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Anubis Guide - How to Master Mid Control and Water

Learn how to play Anubis through strong Mid control, Water pressure, utility usage, and coordinated executes on both bombsites.

5 min readBy CSStatLab EditorialUpdated
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Anubis is one of Counter-Strike's newest competitive maps, but it has quickly become one of the most tactical. Unlike many traditional maps, Anubis offers multiple ways to approach each bombsite, rewarding teams that communicate well and adapt throughout the round.

Map control is everything. Teams that patiently gather information and pressure multiple areas force defenders into difficult decisions, while rushed executes often become predictable and easy to stop.

Understanding how the map flows is the key to finding consistent success.

Understanding the Map

Anubis revolves around four important areas:

  • Mid
  • Water
  • Canal
  • Connector

These areas connect both bombsites and create numerous opportunities for late-round rotations and split executes.

Rather than committing early, successful teams gradually take control of the map before attacking.


Terrorist Side

Start With a Default

Avoid committing to a bombsite during the opening seconds.

A balanced default allows your team to gather information while preventing aggressive Counter-Terrorist pushes.

A common setup includes:

  • One player watching A Main
  • One player holding B Main
  • Two players contesting Mid
  • One flexible player supporting whichever side gains space

This keeps your options open and forces defenders to reveal their positions.


Mid Creates Opportunities

Mid is one of the most influential areas on Anubis.

Controlling Mid allows your team to pressure:

  • Connector
  • Canal
  • Water
  • Rotations between sites

Even if you don't execute through Mid, simply threatening it forces defenders to spread out and communicate more carefully.

Useful utility includes:

  • Mid Smoke
  • Connector Flash
  • HE Grenades
  • Canal Smoke

Taking Mid is often more valuable than immediately committing to either bombsite.


Attacking A

The strongest A executes come from multiple directions.

Pressure from:

  • A Main
  • Connector
  • Mid

forces defenders to split their attention.

Common utility includes:

  • Heaven Smoke
  • CT Smoke
  • Default Molotov
  • Site Flash

Once the bomb is planted, reposition into crossfires rather than hunting additional kills.


Attacking B

B Site offers several entry routes, making coordinated executes particularly effective.

Before entering, clear common defensive positions such as:

  • Pillar
  • Back Site
  • Platform
  • Close Left

Useful grenades include:

  • Heaven Smoke
  • Platform Molotov
  • Site Flash
  • Connector Smoke

Winning B usually comes down to teamwork and trading rather than individual aim.


Counter-Terrorist Side

Contest Mid Early

Giving away Mid without resistance gives the Terrorists too much freedom.

Use utility to delay advances while gathering information.

Examples include:

  • Mid Smoke
  • Connector Flash
  • HE Grenades
  • Safe jiggle peeks

Even forcing attackers to spend utility can significantly improve your chances later in the round.


Defending A

A defenders should focus on slowing the execute instead of taking unnecessary fights.

Use utility to delay attackers while teammates rotate into stronger positions.

If Mid has already been lost, communicate immediately so your team can adjust.


Defending B

B Site rewards disciplined positioning.

Avoid swinging alone unless you're confident support is nearby.

Instead:

  • Play crossfires.
  • Delay with utility.
  • Force attackers into predictable paths.

Surviving long enough for rotations is often more valuable than searching for opening kills.


Common Mistakes

Ignoring Mid

Many newer players focus only on the bombsites.

However, losing Mid gives attackers fast access to multiple routes and makes rotations much more difficult.

Contest Mid whenever possible.


Over-Rotating

Anubis allows attackers to change direction quickly.

Rotating after seeing only one player or hearing a single smoke often leaves the opposite site exposed.

Rotate based on confirmed information rather than assumptions.


Taking Solo Fights

The map rewards coordinated trading.

Instead of constantly looking for individual duels:

  • Stay close to teammates.
  • Trade immediately.
  • Reposition after getting a kill.

Good teamwork consistently beats individual hero plays.


Wasting Utility

Utility is one of the biggest advantages on Anubis.

Every grenade should accomplish something:

  • Delay a push.
  • Deny information.
  • Support a teammate.
  • Create space.
  • Block a sightline.

Throwing grenades without purpose usually hurts your team later in the round.


Utility Wins Rounds

Well-timed utility can completely change how a round develops.

Effective smokes, flashes, and molotovs can:

  • Secure Mid control.
  • Force defenders out of strong positions.
  • Create safer bombsite entries.
  • Delay rotations.
  • Improve post-plant situations.

Learning a few reliable lineups for each bombsite provides immediate value at every skill level.


Improving on Anubis

Rather than learning advanced strategies immediately, focus on building strong fundamentals.

A good progression is:

  1. Learn every common callout.
  2. Improve your Mid control.
  3. Practice a few essential smokes for both bombsites.
  4. Learn common defender positions.
  5. Review your demos to identify repeated mistakes.

Mastering these basics will make every future strategy easier to execute.


Final Thoughts

Anubis rewards patient and disciplined Counter-Strike.

Teams that control Mid, communicate clearly, and use utility with purpose consistently outperform teams relying only on mechanical skill.

Focus on map control first, executes second, and aim last.

Over time, you'll find that smart decision-making wins far more rounds than rushing bombsites ever will.


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