Being an in-game leader requires dedication, map knowledge and a bit of luck. Learn about two of those in our CS:GO In-Game Leader Guide.
Every game where a group of people have to play against each other needs a leader, and CS:GO is not an exception. Since this is one of the most tactical shooters globally, every team needs someone who knows what he’s doing. This person has to be a shot caller and he has to come up with unique tactics.
Unsurprisingly, becoming an in-game leader is not as easy as it seems. Although most people who are in-game leaders are also leaders in real life, others learn how to do it. While it is true that it might require a lot of time, becoming an in-game leader is usually worth it. This is one of the unique positions in CS:GO, so let’s learn more about it and see what makes it stand out.
Not everyone can be an in-game leader
Before we share some specific information about this position, we have to address the elephant in the room. Not everyone has what it takes to become an in-game leader. Sure, you might learn a few strategies and how to take advantage of them, but being a leader requires a specific set of skills.
Most in-game leaders can spot each player’s strengths and weaknesses and use them according to the situation. This person can also have to take responsibility for his actions, and he has to be able to “function” under pressure. The latter is probably the main thing that differentiates leaders from players.
The in-game leader’s job
Counter-Stike is a team-based game where five players have to go up against each other. Every team has a captain whose job is to make sure that his team succeeds. This captain is also known as the in-game leader.
The in-game leader’s job is to guide everyone on what to do during the round. He chooses the specific tactics, tells his team whether to buy a specific weapon, etc. Needless to say, this requires a lot of experience and knowledge.
Although the leader doesn’t have to be the best player on the team, he needs to stay calm and know the ins and outs of the game. Some captains invest a lot of time studying their opponents, their tactics, and what they do in specific situations. Things like this set apart the good in-game leaders from the bad ones.
Should be you strict or laid back?
One of the things that every in-game leader needs to take into account is related to how others see him. The fact a given person is a leader means that other players have to trust him and his decision-making.
There are different things that people do to gain other players’ trust. Some people try to be strict and to gain others’ respect, whereas others are more laid back and build their leadership around trust. Both things could work, but it usually depends on all sorts of factors, including players themselves. Some people feel better when they have more freedom to do things, whereas others prefer to be told what to do.
Being strict typically pays off, but there is a fine line you need to be aware of. If you become too persuasive, some of your teammates might not like it and may decide to do their own thing. This is where things can go wrong because if someone is not following the “orders”, the tactic won’t work.
The most important thing you need to remember is that you have to be flexible. Although there are situations where being laid back is better, being strict is the better option in some instances. Just make sure that everyone on your team feels comfortable.
Step in when it matters
Aside from using different tactics and providing information to your team, being a captain comes with even more responsibilities. One of them is to step in when matters and make there are no quarrels or other problems within the team.
Keeping the team’s morale up and ensuring everyone is on the same page is not easy, even for the best in-game leaders. That’s one of the reasons why some of the best teams in the world have their own psychologist.
Aside from making sure everyone is ok, the leader has to boost everyone’s morale. This can be achieved by commending someone after a certain play and ensuring that no one “tilts”. The latter is one of the worst things that can happen to any CS:GO player and it can be almost impossible to recover.
Of course, the in-game leader should never start a fight in the middle of a round or try to annoy other players. This will definitely have a negative effect on the game because players wouldn’t be able to focus on winning,
Speaking of winning, leaders should always tell their team that there is a chance to win a given game. Even if the team is losing, there is always the possibility of making a comeback, regardless of the situation.
Be creative
This may seem easy, but being creative in CS:GO is a massive problem for some people. One of the worst things that can happen in the game is to let your opponents know that you do the same things all the time. Once they learn your movement, they will know what to expect and you will probably lose.
Unlike games like Dota 2, where people can come up with endless combinations, CS:GO is more restricted. As a result, leaders have to be really creative in order to come up with new tactics. These tactics have to work and your job as an in-game leader is to explain them to your team. By doing this, they will know exactly what to do.
Of course, one of the main things that leaders need to do is tell their teammates when to use smokes, flashes, and other utility items. Unsurprisingly, only experienced players will have access to this information.
