How to Surf in CS2

Counter-Strike 2 is so much more than just an FPS game. With a thriving skins economy, one of the most prominent Esports scenes in the world, and more than 20 years of history under its belt, CS2 is a game of many faces. Alongside the traditional gameplay of CS2, there are tons of additional game modes and features that players can explore thanks to the game’s customization abilities. From custom maps to community servers, the game has something for everyone.

One of these many custom features available in CS2 is surfing. For decades, surfing has been a unique feature where players could take a step back from the highly competitive gameplay of CS2 and take a moment to relax while zooming through unique surf maps. In this article, we will teach you how to surf in CS2 and how to play on different surf servers and maps.

What is CS2 Surfing?

Surfing in CS2 is a unique movement that combines traditional CS2 movement with special commands to allow players to slide down inclined ramps. Players “surf” across ramps and jump between each ramp, with the goal of reaching some type of finish line. Some ramps are extremely far apart or on different height levels, requiring players to make precise movements to hit perfect surf jumps.

Surf maps are all very different. They are usually themed in a certain way, and while some may be simple designs, some are extremely intricate and beautiful. Some maps have multiple levels, while others have just one level. Some take 30 seconds to complete, and others take ten or more minutes. But no matter the map, there is always the same end goal: reach the finish line in the fastest time possible.

How to Surf in CS2

Surfing is based on the ability to slide down sloping surfaces without losing momentum. By combining this with lateral movements and mouse movements, players can control their direction and speed to surf across the map and toward the finish line. Now, let’s take a look at CS2’s surf mechanics.

When you are at the beginning of a surf map, you must move forward toward the map. Run towards the first ramp, jump if needed, then release your W key. After this, you will never use your W key. The forward and backward movement keys are not used in surfing; they will only stop your runs.

When you are about to land on the ramp, press the sideways movement key(A or D) in the direction of the ramp. If you are on the right side of the ramp, hold A, and hold D if you are on the left. This keeps you against the ramp so that you can surf without falling.

As you ride the ramp using your A and D keys, use mouse movements to move yourself up or away from the ramp. When in the air, you should always sync your keystrokes and mouse movements. For example, if you are moving right with your mouse, hold the D key, and vice versa. This allows you to maintain and gain speed much more efficiently.

When jumping off ramps, move the mouse in the same direction you are going while pressing the opposite move key. This allows you to smoothly detach from the wall and soar through the air.

Practice using these movements. If you follow these steps, you will be able to surf across the first few ramps. However, while these simple mechanics teach you how to gain speed and maintain speed, they aren’t enough to beat a map in most cases. To do so, you will need to learn some more tips to improve your surfing skills.

Tips and Tricks to Master Your Surfing Skills

Now that you know how to surf in CS2, follow these tips and tricks to complete your first surf maps!

How to Board a Ramp

Boarding a ramp in CS2 is vital to gaining speed, and it is the first step in a journey to master surfing. When you first board a ramp, you need to be flush to the ramp. Once you make contact with the ramp, hold the strafe key and smoothly move your mouse toward the ramp to curve your movement. End your curve when you are parallel with the bottom of the ramp.

How to Flick off a Ramp

When you reach the edge of a ramp, you need to “flick” off of it. Hold the correct strafe key, and when you reach the end of the ramp, you will be launched into the air. However, be conservative with your flicks, as it can be easy to overdo it and end up losing speed in the air. Remember, the most important thing in surfing is to maintain speed, so losing speed between ramps is a huge no-no.

How to Surf on Curved Ramps

Curved ramps are one of the few exceptions to the A and D key rule. Unlike straight ramps, on curved ramps, you must use the opposite movement key to where you are on the ramp(D when you are on the right side of a curved ramp, and A when you are on the left). Make sure to keep your mouse movement consistent with the curve of the ramp, and you will easily glide through the curve, gaining speed as you go.

Practice!

There are tons of additional, intricate surfing skills, but these are by far the most important for beginners simply trying to beat their first map. Now that you understand how to surf in CS2, practice these tips and basic mechanics until you can easily beat maps; then, you can work on learning new tricks and skills as you need them to beat harder maps.

How to Play Surf Servers in CS2

The best and most common way to surf is to join surf servers. These surf servers have timers, checkpoints, tons of data about your speed, personal/world records, and more. Plus, some servers cycle maps so that you can practice your skills on a variety of maps. Use the following steps to play surf servers in CS2:

How to Play Surf Maps in CS2

If you prefer to play surf maps on private servers, you can also do that on CS2, but you won’t have timers or speed data without special plugins. Luckily, unlike CS:GO, where you had to run commands, CS2’s custom maps allow mapmakers to code surf settings into the map, allowing players to play surf maps without commands. To play surf maps in CS2: