HE grenades are one of the most versatile tools in your CS2 arsenal. They can deal significant damage, disrupt enemy plans, and turn the tide of a round when used strategically. Learning how to use HE grenades effectively will give you an edge in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
What Are HE Grenades in CS2 and What Are They Used For?
HE (High-Explosive) grenades in CS2 are throwable explosives that deal area-of-effect (AoE) damage within a small radius. They cost $300 and can deal up to 98 damage to unarmored opponents and 57 damage to those wearing armor. Their affordability and versatility make them a must-have for many situations.
These grenades aren’t just for raw damage—they serve multiple tactical purposes that can change the course of a round. Here’s how HE grenades are commonly used in CS2:
- Breaking Defensive Positions: HE grenades are great for pushing enemies out of their hiding spots. Throw one into a corner or behind cover to force them to move or take damage. For example, on Mirage’s A-site, tossing a grenade behind Tetris can make it harder for defenders to hold their position.
- Denying Areas: Grenades can slow down enemy advances by blocking key paths. For instance, throwing one at Dust 2’s Long Doors can delay a push and give your team more time to prepare.
- Finishing Injured Enemies: After a gunfight, injured players often retreat to cover. A well-placed grenade can finish them off before they recover, saving your ammo and securing the kill.
- Stacking Damage: Using grenades with your teammates can deal huge damage to groups. On Inferno’s Banana, for example, two grenades timed well can heavily damage or eliminate anyone pushing through. HE grenades also clear smokes briefly in CS2, giving your team quick visibility for crucial plays.
- Key Mechanics:
- Fuse Time: Grenades explode after a short delay, so timing your throw matters.
- Damage Range: Damage drops the farther enemies are from the blast, making accurate throws more effective.
HE grenades are about more than just damage. Use them to disrupt strategies, control key areas, and shift the momentum in your favor.
The Importance of HE Grenades in CS2
HE grenades can completely change the flow of a round in CS2. Whether you’re trying to finish off low-health enemies or force players out of cover, these grenades are a cheap and effective way to get the upper hand. A single well-placed throw can weaken an entire push or stop a retake in its tracks.
They’re also incredibly useful in eco rounds when your team doesn’t have much to spend. Even with limited resources, you can deal enough damage to make gunfights easier. On both offense and defense, HE grenades give you the chance to turn the fight in your favor.
To get the most out of them, work with your team. Coordinated grenades can wipe out groups or make enemies scramble for safety, giving your team the space to take control of the map.
Learning HE Grenades
Using HE grenades isn’t just about throwing them toward an enemy and hoping for the best. To get the most out of them, you need to learn how they work, when to throw them, and where to aim.
Start by practicing grenade throws in custom matches or casual lobbies. Get a feel for the explosion radius and how far you can throw. Try bouncing grenades off walls to reach spots where enemies like to camp. For example, you can practice throwing into B tunnels on Dust 2 or Banana on Inferno to soften up enemies before they even peek.
Pay attention to key grenade spots on every map. Focus on choke points and common hiding areas where you know enemies hold angles. Places like Short A on Dust 2, Banana on Inferno, and A Site on Mirage are perfect for landing high-damage grenades. Knowing these spots can make your grenades much more effective.
Teamwork is huge when it comes to HE grenades. Coordinate with your squad to throw grenades at the same spot or stagger them for constant pressure. A well-placed HE grenade, paired with a flashbang or molotov, can disrupt the enemy’s setup and make it easier to push or hold.
Finally, pay attention to how the best players use their grenades. Watch their matches to learn how they time their throws and which spots they aim for. Practice often, and soon you’ll be landing grenades that catch enemies off guard and make clutch plays possible.
Check the guides below for specific HE grenade spots on each map, so you can start throwing like a pro.
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Conclusion
HE grenades are an essential utilities, allowing you to disrupt enemy positions, secure kills, and gain control over key areas. Whether you’re defending a bombsite or pushing for an advantage, learning to use them effectively can make a big difference in your matches. Keep practicing different throws and tactics, and over time, you’ll see better results.
