Molly: What is a Molly in FPS games like CS2 or Valorant?

In first-person shooter (FPS) games like CS2 and Valorant, a "molly" is an essential tactical item used to control the battlefield and influence the flow of the game. Understanding its purpose and application can significantly enhance a player's strategic depth and effectiveness.

What is a Molly?

A molly, short for Molotov cocktail or incendiary grenade, is a throwable item that creates a fire zone upon impact. This fire deals damage over time to any player standing within its radius and acts as a powerful area denial tool. 

In CS2, Terrorists use Molotov cocktails while Counter-Terrorists use incendiary grenades, both achieving similar effects. In Valorant, agents like Phoenix and Viper have abilities that create incendiary effects, commonly referred to as mollies.

How is a Molly Used in CS2?

In CS2, mollies are versatile tools that can shape the outcome of a round. Here’s how they are typically used:

• Area Denial: Mollies are thrown to block enemy paths – typically on choke points, preventing rushes or forcing opponents to take alternative, often less favorable routes. For example, a well-timed molly can block an entryway, delaying enemy advances and giving your team time to reposition.
• Flushing Out Enemies: Players often use mollies to force opponents out of hiding spots. By throwing a molly into common hiding locations, players can make it unsafe for enemies to remain there, driving them into the open where they can be engaged.
• Post-Plant Situations: In bomb plant scenarios, mollies can be used to delay defusal attempts. Throwing a molly onto the planted bomb can buy precious seconds, either securing the round for the attackers or giving defenders more time to defuse.

How is a Molly Used in Valorant?

Valorant introduces unique variations of the molly through different agents' abilities:

• Phoenix's Hot Hands: Phoenix can throw a fireball that explodes upon hitting the ground, creating a healing zone for himself and a damaging zone for enemies.
• Viper's Snake Bite: Viper launches a canister that explodes into a damaging acid pool, creating a hazardous area for enemies.
• Brimstone's Incendiary: Brimstone fires an incendiary^[1] grenade launcher, creating a lingering fire zone that deals continuous damage.

Strategic Importance of Mollies

Mollies serve a critical role in shaping tactical play in both CS2 and Valorant. Their ability to control space, manipulate enemy movements, and deal persistent damage makes them invaluable for both offensive and defensive strategies. Effective use of mollies can disrupt enemy plans, provide vital control over the map, and contribute significantly to a team's overall success.

By mastering the timing, placement, and purpose of mollies, players can gain a substantial strategic advantage, making this tool indispensable in competitive play.

References

1. [1] "Incendiary". valorant.fandom.com. Retrieved June 02, 2024