Valorant
Counter-Strike 2
What Is a Lineup in Valorant and CS2?
A memorized position and aim point that makes an ability or grenade land in exactly the same spot every time.
What does lineup mean in Valorant and CS2?
A lineup is a fixed throw: you stand in a precise spot, aim at a specific point of the map and use an ability or grenade so it always lands in the same place. Lineups let players smoke, flash or damage a position from far away and without seeing it, which is impossible to do reliably by eye.
How a lineup works
- Find the standing spot, usually marked by a corner, a crack in the floor or a piece of the wall.
- Aim at the reference point, such as the edge of a roof, a lamp or an antenna, sometimes with a specific crosshair position on it.
- Throw the right way: a normal throw, a running throw, a jump-throw or, in Valorant, a set number of bounces and charge for Sova’s arrows.
Typical lineups in each game
| Game | Common lineups |
|---|---|
| Valorant | Sova’s Recon Bolt and Shock Dart, Viper’s Snake Bite and Poison Cloud, Brimstone’s incendiary and KAY/O’s knife thrown from safe spots |
| CS2 | Smokes that block Window or CT on Mirage, flashes over walls, and Molotovs that clear common corners or deny a defuse |
Why lineups matter so much
- Post-plant: a molly lineup thrown from a safe position stops the defuse without exposing you, which wins many retakes for the attackers.
- Executes: five players throwing their utility at once only works if every smoke lands in the right spot.
- Info and damage: recon and damage abilities reveal or punish enemies before anyone peeks, so you do not depend on peeker’s advantage.
Example
On Ascent, a Viper plants on B and retreats to Market. When the spike defuse sound starts, she uses a memorized Snake Bite lineup that lands right on the spike, forcing the defender off the defuse without ever peeking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lineups cheating?
No. Lineups are learned in custom games or practice and use normal game mechanics. External programs that draw aim points on screen, however, are against the rules.
How many lineups should I learn?
Start with two or three per map for your main agent or role, especially post-plant ones. A few reliable lineups beat dozens you cannot execute under pressure.