Inferno Map Guide
Master banana control and apartment strategies on this CT-sided classic
Inferno is one of Counter-Strike's oldest and most strategically demanding maps, known for its narrow chokepoints and CT-sided nature. Set in an Italian village, Inferno requires exceptional utility usage and teamwork to execute successfully on T-side. The map's tight corridors create intense close-quarter battles, while map control - particularly banana and apartments - determines round outcomes.
Map Overview & Layout
Inferno features two distinct bombsites connected by narrow pathways. The map's chokepoint-heavy design heavily favors CTs in default positions, making T-side executes challenging without proper utility and coordination.
Map Characteristics
- Balance: CT-sided (55-45% favoring CT)
- Playstyle: Utility-dependent, chokepoint fights
- Complexity: High (vertical angles, tight spaces)
- Map Control: Banana & Apartments critical
- Rotation Time: Fast (8-10 seconds)
Key Areas
- Banana: Main B site approach
- Apartments (Apps): Secondary A route
- Mid: Central connective area
- A Site: Open site with truck/pit
- B Site: Small, enclosed bombsite
Essential Callouts
Inferno's complex layout requires knowing many specific callout names:
A Site Callouts
- • Apartments (Apps): T-side building to A
- • Boiler: Room in apartments
- • Balcony: Apartment exit to A
- • A Site: Bombsite area
- • Truck: Large truck on site
- • Pit: Sunken position on A
- • Graveyard: Behind A site
- • Cubby: Corner near graveyard
- • Arch (Arches): Archway to mid
- • Library: Room near A site
- • Porch: Elevated area at A
Mid Area Callouts
- • Mid: Central area
- • Top Mid (Mexico): T-side mid
- • Bottom Mid: Lower mid area
- • Arch: Connects mid to A
- • Ruins (Hay): Hay cart area
- • Brush: Bush near mid
- • Bridge: Small bridge in mid
- • T Stairs: T-side mid stairs
B Site Callouts
- • Banana: Main pathway to B
- • Top Banana: T-side banana entrance
- • Logs (Wood Pile): Stack of logs
- • Car: Vehicle near banana
- • Sandbags: Sandbag position
- • B Site: Bombsite area
- • Fountain: Center of B site
- • New Box/Old Box: Boxes on site
- • Dark: Dark corner at B
- • Coffins (Spools): Cable spools
- • CT Spawn: CT base
CT Side Strategy
CT side on Inferno is about holding key chokepoints and using utility to delay T advances. The narrow pathways give CTs significant advantages.
Standard CT Setup (2-1-2)
- 2 A Site: One plays pit/arch, one plays site/library. Can push apartments early for info
- 1 Mid: Controls mid/arch area. Critical for rotations and information gathering
- 2 B Site: One holds banana (usually with AWP), one anchors site. Heavy utility usage required
CT Positioning & Tips
- Banana Control: Use molotovs and smokes to delay T banana pushes. AWP from sandbags/logs effective
- Apartment Push: Early round apartment aggression gathers info and delays T setups
- Pit Position: Strong A anchor spot, but vulnerable to apartment pressure
- Mid Control: Hold from arch or bottom mid. Listen for top mid/apartment movement
- Crossfires: Set up crossfires on both sites - Inferno is perfect for trading kills
- Rotations: Fast rotations possible - don't over-rotate on fakes
T Side Strategy
T side on Inferno is challenging and requires patience, utility, and coordination. Map control and timing are everything.
Default T Setup
- 2 Banana: Fight for banana control using utility. Essential for map presence
- 2 Apartments: Control apartments and apply A pressure
- 1 Mid: Watches mid, provides support to either side, can lurk
T Execute Strategies
A Site Execute (Apartments)
A executes typically come through apartments with mid/arch support:
- Smoke pit from apartments or mid
- Smoke library/truck from balcony
- Molotov pit or arch to clear positions
- Flash balcony for apartment exit
- Push from apartments while mid player takes arch control
- Alternative: Full arch push with utility to clear pit
B Site Execute (Banana)
B executes require heavy utility to overcome CT banana control:
- Smoke CT (coffins/spools) from banana
- Smoke site positions (fountain, back site)
- Molotov sandbags or common CT positions
- Flash over banana for push
- Coordinate with apartments to split from two angles
- Rush strategies work if CT utility is depleted
Banana Control Strategy
Taking banana control is essential for Inferno T-side:
- Use smokes to block CT sightlines (logs, sandbags)
- Molotov common CT hold positions
- Establish presence early - don't give banana for free
- Having banana control forces CTs to respect B threat
- Allows late round B execute or splits
Essential Smokes
These smokes are crucial for both T executes and CT holds on Inferno:
A Site Smokes
- • Pit: From apartments/mid - blocks anchor (essential)
- • Library: From balcony/arch - clears library
- • Truck: From balcony - blocks truck position
- • Arch: From mid - blocks arch angle
- • Long (Coffins - CT): From CT spawn - delays B rotate
Banana & B Smokes
- • CT (Coffins/Spools): From banana - blocks CT angle (essential)
- • Logs: From top banana - delays CT banana control
- • Sandbags: From banana - clears common position
- • Back Site: From banana - blocks deep site angle
- • Fountain: Various positions for site take
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Banana Control Battle
Banana is the most contested area on Inferno. Key principles:
- CT Side: Use molotov and smokes early to delay. AWP from sandbags/logs. Don't over-commit alone
- T Side: Don't give banana for free. Use utility to push CTs back. Establish control for map pressure
- Timing: CTs typically molly banana around 1:35-1:40. Push before or after it fades
- Importance: Banana control dictates whether B is a viable execute option
Apartment Strategies
Apartments is the key to A site success:
- CT Aggression: Push apartments early for information and to delay T setups
- T Control: Clear apartments thoroughly - CTs often hide in boiler or dark spots
- Balcony: Dangerous chokepoint - use utility before exiting to site
- Mid Connection: Apartments connect to mid - coordinate between players
Utility Economy
Inferno requires more utility than any other map:
- Always buy full utility - especially molotovs and smokes
- CTs: Molotovs for banana/apartments are essential every round
- Ts: You need multiple smoke sets for successful executes
- Don't save utility - use it or lose it
- Coordinate utility usage with teammates for maximum effect
Off-Angle Positions
Surprise positions that catch enemies:
- Dark (B Site): Deep corner - catches banana pushers
- Hay Cart: Mid position - unexpected angle
- Cubby (Graveyard): Behind A site - post-plant position
- Boiler: Deep apartments - catches apartment clears
- Under Balcony: Below apartment exit - surprise position
Pro Tip: Map Control Over Executes
On Inferno, establishing map control through banana and apartments is more important than rushing executes. The best T strategy is:
- Take banana control early (force CT to use utility)
- Establish apartment presence (gather A information)
- Default and wait for CT mistakes or gaps
- Execute mid-round when you have information advantage
- Patient play wins more rounds than rushed executes
Common Mistakes
- Giving Up Banana: Never give banana control for free - fight for it
- Solo Apartment Holds: CTs shouldn't hold apartments alone - too dangerous
- Poor Utility Usage: Wasting utility or not using it at all loses rounds
- Predictable CT Setup: Vary your positions - especially on banana
- Rushing Without Info: Don't rush executes without map control and information