CS2 Anubis Guide

Anubis has emerged as one of Counter-Strike 2's most dynamic and strategically complex maps, offering a fresh experience that blends tight chokepoints with expansive areas perfect for epic flanks and clutches. Born from the community and shaped by professional play, this Egyptian-themed bomb defusal map challenges both newcomers and veterans to rethink their approach to mid-control, site takes, and rotations. Whether you're just learning the callouts or refining your smoke lineups, understanding Anubis's unique layout is key to climbing the ranks.

The Rise of Anubis: From Community Creation to Active Duty Mainstay

Unlike classic maps developed by Valve, Anubis began its life as a community project. Designed by the talented trio of Roald, jakuza, and jd40, it was introduced to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on March 31, 2020, alongside the map Chlorine. Initially, its journey was quiet, launched directly into Scrimmage mode—a playlist designed for less intense, practice-oriented matches.

Its quality, however, was quickly recognized. After a mere ten days on April 10, 2020, Anubis was promoted to the full Competitive matchmaking pool. This made it only the second community map to earn this distinction, following the revamped Cache. The map's ascent to the top tier was solidified after the IEM Rio 2022 Major. In the November 18, 2022 update, Anubis was added to the prestigious Active Duty Group, replacing the legendary Dust II and joining Cache as the only community-made maps to ever hold that honor.

Its journey hasn't been entirely smooth. It was briefly removed from the game on May 3, 2021, but returned with a vengeance on August 16, 2022, as part of CS:GO's 10-year anniversary celebration. After serving as a staple of professional play for over two years, it was rotated out of Active Duty on July 15, 2025. Despite this, its legacy and impact on the competitive map pool are undeniable, offering a blueprint for how modern CS maps can be designed.

Navigating the Egyptian Ruins: Key Areas and Callouts

Anubis is built around a central canal that splits the map, with bombsites flanking the Counter-Terrorist spawn. Learning the callouts is the first step to effective communication and strategy.

Important Note: As with any map that cycles in and out of play, community callouts for Anubis can evolve. The names below are based on widely adopted terminology, but you might hear slight variations in different regions or queues.

Bombsite A: The Cylindrical Stronghold

Bombsite A is located to the left of the CT spawn, built around a large cylindrical structure. It's a site defined by its verticality and multiple angles of attack.

• Terrorist Approach: Attackers have two primary routes into A. The first is through A Main, a direct corridor from T spawn. The second, more strategic path, involves pushing through Mid and taking control of A Connector. From Connector, Terrorists can ascend to a walkway known as Heaven, which overlooks the entire bombsite and provides a dominant post-plant position.
• Counter-Terrorist Defense: Defenders can hold the site from several key positions. Heaven is equally valuable for CTs, offering a powerful sniper's nest. Other common defensive spots include playing on the Bombsite itself, in A Connector, or in an aggressive stance on the Plat (platform) or tucked close to A Main for a surprise peek.

Bombsite B: The Obelisk and the Canal

Bombsite B is situated to the right of CT spawn, featuring a prominent obelisk as its centerpiece. It's generally more open than A site but is bordered by structures and connected to the dangerous B Canal.

• Terrorist Approach: Ts have two main entry points. The first is through B Main, a direct but narrow chokepoint. The second involves a longer rotation through Mid and into B Connector, which opens up near the site. Control of the canal below can also provide a flanking route into the site.
• Counter-Terrorist Defense: CTs often hold from positions like CT, Default, or Headshot on the site. The elevated area known as Egypt or B Heaven offers another powerful defensive angle. Watching the Canal is crucial, as a successful Terrorist push through this area can split the CT defense and open up the bombsite.

The Critical Battleground: Controlling Mid

Mid-control is the beating heart of Anubis strategy. The central area, often simply called Mid, connects nearly every part of the map and dictates the flow of the round.

• Why Mid Matters: Holding Mid as a Terrorist gives you immense flexibility. You can threaten a quick rotate to either bombsite via A Connector or B Connector, exert pressure on Heaven, and cut off CT rotations. For Counter-Terrorists, denying Mid control funnels the Terrorists into predictable, narrow paths to the sites, making them easier to defend.
• The "Mid Doors" and "Top Mid": Key sub-areas include the Mid Doors (often a direct line of sight from T spawn) and Top Mid, the elevated section closer to the CT side. Winning the initial skirmish for Top Mid often sets the stage for the rest of the round.

Core Strategic Principles for Attack and Defense

Terrorist-Side Strategy: Methodical Map Control

As a Terrorist on Anubis, patience and map control are more valuable than raw aim. A standard default involves players spreading out to gather information and contest key areas.

1. Secure Early Map Control: Allocate players to watch for aggressive CT pushes in Mid, A Main, and B Main. Avoid committing to a full site execute too early.
2. Execute Mid Control: Use utility—smokes, molotovs, and flashbangs—to safely take Top Mid. This is the linchpin of your strategy.
3. Split the Defense: With Mid control established, you can split your force. For example, send two players toward A Connector and Heaven while two others push into B Connector, leaving the fifth player in Mid to support either side and watch for flanks.
4. The Canal Play: Don't neglect the Canal below Mid. A lurker pushing through Canal can provide a devastating flank, especially during an A-site execute, catching rotators off-guard.

Counter-Terrorist-Side Strategy: Flexible and Reactive Defense

The CT side requires adaptability. Anubis's interconnected layout means rotations can be both a blessing and a curse if you're not careful.

1. Aggressive Info Plays: Consider pushing one player aggressively into Mid or through B Canal at the start of the round to gain early information and possibly a pick. Just ensure you have a teammate ready to trade if you fall.
2. Set Up Crossfires: On both sites, work with your teammate to set up crossfires. For example, on B site, one player can hold from Default while another plays from CT or Heaven, making it difficult for Terrorists to clear both angles.
3. Utility is King: As a CT, your smoke grenades and molotovs are vital for slowing down executes. A well-placed smoke in A Main or B Main can buy crucial seconds for your team to rotate. Learn the common smoke lineups to block off Heaven or key connector entrances.
4. Retake with Caution: Retaking either bombsite is challenging. For A, Heaven control is almost mandatory for a successful retake. For B, you'll need to clear the dangerous Canal angle. Always try to use the last few seconds of the round to coordinate utility for the retake.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Anubis

• Listen for Audio Cues: The metal grates in Mid and the water in the Canal produce distinct sounds when players move over them. Use your headset to pinpoint enemy positions.
• Practice Key Utility: Spend time in an offline server learning essential smoke and molotov lineups for both sides. For example, a smoke for Heaven from T spawn or a molotov to clear the corner in A Main can be game-changers.
• Heaven is Life: Whether you're attacking or defending, the team that controls Heaven on the A-side often wins the round. Prioritize it.
• Watch for Flanks: The Canal lurk is a common and effective tactic. As a Terrorist, leave a teammate to watch your back. As a CT, be wary of players coming from your own spawn after a mid-round rotation.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Anubis stands as a testament to the creativity of the Counter-Strike community and the evolving meta of competitive play. Its complex, interlinked layout rewards teamwork, strategic utility use, and clever positioning over pure aim duels.

• Origin & Status: A community-made map that earned its place in the Active Duty pool, replacing Dust II. Its professional career is currently on hold, but its strategic lessons remain valuable.
• Core Gameplay: Mid-control is the single most important tactical objective for Terrorists. The map is defined by its verticality, especially around Heaven and the connector areas.
• T-Side Philosophy: Play for map control and split the CT defense before committing to a site. Patience and information gathering are your best weapons.
• CT-Side Philosophy: Use early aggression to gather info, then set up flexible, crossfire-based defenses. Mastering your defensive utility is critical for slowing down executes.
• Community Knowledge: Callouts are fairly standardized, but be aware of minor variations. Key areas include Heaven, Mid, A/B Connectors, and the Canal.

Mastering Anubis is a rewarding challenge. By focusing on mid-control, refining your utility usage, and communicating effectively with your team, you can turn this ancient-themed battlefield into your personal climbing ground. Good luck, and have fun out there