Bombsite A (3)

Master Bombsite A in Counter-Strike: Source! Learn the best routes, common CT setups, and T strategies for Long A, CT Ramp, and Catwalk. Dominate the map!

Alright, let's talk about Bombsite A in Counter-Strike: Source. This spot is way up in the northeast corner of the map, and it's pretty open, making it a prime spot for those long-range duels. If you're a Terrorist (T), you'll find plenty of boxes scattered around the site itself, giving you a bunch of options for planting the bomb and staying hidden. For the Counter-Terrorists (CTs), you can set up one or two AWPs either right on the bombsite or over at Goose to lock it down from a distance. There are three main ways to get into this site.

First up is Long A. This is that big, open road. Honestly, if a sniper catches you out in the open running down this path, you're probably toast. At the very end of Long A, you'll find Pit, where the road dips down. As a T, smoking off Pit and then slipping in there is a smart move. It lets you scout out how many CTs are actually on the A site and decide if pushing Long A is still a good idea. Plus, being in Pit gives you eyes on Goose, so you can see if there's a CT there ready to shut down a push from Short A. Remember, you can only get to Long A from T spawn through A Doors. Be warned, CTs love to hide AWPs just around the corner from those doors. Your best bet is to throw a flashbang off the doors or smoke that spot before you make your push.

Next, let's look at CT spawn. There's a ramp that leads straight up to A. This can be a solid option if the Ts are really locking down Mid. The biggest downside to attacking this way is that there's not much cover if you're not hugging the wall. You'll also have to check some really awkward angles to make sure Catwalk is clear. The kicker is, you won't even know if Long A is clear until you're actually on the site, which is a huge risk for a T. If you're a CT and you're holding a post-plant situation, holding this ramp is a good play. Stationing a player at Elevator – that corner by the wall near the ramp – forces the retaking CTs to check not only the bombsite but also their own spawn area for any lurking Ts.

Finally, there's Catwalk, also known as Cat or Short A. This is the route Ts often take if they've managed to control Mid but don't feel like pushing through the doors at Long A. The cool thing about Catwalk, compared to Long A and even CT Ramp to some extent, is that it feels more like a direct assault. Once you break cover, you can get to the bombsite pretty quickly, catching any slow-reacting CTs off guard. However, just like Long A, there isn't much cover between the end of Catwalk and the bombsite, so you've got to move fast and decisively.