CS2 Spray Patterns Guide: Hit More, Miss Less

CS2 is more than just a game; it’s a stage where precision reigns supreme and every shot counts. Want to know why the pros hit their targets while others spray and pray? Wonder how pro players shoot perfectly with the AK-47 and regularly hit their targets precisely, with seemingly a weapon that you just can’t contain while shooting? It’s all about mastering the art of spray control. Those bullet trails may look wild, but they’re anything but random.

This guide will break down the secrets of spray patterns, weapon handling, and recoil compensation. Whether you’re climbing ranks or looking to outgun your rivals, this is your shortcut to sharper aim and bigger wins. Let’s get started!

What Are CS2 Spray Patterns?

Understanding Spray Patterns in CS2

Spray patterns refer to the trajectory that bullets follow when a weapon is fired continuously. Unlike single-shot accuracy, automatic fire results in bullets spreading in predictable patterns due to recoil mechanics. Each weapon in CS2 has a unique spray pattern, which can range from upward bursts to zigzagging trajectories.

Understanding these patterns is crucial for both offensive and defensive gameplay. Recognizing where your bullets are likely to go allows you to adjust your aim dynamically, ensuring higher accuracy during sustained fire. This understanding separates low elo players from pros who can control their sprays under pressure.

Difference Between CS2 and CS:GO Spray Patterns

CS2 has retained the exact spray patterns from CS:GO, meaning the way your bullets behave during an automatic fire is entirely predictable and consistent with its predecessor. For seasoned CS:GO players, this is excellent news—there’s no need to relearn the spray mechanics for your favorite weapons.

However, just because the patterns remain the same doesn’t mean they’re any less important. Becoming proficient with these patterns is still a crucial skill for improving accuracy and dominating matches. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the game, learning these predictable behaviors will give you a massive edge on the battlefield.

Importance of Spray Patterns for Competitive Gameplay

Spray patterns are not just technical knowledge; they’re your ticket to clutch moments. In high-pressure scenarios, like 1v2 or 1v3 situations, the ability to control your spray can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Accurate spraying allows you to take down multiple opponents quickly, conserve ammunition, and maintain positional advantage.

Perfecting spray patterns also boosts confidence. When you’re in control of your weapon, every engagement feels manageable, no matter how chaotic the battlefield is.

Recoil and its Effect on Gameplay?

What Is Recoil in CS2?

Recoil is the physical feedback from a weapon when it’s fired. In CS2, this manifests as the upward and sideways movement of your crosshair during sustained fire. Additionally, subtle animations have been added to the gun itself, creating a more immersive visual cue when shooting. It adds a layer of challenge, preventing players from holding down the trigger and spraying indiscriminately, and that’s why it's crucial to learn how to manage recoil.

Difference Between Recoil and Inaccuracy

Recoil is predictable and can be compensated for, whereas inaccuracy is random and results from improper firing mechanics, such as moving while shooting or jumping. Understanding this distinction is critical. While you can learn and adapt to recoil, managing inaccuracy requires disciplined movement and firing habits.

What is Recoil Compensation in CS2

The Mechanics of Recoil Compensation

Recoil compensation involves counteracting the weapon’s spray pattern by moving your crosshair in the opposite direction of the bullet trajectory. For example, if a weapon’s spray pattern moves upward and to the right, you’ll need to pull your mouse downward and to the left to keep your shots on target.

This skill requires practice and precision. Training maps like “Recoil Master” in CS2 are invaluable for honing your compensation techniques. Additionally, learning to recognize the recoil reset time for each weapon ensures you’re not wasting bullets during recovery phases.

Why Should You Learn Spray Patterns?

How Spray Control Improves Aim

Spray control transforms your aim from reactive to proactive. Instead of chasing your bullets, you’re dictating where they go. This proactive approach significantly increases your hit percentage, especially in intense firefights where milliseconds matter.

Honing your spray pattern skills, you also become more versatile. Whether engaging enemies at close range or mid-distance, controlled spraying ensures you’re always a threat.

Competitive Advantages of Mastering Recoil

Spray control is your ultimate weapon in CS2. Imagine walking into a bombsite with three opponents ready to take you down. Without proper recoil management, your shots scatter, and you’re done for. But with mastery over spray patterns, you can eliminate each target with surgical precision before they have time to react.

This skill also makes you a reliable teammate. Whether you’re holding a site or clutching a round, consistent recoil control builds trust and sets you apart. Efficiency is another bonus—controlled sprays conserve ammo, keeping you ready for the next fight.

In competitive play, it’s not just about aiming; it’s about staying composed and making every bullet count. That’s the edge that spray mastery gives you.

Why Practice Matters

Muscle memory is the cornerstone of spray control. The more you practice, the more natural these movements become. Training regularly ensures that, in high-pressure situations, your aim adjustments are instinctive rather than forced.

Weapon-Specific Spray Patterns in CS2

Rifles

AK-47

AK-47 Spray Pattern

The AK-47’s spray begins with a sharp upward trajectory, followed by a chaotic zigzag pattern to the left and right.

AK-47 Recoil Compensation

This one is a little tricky to master but probably the most rewarding. Before the 10th bullet, guide your aim slightly below the target. Between the 10th and 15th bullets, adjust your scope upwards and to the left. From the 15th to the 22nd bullet, make a sharp shift to the right. Finally, steer your aim back to the left until your magazine is empty.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Drag your mouse downward steadily, then alternate left and right to match the zigzag pattern.
Practice in "Recoil Master" to refine your control for close and mid-range accuracy.
To control the AK-47’s spray, pull your crosshair down sharply to counteract the upward movement, then alternate left and right adjustments to match its zigzag path.

Tips on AK-47 Compensation
Fire in short bursts for greater accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Practice the full spray pattern in training maps to build confidence for close-range engagements.

M4A4

M4A4 Spray Pattern

The M4A4’s spray rises moderately and transitions smoothly between left and right deviations.

M4A4 Recoil Compensation

Pull the scope down and to the right for the first 10 bullets, then shift it to the left until the 20th bullet, and finish by moving it back to the right

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Pull your mouse downward consistently to control upward recoil.
Focus on transitioning smoothly between left and right adjustments during sustained fire.
Pull down steadily and make slight adjustments left and right to keep your shots on target.

Tips on M4A4 Compensation
Leverage its manageable recoil to practice controlled bursts. This weapon is forgiving and ideal for the fundamentals of spray control.

M4A1-S

M4A1-S Spray Pattern

The M4A1-S boasts a tighter spray pattern with minimal upward and sideways movement.

M4A1-S Recoil Compensation

The first 10 bullets stay on target, but after that, they begin to veer left and right.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Use gentle downward movements for precise headshots during bursts.
Start with controlled bursts to maintain accuracy over longer engagements.
Due to its small magazine, control your shooting

Tips on M4A1-S Compensation
Use this weapon to focus on headshots in controlled bursts. It’s perfect for players new to spray control mechanics.

FAMAS

FAMAS Spray Pattern:

The FAMAS’ spray rises and shifts slightly left before curving to the right.

FAMAS Recoil Compensation:

Maintain your scope aimed downward and centered, then quickly adjust it sharply to the left and right for effective control

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Counter the spray’s upward and sideward drift with slight adjustments.
Leverage the burst fire mode for tighter accuracy in mid-range fights.
Pull down gently while adjusting left and right as needed.

Tips on FAMAS Compensation:

This rifle excels in mid-range engagements. Use its burst mode for pinpoint accuracy when needed.

Galil AR

Galil AR Spray Pattern

The Galil AR’s spray rises sharply with a pronounced rightward curve.

Galil AR Recoil Compensation

During the spray of the first 9-10 bullets, guide your aim downward and slightly to the left. Pause briefly after the 10th shot, as the spray becomes significantly harder to control beyond that point.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Pull downward while compensating for the rightward spray curve.
Focus on body shots for effective damage when firing continuously.
Shoot in short bursts
Fire a single bullet in long-distance fights

Tips on Galil AR Compensation

Affordable and versatile, the Galil is excellent for budget rounds. Focus on body shots for consistent damage output.

AUG

AUG Spray Pattern

Without optics, the aim initially shifts to the left before quickly transitioning to the right.

AUG Recoil Compensation

Pull the crosshair downward and slightly to the right during the initial shots to counteract the upward drift.

Tips on AUG Recoil Compensation

Great for long-range
Spray is minimal when shooting with the scope on
You can easily one-tap an enemy player with a headshot

Tips on AUG

Perfect for players looking to hold angles or engage enemies from a distance while maintaining precision under pressure.

SG 553

SG 553 Spray Pattern

The SG 553 starts strong, with its scope initially moving upward and to the right during sustained fire.

SG 553 Recoil Compensation

Guide the scope downward at an angle to the left for precise recoil control, and then strafe your crosshair to the right.

Tips on SG 553 Recoil Compensation

It’s best to use SG with a scope
Without the scope, shoot in short bursts
Excellent long-range weapon

Tips on SG 553

It’s perfect for players who want a versatile rifle capable of holding angles or outgunning opponents in mid-to-long-range engagements.

Submachine Guns (SMGs)

MAC-10

MAC-10 Spray Pattern

The MAC-10’s spray rises rapidly with erratic leftward movement, making it unpredictable during sustained fire.

MAC-10 Recoil Compensation

When using the MAC-10, pull your aim diagonally down and to the right to maintain control while firing continuously.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Pull sharply downward and adjust for its unpredictable leftward drift.
Combine strafing with controlled bursts for maximum close-range efficiency.
Pull your crosshair down sharply while countering the leftward drift to maintain accuracy.

Tips on MAC-10

Best used at close range, where its high fire rate can overwhelm enemies. Combine strafing with controlled bursts for maximum impact.

MP9

MP9 Spray Pattern

The MP9’s spray rises moderately with a slight rightward drift, offering better control compared to other SMGs.

MP9 Recoil Compensation

Keep your aim steady and smoothly guide your scope down and to the right before centering it back to the target

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Maintain a gentle downward pull to manage the slight upward recoil.
Fire short bursts when holding tight angles to maximize accuracy.
Pull down gently and make minor adjustments to the left to counteract its drift.

Tips on MP9 Compensation

Ideal for holding tight angles. Focus on short bursts to maximize precision in close-quarters combat.

MP7

MP7 Spray Pattern

The MP7 has a balanced spray pattern, rising upward with minimal lateral deviation.

MP7 Recoil Compensation

Keep your aim centered, and as you spray, guide the scope down and to the left for precise control.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Drag downward steadily to handle the vertical spray.
Use sustained fire in mid-range fights to take advantage of the MP7’s consistent recoil.
Drag your crosshair downward smoothly to control the spray.

Tips on MP7 Compensation
Versatile at mid-range engagements. Practice sustained fire to get a feel for its consistent recoil.

UMP-45

UMP-45 Spray Pattern

The UMP-45’s spray rises with a slight rightward curve, making it manageable for experienced players.

UMP-45 Recoil Compensation

At medium-long range, fire four bullets, adjust your aim slightly downward and to the left midway, and finish with a sharp shift to the right

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Drag downward and slightly left to counteract its rightward drift.
Prioritize burst firing to conserve ammo and improve control.
Pull down and adjust slightly left to stay on target.

Tips on UMP-45 Compensation

Effective in eco rounds. Use burst fire to conserve ammo and maintain control.

P90

P90 Spray Pattern

The P90’s spray rises sharply with a slight leftward drift, offering high sustained fire.

P90 Recoil Compensation

Start lowering your scope almost instantly as you begin firing to maintain control and accuracy

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Maintain a steady downward pull and adjust rightward as needed.
Focus on mobility while firing to stay unpredictable in engagements.
Drag your crosshair down steadily while adjusting to the right.

Tips on P90 Compensation

Great for run-and-gun tactics. Focus on strafing to stay mobile while maintaining accuracy.

PP-Bizon

PP-Bizon Spray Pattern

When firing the PP-Bizon, the scope initially moves upward, but after the first 10 bullets, the accuracy significantly improves, allowing for more consistent shots.

PP-Bizon Recoil Compensation

Aim at the head and torso
Pull your crosshair steadily downward to counteract the upward movement
While the PP-Bizon can handle continuous fire, short, controlled bursts help maintain accuracy

Tips on PP-Bizon:

Excellent weapon for spray and pray tactic in close quarters.

Pistols

Glock-18

Glock-18 Spray Pattern

The Glock-18 has minimal recoil, with a slight upward spread during continuous fire.

Glock-18 Recoil Compensation

After every shot, reset your aim to head level and fire with precision again.

Tips on Glock-18 Compensation

Don’t use burst mode ever, you’ll be faster and more precise on your own in close-range fights and long-range.

USP-S

USP-S Spray Pattern

The USP-S offers exceptional accuracy with minimal vertical recoil.

USP-S Recoil Compensation

After every shot, reset your aim to the enemy's head for maximum precision and follow up with another shot.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Take your time between shots to allow the recoil to reset naturally.
Focus on precise, deliberate headshots instead of spamming shots.
Focus on steady aim, as compensation is rarely needed.

P2000

P2000 Spray Pattern

The P2000’s recoil is moderate, with a slightly upward trajectory.

P2000 Recoil Compensation

After each shot, pull down your crosshair and aim for the head.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Keep your crosshair steady and pull down lightly to control minor vertical movement.
Calculate every shot and save bullets - the magazine only has 13 bullets

P250

P250 Spray Pattern

The P250 exhibits noticeable vertical recoil, especially during rapid fire.

P250 Recoil Compensation

After firing each shot, realign your scope to the opponent’s head to maintain precision and follow through with the next

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Allow a brief pause between shots to reset the recoil pattern for better precision.
Aim for upper body shots in close combat, as the recoil is harder to control at range.
Drag your crosshair downward to control the spread.
Great for eco rounds.

Desert Eagle

Desert Eagle Spray Pattern

The Desert Eagle’s shots are powerful but exhibit significant recoil, with a wide spread if fired rapidly.

Desert Eagle Recoil Compensation

Fire 1-2 rounds at a time, aiming for the head or stomach for maximum damage output.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Space out your shots to let the recoil settle completely for maximum accuracy.
Practice lining up headshots during the brief moments of recoil recovery.
Allow time between shots to reset accuracy, as dragging doesn’t significantly help.

Dual Berettas

Dual Berettas Spray Pattern

The Dual Berettas’ spray rises upward with a noticeable horizontal spread.

Dual Berettas Recoil Compensation

Great pistol for medium and short-range fights, move the crosshair lower when shooting to maintain precision.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Alternate firing to balance the recoil across both pistols for steadier aim.
Focus on controlled bursts to maintain accuracy during sustained fire.
Pull down gently while controlling for side-to-side movement.

Tec-9

Tec-9 Spray Pattern

The Tec-9’s spray pattern shifts left on the fourth shot before transitioning to the right, where the remaining bullets continue in that direction.

Tec-9 Recoil Compensation

Get as close as you can to your target, and pull the Tec-9 down to the left while firing to maintain control

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Pull down sharply to manage the steep upward recoil during rapid fire.
Fire in small bursts to maintain accuracy at medium distances.
Drag down and adjust horizontally to maintain control.

CZ75-Auto

CZ75-Auto Spray Pattern

The CZ75-Auto’s rapid-fire capability results in significant vertical recoil.

CZ75-Auto Recoil Compensation

Keep your aim centered and smoothly guide the gun down and to the left for better control.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Drag down firmly to manage the rapid vertical climb during automatic fire.
Use close-range ambushes to maximize its effectiveness while minimizing recoil impact.
Pull down quickly and firmly to counteract the upward drift.

Five-SeveN

Five-SeveN Spray Pattern

The Five-SeveN has mild vertical recoil with a tight grouping.

Five-SeveN Recoil Compensation

Keep your crosshair centered and slowly move away.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Keep your shots steady by pulling down slightly during sustained fire.
Prioritize pacing your shots to maximize accuracy and conserve ammunition.

Shotguns

Nova

Nova Spray Pattern

The Nova has a tight spread that widens slightly with distance.

Nova Recoil Compensation

This weapon lacks automatic fire, so there’s no recoil to manage

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Keep your aim centered and wait for the spread to reset before firing again.
Focus on positioning and timing to maximize the shotgun’s one-shot kill potential.
Short distance weapon

Tips on Nova

Dominate close-range encounters. Aim for the chest to maximize damage.

XM1014

XM1014 Spray Pattern

The XM1014 features a wider spread with manageable recoil due to its semi-automatic nature.

XM1014 Recoil Compensation

After every shot, lower the weapon slightly to keep the scope aligned with the enemy’s chest for consistent accuracy.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Pull down slightly between shots to maintain accuracy and handle the moderate spread.
Use its semi-automatic nature to overwhelm opponents in close-quarters combat.

Tips on XM1014 Compensation

Use for aggressive pushes; its high fire rate excels in close combat.

MAG-7

MAG-7 Spray Pattern

The MAG-7’s spread is tight but limited to close-range engagements.

MAG-7 Recoil Compensation

This weapon does not feature an automatic firing mode, which eliminates the need to manage recoil

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Only shoot at a close distance,
Great for one-shot kills in hidden angles

Tips on MAG-7 Compensation

Perfect for holding tight angles. Use hit-and-run tactics to capitalize on its stopping power.

Sawed-Off

Sawed-Off Spray Pattern

This weapon does not have an automatic firing mode, meaning recoil isn’t a factor to consider when using it.

Sawed-Off Recoil Compensation

Minimal adjustment is needed due to its close-range focus.

Tips on Recoil Compensation:

Effective only at very close range

Tips on Sawed-Off Compensation

Surprise your enemies by engaging at point-blank range. Aim for center mass for maximum effect.

Machine Guns

Negev

Negev Spray Pattern

The Negev’s spray begins with a tight cluster before spreading upward and outward with sustained fire.

Negev Recoil Compensation

Pull down steadily during initial bursts and adjust side-to-side for prolonged fire.

Tips on Negev Compensation

Use controlled bursts for accuracy or suppressive fire to control chokepoints.
Crouch while shooting for improved accuracy and easier control

Tips on the Negev:

It is a great weapon to intercept enemies' rush and hold certain map points.

M249

M249 Spray Pattern

The M249’s spray rises gradually with moderate horizontal spread.

M249 Recoil Compensation

Drag your crosshair downward with small lateral adjustments.

Tips on M249 Recoil Compensation

Crouch while firing
Try to notice a visual line of the bullets and use it to control your aim

Tips on M249 Compensation

Ideal for defensive holds. Conserve ammo with measured bursts to maintain precision.

Sniper Rifles

G3SG1

G3SG1 Spray Pattern

The G3SG1 is relatively easy to control when spraying, but using it without the scope significantly reduces its effectiveness.

G3SG1 Recoil Compensation

Shooting with G3SG1 is quite simple. You need to move the scope down with every shoot.

Tips on G3SG1 Recoil Compensation

Only use it with a scope
If you happen to be in close range with someone, don't use the scope; it's unlikely you will get a shot that way

SCAR-20

SCAR-20 Spray Pattern

The spray on this weapon goes slightly upwards.

SCAR-20 Recoil Compensation

While shooting, keep the scope in the center and move it down.

Tips on SCAR-20 Recoil Compensation

It’s an automatic weapon but with a relatively slow fire rate, so shoot a few bullets before you go again at the opponent
Don't forget to reload, only 20 bullets are in the magazine

SSG 08

SSG 08 Spray Pattern

This weapon has no spray pattern since it only has single shots.

Tips on SSG 08

Try to go for the headshots - it will kill the enemy with one bullet
Moving speed with SSG is the same as wielding a knife
It’s relatively “good” with the jump shots, and you can experiment with that in some situations

AWP

AWP Spray Pattern

Single shots weapon, no recoil

Tips on AWP:

Kills an enemy with 1 bullet
Can shoot through walls and boxes

How to Practice Spray Patterns in CS2

Practicing spray patterns is as much about discipline as it is about technique. Start with dedicated training maps like “Recoil Master” or use custom server setups to isolate specific weapon patterns. Spend time focusing on one weapon at a time to build familiarity.

Console commands such as sv_cheats 1 and weapon_accuracy_nospread can help you analyze spray behavior without external variables. Once you’re comfortable, transition to live matches to apply these skills under pressure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcompensating for Recoil

One of the biggest errors players make is overcompensating for recoil. Dragging your crosshair too far down can make your bullets veer downward, missing your target entirely. Instead, practice a controlled, measured pull to counter recoil effectively. Balance is key, and only practice can help you perfect this subtle movement.

Neglecting Crosshair Placement

Poor crosshair placement is another frequent issue. Always keep your crosshair at head level, ready to snap to your enemy’s position. A poorly placed crosshair forces you to adjust during firefights, wasting valuable time and increasing your chances of missing a crucial shot.

Firing Too Quickly

Spraying without thought or control often leads to wasted ammo and missed opportunities. Controlled bursts, particularly at longer ranges, ensure better accuracy and help you conserve ammunition for follow-up fights. Remember, it’s not about how fast you fire—it’s about how precise you are.

Shooting While Moving

Firing while running or strafing drastically reduces accuracy. Even with perfect recoil control, movement adds unnecessary spread to your bullets. Always stop or crouch to stabilize your aim before engaging an enemy. Controlled movement paired with precise shooting can make a world of difference in high-stakes moments.

By identifying and correcting these mistakes, you’ll build stronger habits and elevate your gameplay to a new level.

Tips to Master Spray Control

Focus on Crosshair Placement

Keeping your crosshair at head level is crucial. It ensures your first shots land where they matter most, reducing the need for frantic adjustments during a fight. Pair this with proper recoil compensation to see a dramatic improvement in your hit rate.

Practice on Training Maps

Training maps like "Recoil Master" allow you to isolate weapons and understand their spray patterns in depth. Spend time on each weapon, starting with short bursts before progressing to learn full sprays. Muscle memory is key—consistent practice helps these movements feel natural in live matches.

Optimize Your Sensitivity Settings

Sensitivity settings play a huge role in how well you control spray patterns. Experiment with different levels to find one that allows smooth, precise adjustments. Small tweaks to your mouse sensitivity can drastically improve your recoil management.

Master Movement During Engagements

While stabilizing your aim by stopping or crouching is essential, effective strafing between shots makes you a harder target. Balancing movement and accuracy is a skill that separates good players from great ones. Practice movement by combining smooth strafing with controlled sprays to stay unpredictable

Be Patient and Persistent

Mastery doesn’t happen overnight. These techniques require dedication and repetition to become second nature. Regular practice and a willingness to refine your approach will set you apart in competitive play.

Your CS2 Journey Starts Now

Spray control isn’t just a skill. It’s a mindset. It’s about turning unpredictable chaos into precision dominance. As you’ve learned, mastering spray patterns isn’t just for show; it’s the difference between a good player and a Global Elite in CS2.

Your journey doesn’t end with spray patterns—it’s just the beginning. As you hone your skills and build confidence, there’s another layer to explore: upgrading your arsenal with incredible skins that showcase your style and dominance. Imagine stepping into a match with a sleek Redline, or a cool Asiimov skin, or if you're lucky enough, maybe with a nice shiny knife.

Climbing ranks and dominating matches feels even better when your weapons look as sharp as your skills. With Clash.gg, you can put your mastery to the test while unlocking incredible skins through interesting case and skin games to add flair to every victory. Every skin you earn is a badge of honor, a reminder of your journey from a casual player to a CS2 master.

It’s time to step up, embrace the challenge, and let your arsenal shine as brightly as your gameplay.