Connector HE Grenade from A Site

Steps

1. From your defensive position on A site, move to the edge of the site closest to connector. Stand near the A site boxes on the connector side, approximately one step back from the ledge that overlooks the connector pathway below.
2. Face toward connector. You can see the narrow corridor that connects mid to A site, with its distinctive archway and the stairs leading up from below.
3. Place your crosshair on the center of the connector entrance - aim at the middle of the archway opening, roughly at chest height. You want to target the spot where Ts stand when they push from mid through connector toward the site.
4. Perform a simple left-click throw while standing still. The connector is close enough that a basic standing throw reaches it easily.
5. The HE grenade flies into the connector corridor and detonates in the narrow passage. Any T pushing through connector takes 40-80 damage depending on armor and distance from the blast center. The confined space amplifies the damage because players have limited room to avoid it.

Tips

• Connector is a narrow passage, which makes it ideal for HE grenades. The confined space means the blast radius covers almost the entire width of the corridor, making it very difficult for Ts to avoid damage.
• Throw this HE when you hear Ts pushing connector - the audio cue of footsteps on the connector stairs is distinctive and gives you a few seconds of warning to pull out the grenade and throw.
• If the grenade hits the archway edge and bounces back, your aim was slightly off the opening. Make sure your crosshair is inside the connector passage, not on the edge of the archway frame.
• Combine this with a connector smoke or flash for a powerful combo. The HE deals damage first, then the smoke blocks the passage, and any T who pushes through the smoke is weakened and blind.
• Practice offline with these commands: sv_cheats 1; sv_infinite_ammo 1; sv_grenade_trajectory 1; sv_grenade_trajectory_time 10; mp_roundtime_defuse 60
• This is a $300 utility investment that can deal 50-70 damage to one or more players in the connector. Given how many rounds are won or lost by small HP differences, this HE provides excellent value.

When to Use

This HE grenade is a reliable defensive tool for CT players holding A site on Mirage. Use it for:

• Punishing connector pushes when you hear Ts moving through connector from mid - the HE detonates in the narrow corridor and deals heavy damage to anyone in the passage
• Disrupting mid-to-A splits when Ts are pushing both connector and ramp - the HE softens the connector group, making them easier to deal with after they arrive on site
• Early-round damage thrown at the start of the round to catch Ts who rush connector for early A presence - weakened Ts are much easier to deal with in the ensuing gunfight
• Information gathering - if you throw the HE and hear hit indicators, you know Ts are pushing through connector and can call for rotations or adjust your position
• Combo plays with utility - pair the HE with a molotov or smoke on connector for extended area denial that forces Ts to abandon the connector route entirely