# Guide to Reaching FACEIT Level 10 in CS2

## Understanding Level 10
FACEIT Level 10 (2001+ ELO) represents the top 5% of players globally. Reaching this level requires mechanical skill, strategic depth, game sense, and exceptional teamwork.

---

## Core Fundamentals

### Aim & Mechanics
**Daily Practice (30-45 min):**
- Deathmatch warm-up
- Workshop maps: Aim Botz, Reflex Training
- Counter-strafing and spray control
- Crosshair placement at head level
- Movement: silent walking, jump throws, peek variations

### Game Sense
- Learn all callouts for every map
- Understand timings to key positions
- Study rotation routes and boost spots
- Read opponent tendencies and adapt
- Manage economy and coordinate buys
- Identify round win conditions

---

## CT Side Mastery

### Holding Angles Fundamentals
- **Never hold the same angle twice** - mix up positioning constantly
- Use off-angles and unexpected positions
- Always have cover nearby for retreat
- Play for time and information, not hero plays
- Establish crossfires with teammates

### Key CT Positions by Map

**Dust 2:** Long (car, pit, corner) | Cat (top, CT ramp) | B (window, door, plat)
**Mirage:** A (jungle, stairs, ticket) | Mid (window, connector) | B (van, bench, kitchen)
**Inferno:** A (pit, balcony, truck) | Banana (logs, sandbags) | B (oranges, CT)
**Anubis:** A (heaven, connector, canal) | Mid (walkway, bridge) | B (water, pillar)
**Nuke:** A (ramp, heaven, hut) | Outside (silo, secret) | B (vents, ramp)
**Ancient:** A (cave, elbow, donut) | Mid (stairs, temple) | B (ramp positions)
**Vertigo:** A (ramp, sandbags, heaven) | Mid (stairs) | B (yellow, ramp)

### CT Strategy
- Coordinate site holds (2-1-2 or 1-3-1 setups)
- Don't over-rotate on fakes
- Use utility to delay and gather info
- Communicate enemy positions and utility usage constantly
- Plan post-plant positions in advance

---

## T Side Execution

### Map Control & Entry
- Default spread for early information
- Fight for mid control
- Use utility to delay CT aggression
- Identify weak points through picks

### Executing Sites
- Coordinate utility: smokes, flashes, mollies in sequence
- Clear angles methodically with trades
- Entry fraggers lead, support players immediately trade
- Spread out—don't peek same angles
- Designate post-plant positions before planting

### Trading Kills (CRITICAL)
The most important T-side skill:
- Be ready to immediately refrag teammates
- Stay close enough to trade
- Practice coordinated peeks
- No trades = much harder rounds

---

## Utility Mastery (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

Utility knowledge separates Level 8 from Level 10 players.

### Essential Utility
**Smokes:** Learn 3-5 key smokes per map (T and CT side)
**Flashes:** Pop flashes, coordinated double flashes
**Mollies:** Clear positions, post-plant denial, delay pushes (7 sec duration)
**HE Grenades:** Pre-damage stacked positions, finish low HP enemies

### Learning Resources
- **CSNADES.gg** - comprehensive lineup database
- **CS2UTIL.com** - pro utility strategies
- **Tracker.gg CS2** - community lineups

### Practice Commands
```
sv_cheats 1; sv_infinite_ammo 1; ammo_grenade_limit_total 5
mp_roundtime 60; mp_buy_anywhere 1; mp_buytime 9999
sv_grenade_trajectory 1; sv_showimpacts 1
```

### Learning Process
1. Master ONE map completely first
2. Learn 3 T-side smokes per bombsite
3. Learn 2 CT retake smokes
4. Practice 15-20 min daily
5. Use in matches for muscle memory
6. Expand to other maps

---

## Communication & Teamplay

### Effective Comms
**DO Communicate:**
- Enemy positions (specific callouts)
- Enemy utility usage
- Enemy HP if damaged
- Your utility availability
- Rotation calls

**DON'T:**
- Talk when dead (unless crucial info)
- Backseat game or micromanage
- Blame teammates or make excuses
- Engage with toxic players—mute immediately

### Playing with Randoms
- Observe teammate tendencies early
- Fill gaps in team composition
- Trade kills and support entry fraggers
- Be positive and encourage team
- Forgive mistakes

---

## Mental Game

### Winning Mindset
- Focus on improvement, not just wins
- Stay calm in clutches
- Reset mentally each round
- Play when fresh, not tilted/tired
- Take breaks after losses
- You control only YOUR performance

### Session Management
- Warm up properly before first match
- Play max 3-4 matches per sitting
- Take 10-min breaks between matches
- Review demos of close losses

---

## Training Routine

### Daily Practice (2-3 hours)

**Warm-Up (30-45 min):**
- 10 min Aim Botz
- 10 min spray control
- 15-20 min Deathmatch
- 5 min utility practice

**Competitive (1.5-2 hours):**
- 2-3 FACEIT matches
- Apply learned utility/positions
- Focus on communication

**Cool Down (15-30 min):**
- Review last match demo
- Note mistakes and improvements
- Practice weak scenarios

### Weekly Goals
- Master utility for ONE map
- Improve ONE specific weakness
- Watch pro player POVs
- Play 15-20 matches for consistency

---

## Advanced Concepts

### Economy Management
- Force buy timing based on opponent economy
- Coordinate team buys—never leave teammates under-equipped
- Save weapons intelligently

### Reading the Game
- Predict strategies from enemy economy
- Identify tendencies (aggressive/passive/utility-heavy)
- Adjust positioning mid-match
- Deny opponent win conditions

### Clutching
- Stay calm—panic = mistakes
- Gather info before committing
- Use utility for advantages
- Play off sound cues
- Know when to save vs. defuse

---

## Key Takeaways

**Critical Focus Areas:**
1. Master utility on every map—absolutely essential
2. Vary CT positions constantly
3. Communication and teamwork > individual skill
4. Never tilt—mental strength matters
5. Consistent practice and demo review

**Resources:**
- Pro matches on HLTV with player perspectives
- YouTube: voo CSGO, NartOutHere (educational)
- Leetify.com for match analytics
- r/GlobalOffensive for updates

---

## Final Thoughts

Reaching Level 10 requires hundreds of hours of deliberate practice, constant learning, and mental resilience. Focus on gradual improvement in specific areas. Every Level 10 player started where you are now—the difference is persistence and learning from every match. Good luck!