Counter Strike - Map Analysis - cs_Dust

Team Tactics for ... de_Dust By RtG

Dust is probably the most played DE map although in clan games it doesn't offer much tactical scope. It is important when playing and planning for DE maps to remember that unlike hostage scenarios your mission targets will not move, will not be deliberately killed. Because of this the counter-terrorists are forced to defend both bomb sites and the terrorists should ALWAYS have placing the bomb as their number one goal.

Counter-Terrorist Tactics...

To be honest Dust is not hugely favorable when offering good ambush points and you may also find it difficult to out number the terrorists in encounters. Also don't forget that in the first game your USP's give you a range advantage. You generally have 2 choices for defending the bomb sites...
1) split your team into 2 and guard each of the areas surround the bomb sites, or...
2) adopt a more advanced defensive position and attempt to combine your squad's fire.

In more detail:

1)Splitting your team

Not a brilliant way to succeed this, you run the risk of having one bomb site being wiped out - then you're trapped by the other bomb site whilst the terrorists camp until you show yourselves or the bomb gets close to detonating.

But if you do decide this is what you want to do then make the most of the cover, force the enemy to get as close to you as possible without being able to shoot and then rush them with sub machine guns. If you team has rifles then (2) is a much better option.

But assuming you want to defend them separately then here are a few ideas...

You could also experiment with hiding and letting the terrorists plant the bomb then attack at the last moment (you should all buy defusers) attack and attempt to defuse the bomb... I wouldn't recommend this though ;)

2)Advanced defensive position

Personally I prefer this one, as shown below the terrorists HAVE to go through one area of the map in order to reach either target, if you defend here your squad can stay reasonably close together and with a bit of flexibility you can meet any threat. Note that it's very unlikely that the terrorists will be able to use the boxes to climb up from the under pass as it will require two lots of climbing on team mates, in full view of you :).

If you can win the first few games you can almost turn this into old version siege by forcing the enemy to come at you from a distance with very little cover.

If you position all of your team in this area then you should be able to meet any threat on at least equal terms. Split up a 6 man team as below:

The soldier guarding the long under pass should retreat after firing a few warning shots as shown, so he can join up with the others. One of the troops guarding the pass should also be designated to respond to any attacks against the left bomb site by going down the side passage to flank any terrorists rushing the two who are defending the entrance. Bind a key to the radio command "Taking fire, need assistance" as when you press it you will flash on the radar so your team will instantly be able to tell where the enemy was attacking from if they were unsure.

Regarding weapon choices, grenades are not really worth it - better spent on a kevlar helmet, and sub-machine guns suffer from an immense loss of power at long range. So rifles are your obvious target, but be careful that your team doesn't go over the top with sniper's - 3 at the most (in a 6 v 6 game).

Terrorist Tactics...

Because of the points I detailed in the map summary I always feel that if the terrorist's are well organized then they have a bigger advantage on DE maps than the terrorists (the defenders now) do on CS maps. If the counter-terrorists do not use a more advanced defensive set up (as detailed above) then as terrorists you should have a field day. You are in no way forced to split your team up, the opposition have to spread there troops over both bomb sites whereas you can force your whole side against one.

KEEP YOUR SQUAD TOGETHER, if you split up and you lose half your squad it's unlikely the others will be able to do anything, so at the beginning of each round give an order and then attack en masse.

These should be your 3 main routes, be careful when trying to attack the top bomb site from the side not to be seen else you could be ambushed - maybe order two men to skirmish with the enemy through the front archway while the rest of your team heads around the side.

Its not particularly complicated as a tactic, but you should be able to outnumber the enemy so it gives you a fair chance.

Consider designating one of your team as the bomb carrier then he can move behind the rest of the team and head straight for the bombsite whilst the rest of the squad engage the enemy.

If possible your whole squad should have commando's or AK47's, maybe one AWP but not more, else you may find yourselves in a close engagement where you could be doomed.

I think that's about all, CT if you use the advanced defence plan it'll be a whole lot easier and terrorists, stick together and weight of numbers should see you through to planting that bomb. 

RtG