Mastering Ratting in CS:GO: The Art of Stealth and Strategy

Introduction

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a game that rewards precision, teamwork, and tactical awareness. Among the many strategies players employ, "ratting" stands out as a controversial yet highly effective playstyle. Ratting refers to a stealthy, opportunistic approach where a player avoids direct engagements, instead focusing on flanking, lurking, and picking off unsuspecting enemies. While some view ratting as a cowardly tactic, others see it as a legitimate and intelligent way to outmaneuver opponents.

This article explores the concept of ratting in CS:GO, its advantages and disadvantages, key techniques, and how players can effectively incorporate it into their gameplay.

What Is Ratting in CS:GO?

Ratting is a playstyle where a player avoids direct confrontations, instead relying on positioning, timing, and patience to secure kills. Unlike aggressive fraggers who push for engagements, "rats" play passively, often hiding in unexpected spots or waiting for the enemy to make a mistake.

The term "rat" comes from the idea of sneaking around like a rodent, staying hidden until the perfect moment to strike. While some players use ratting as a primary strategy, others employ it situationally—such as when playing in a disadvantaged round (e.g., a 1vX clutch scenario).

Advantages of Ratting

Psychological Pressure

A skilled rat can create immense psychological pressure on opponents. Knowing that an enemy could be lurking in an unexpected angle forces players to check every corner, slowing their rotations and making them hesitant. This can disrupt an opponent’s momentum and lead to mistakes.

Information Control

By staying hidden, a rat can gather valuable intel on enemy positions and rotations. This information can be relayed to teammates or used to set up a surprise attack. A well-timed flank can dismantle an enemy’s setup, especially in post-plant situations.

High-Impact Kills

Since ratting relies on catching opponents off-guard, the kills secured are often high-impact. Eliminating an enemy AWPer or a key support player can swing rounds in favor of the rat’s team.

Effective in Clutch Scenarios

In 1vX situations, ratting becomes a powerful tool. Instead of taking fair fights, a rat can reposition unpredictably, forcing enemies to hunt them down while exposing themselves to ambushes.

Disadvantages of Ratting

Passive Play Can Hurt Team Dynamics

If a player rats too much, they may fail to contribute to team pushes or trades. Over-reliance on ratting can leave teammates at a disadvantage in direct engagements.

Predictability

Experienced players know common rat spots and will check them. If a player repeatedly uses the same hiding spots, they become predictable and easier to counter.

Risk of Being Useless

If a rat fails to secure kills or provide value, they essentially become a non-factor in the round. Unlike aggressive players who can force openings, a rat who doesn’t execute properly may end up being a liability.

Key Ratting Techniques

Off-Angle Positioning

Instead of holding common angles, rats use off-angles—unexpected positions that enemies don’t pre-aim. Examples include:

• Mirage: Jumping on top of the bench in Apartments.
• Inferno: Hiding in the dark corner near Banana.
• Dust II: Sitting in the back of B-site tunnels.

Sound Manipulation

Rats minimize noise to avoid detection. Walking instead of running, avoiding unnecessary reloads, and using sound cues to track enemies are crucial. Some rats even fake footsteps to bait opponents into checking the wrong area.

Timing-Based Flanks

Rather than rushing a flank, rats wait for the right moment—when enemies are distracted by teammates or committed to a site execute. A well-timed flank can catch rotating players off-guard.

Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Rats may intentionally reveal their presence briefly before repositioning. For example, firing a shot and then relocating forces enemies to waste utility or overpeek.

Famous Rat Spots in CS:GO

Certain maps have notorious rat spots that players exploit. Some of the most infamous include:

• Vertigo: Under the ramp near A-site.
• Overpass: Inside the water near Monster.
• Nuke: Behind the boxes in Secret.
• Ancient: The hidden corner near B-site.

While these spots can be effective, overusing them makes them less reliable as opponents adapt.

How to Counter Ratting

Since ratting can be frustrating to play against, here are ways to counter it:

• Pre-aim common rat spots – Always check suspicious corners.
• Use utility wisely – Flashes and molotovs can flush out hidden enemies.
• Play as a unit – Avoid splitting up too much, making it harder for rats to pick off isolated players.
• Listen for sound cues – Rats often give away their position with small movements.

Is Ratting a Legitimate Strategy?

The debate over ratting’s legitimacy continues. Some argue that it’s a cheap tactic that relies on exploiting lack of awareness, while others see it as a smart, calculated approach. The truth is, CS:GO rewards creativity and adaptability—ratting is just another layer of the game’s depth.

Professional players like s1mple and dev1ce occasionally use rat-like tactics to secure crucial rounds, proving that it has a place in high-level play. However, relying solely on ratting limits a player’s overall skill development. The best players know when to be aggressive and when to play like a rat.

Conclusion

Ratting in CS:GO is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that requires patience, awareness, and creativity. While it may frustrate opponents, it remains a valid and effective way to influence rounds. Whether you love it or hate it, understanding ratting—both how to use it and how to counter it—is essential for any serious CS:GO player.

By mastering the balance between aggression and stealth, players can elevate their gameplay and keep their enemies guessing. After all, in the world of Counter-Strike, sometimes the quietest moves make the loudest impact.