factors together with superb play from Hobbit.
Notice how Gambit as a whole is one tightly packed group. They stick together and repeek for each other, tightly controlling the site and using everything they have to the last drop. The tiniest bits of utility in their hands still bring them great success. The trick also lies in how players support each other. As Ax1Le plants the bomb sh1ro backs him to take out anyone out to deny it.
Later on in the clip you see the team engaging and picking off players from Natus Vincere one by one, dishing out some trades but still creating a situation wherein Hobbit gets the chance to ace clutch.
Use the terrain
Ancient features many, many temples with stone pillars and a lot of cover. An essential part of being a professional player is knowing exactly what you can work with to turn a situation to your advantage. Take a look at the following clip where broky pulls off a 1v4 clutch that should have been nigh impossible.
See how FaZe seems to be in a very tight spot the moment G2 goes for that retake. The A site is relatively small (especially compared to the B site), but for an outstanding player like broky this is no issue. He patiently waits, perhaps even sacrificing olofmeister for the sake of getting far more optimal timing.
But then broky pops off. Initially he is hiding out of sight from the retaking CTs, using the element of surprise to take out NiKo, who had no idea. He then jumps up, pushing close to AmaNEk. In the meantime he has taken out JaCkz with a ridiculously clean spraydown, eventually leading the entire round to a tense 1v1. He shoulder peeks and dances around the temple, in the end putting the cherry on top with a no-scope AWP kill.
Last but not least, utility
This will sound like the most overrated part possible, but have you ever realised how all the utility is exactly where the pros want it to be? That smoke will be put down on the precise spot needed to deny vision from the enemy. The molotov or incendiary will land right where an opponent is frequently holding an angle. For a top tier player, the utility is like the butter they put on their bread. Things just do not run smoothly without it.
These are just some of the things professionals have been doing so far on Ancient. Expect to see them pulling many more crazy strategies as the map spends more months in the Active Duty Group. Still, this should most certainly help you along in case you were wondering how to handle this exciting new map.
Also read:
- CS:GO 101 – How to Play Overpass
- Gambit sweep Navi to claim the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2021 Championship
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