Improving your aim: Become the AIM GOAT

Aiming is one of the most important skills in Counter-Strike 2. No matter how well you know maps or how sharp your movement is, your aim will often determine the outcome of a match. There are several types of aiming you need to master to become a top-tier player, along with various ways to train your aim effectively.

A screen capture from the "Aim_Botz" workshop map

Types of Aiming

1. Tapping / First Bullet Accuracy (FBA): FBA refers to how often your first bullet hits the target, ideally the enemy’s head. This is particularly important for weapons like the Desert Eagle and AK-47, which can one-shot kill with a headshot at any distance. Even for weapons that don’t kill instantly, headshots deal significant damage, giving you an advantage in any fight. Developing FBA involves learning to control your aim, taking precise shots, and avoiding unnecessary movement while firing.

2. Spraying: Spraying is the most commonly used aiming technique in the game, especially in mid-to-close-range fights. It involves holding down the fire button and controlling the recoil pattern of your weapon to keep the bullets on target. Mastering spray patterns for different guns, particularly the AK-47 and M4, is crucial for eliminating opponents quickly in intense gunfights.

3. Tracking: Tracking refers to your ability to keep your crosshair on a moving target. Since good players rarely stand still, tracking is a vital skill for consistent aim. Smooth and precise tracking ensures that you can land shots even when enemies are strafing or running across your screen. This skill becomes especially important with automatic weapons during longer engagements.

4. Flicking: Flicking is the ability to quickly move your crosshair to a target and fire accurately. This skill is most commonly associated with the AWP but is also useful with other weapons in certain situations. Flicking requires excellent reflexes and precision, as it often involves reacting to sudden enemy movements or peeks.

To reach higher levels of play, you’ll need to master all these aiming techniques. Each has its place in different scenarios, and being versatile will give you an edge in any match.

Training Your Aim

Improving your aim takes consistent practice, and there are several methods to choose from, depending on your preferences:

1. Steam Workshop Maps: Maps like Aim_Botz are excellent for practicing aim against bots. These maps are highly customizable, allowing you to adjust settings like bot speed, spawn locations, and weapons. They’re ideal for focusing on FBA or specific weapons like the AK-47 or AWP.

2. Deathmatches (DMs): Deathmatch servers are one of the best ways to train your aim against real players. Unlike bots, real players exhibit unpredictable movement, forcing you to stay focused and adapt. With instant respawns and unlimited ammo, DMs allow you to practice all types of aiming—spraying, tracking, flicking, and FBA—in a fast-paced environment. Personally, I find DMs the most effective training method.

3. Third-Party Apps: Tools like Aimlabs or Kovaak’s FPS Aim Trainer are popular for aim training. These apps offer a wide range of scenarios and drills designed to improve specific aspects of your aim. They’re great for building muscle memory and refining your reflexes in a controlled environment.

In conclusion, aiming is a multifaceted skill that requires dedication and practice. Focus on mastering FBA, spraying, tracking, and flicking, and incorporate regular aim training into your routine. Whether you prefer Steam Workshop maps, DMs, or third-party apps, find what works best for you and stay consistent. With time and effort, your aim will improve, and you’ll climb the ranks in CS2.

Your daily portion of highlights:

Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom, known as the "one-tap machine," is legendary for holding the highest headshot percentage in professional Counter-Strike history, an incredible 68.1%.