Nuke is one of the most utility-heavy maps in Counter-Strike 2, and well-placed smokes can completely change how teams move around the map.
The best CS2 Nuke smokes help T-sides cross Outside, isolate defenders, and execute onto A or B, while CTs can use smokes to delay pushes and deny key areas.
Here are the most useful CS2 Nuke smoke lineups to learn in 2026, from essential Outside smokes to practical execute setups.
Best Nuke Smokes to Learn First
| Smoke | Purpose | Side | Throw Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Wall Smoke | Cross from T Spawn toward Secret | T | Lineup throw |
| Garage Smoke | Block Garage vision | T | Lineup throw |
| Mini Smoke | Limit A-site rotations and vision | T | Lineup throw |
| Heaven Smoke | Block Heaven during A execute | T | Lineup throw |
| Ramp Smoke | Pressure Ramp and lower site | T | Lineup throw |
These are the best Nuke smokes in CS2 to learn first because they cover the areas you will use repeatedly in executes and map control.
T-Side Nuke Smokes
These are the most important T-side Nuke smokes to learn:
Outside Smoke Wall to Cross Secret
The Outside wall is one of the most important pieces of utility on Nuke. Rather than throwing a single smoke and hoping to cross safely, teams normally use two coordinated smokes to create a continuous visual barrier between T Spawn and Secret.
Smoke 1: First Outside Wall Smoke
The first smoke covers the initial section of Outside and helps block CT vision from common positions around Garage and Heaven. Throw it early enough that your team can move into position before the smoke begins to fade.
Its main purpose is not simply to hide one player. It creates the first section of the wall that allows the team to move toward Secret.
Smoke 2: Second Outside Wall Smoke
The second smoke completes the wall toward Secret. Ideally, the two smokes overlap enough to prevent defenders from finding a clear gap between them.
Once both smokes are down, Ts can move through Outside and descend toward Secret while CTs are forced to reposition or challenge through the smoke.
Garage Smoke for Outside Control
A Garage smoke blocks one of the most important CT sightlines into Outside. It can be used alongside the Outside wall or independently when your team wants to establish control without immediately committing to Secret.
The smoke also makes it harder for CTs to gather information from Garage and can force them to play closer to Heaven, Mini, or the A site.
Mini Smoke for an A-Site Execute
The Mini smoke helps reduce visibility around the Mini area during an A-site execute. When combined with Heaven and other site utility, it can make the A bombsite easier to enter by limiting the angles defenders can use to fight from.
Use it as part of a coordinated execute rather than throwing it randomly at the beginning of the round.
Heaven Smoke for an A-Site Execute
Heaven is one of the strongest defensive positions overlooking A. A well-placed Heaven smoke removes a powerful elevated angle and gives Ts more freedom to enter the site.
This smoke is particularly valuable when the execute involves multiple players coming through Hut, Squeaky, or Main.
Ramp Smoke for Lower-Site Pressure
A Ramp smoke can restrict the defenders’ ability to contest players moving toward B. It is useful for slowing rotations and creating uncertainty about whether the T-side is committing to Lower or simply using Ramp as a pressure point.
CT-Side Nuke Smokes
Master the following CT-side Nuke smokes and you will quickly improve your win rate:
Outside / T Red Denial Smoke
CTs can use an Outside smoke to deny early T-side movement and disrupt the standard Outside wall setup. The goal is to prevent Ts from comfortably taking Outside control and reaching Secret.
Rather than treating it as a permanent barrier, use the smoke to buy time for teammates to establish defensive positions.
Ramp or Lobby Delay Smoke
A Ramp or Lobby smoke can delay an aggressive T-side push and force Ts to wait, reposition, or spend additional utility. This is especially useful when CTs need time for rotations.
The value comes from timing: a smoke thrown too early may disappear before the Ts commit, while a well-timed smoke can interrupt the execute itself.
Retake Smoke Worth Learning
For retakes, prioritize smokes that cut the bombsite into smaller sections and block the strongest angles available to the attackers.
A smoke between the retaking CTs and the planted bomb can create space for a defuse attempt or force attackers to fight through limited visibility.
Simple Nuke Smoke Executes
If you don’t have much team cohesion and want to use simple Nuke smoke executes, these are the best ones:
Outside to Secret Execute
The classic Outside-to-Secret setup uses the two-smoke wall to allow multiple Ts to cross toward Secret. One player can throw the first smoke while another completes the wall, after which the team crosses together.
The important part is coordination. Everyone should know whether the plan is Secret control, a B split, or simply Outside pressure before the smokes are thrown.
Upper / A-Site Execute
A basic A execute can combine Heaven, Mini, and site-entry utility. The smokes remove major defensive sightlines while flashes and molotovs clear common positions.
The goal is to reduce the number of angles the entry players need to fight simultaneously. Once the first players enter, teammates should quickly trade kills and secure the plant.
Browse CS2 skins on Tradeit for the rifles and pistols you use in your executes. →
Buy CS2 SkinsHow to Practice These Nuke Smokes
Use a private practice server and work through the lineups one at a time. First learn the standing position and visual reference point, then practice the throw until you can reproduce it consistently.
After that, add movement and timing so the lineup becomes useful in an actual round. For a complete setup, including the commands and recommended practice configuration, see our CS2 smoke practice guide.
FAQs
What is the most important smoke to learn on Nuke in CS2?
The Outside smoke wall is arguably the most important. It gives the T-side a reliable way to cross Outside and access Secret while limiting CT vision.
How many smokes do you need for the Nuke outside wall?
The standard Outside wall requires two smokes. They are coordinated to create enough cover for Ts to cross toward Secret.
Can one player throw both outside smokes on Nuke?
Yes, it is possible with the appropriate lineups and timing, although having two players throw them is generally easier during a coordinated execute.
What smoke blocks Garage on Nuke?
The Garage smoke is designed to block the CT sightline from Garage into Outside. It can be combined with the Outside wall to make crossing safer.
What smokes are used for a Nuke A-site execute?
Heaven and Mini smokes are two of the most useful pieces of A-site execute utility. They can be combined with flashes, molotovs, and additional smokes depending on the execute.
Do old CS:GO Nuke smoke lineups still work in CS2?
Some old lineups remain usable, but you should not assume every CS:GO lineup works identically in CS2. Changes to maps, grenade physics, positions, and collision can make older lineups inconsistent or obsolete.
Do Nuke smokes require a jump-throw bind in CS2?
Not necessarily. Many modern CS2 lineups use regular throws, jump throws, or other throw techniques depending on the specific lineup. You should use the technique specified for the particular smoke rather than assuming every lineup requires a bind.
How can I practice Nuke smoke lineups by myself?
Load Nuke on a private practice server, enable your preferred grenade-practice setup, and repeatedly throw each smoke from its starting position. Focus on consistency first, then practice combining the smokes with movement, flashes, and executes.
