Pop-Flash: What does it mean to throw a pop-flash?

Pop-flash is a term used in tactical FPS games like Counter-Strike and Valorant ^[1], where players throw a flashbang so that it explodes immediately after being visible to opponents. The objective of a pop-flash is to flash enemies when they least expect it and eliminate them before they get the chance to react and look away. This technique helps players push into sites or areas where enemies camp and hold angles.

Executing a pop-flash is tough and requires players to know the map well since they must throw flashbangs at precise timings and angles. Most pop-flashes have people bouncing their flashbangs off different surfaces so they explode in front of opponents. A successful pop-flash guarantees the capture of an area, so it’s an essential technique players should use.

How to pop-flash in CS2?

There are two different kinds of pop-flashes in CS2—silent ones and others that give off a small sound cue before exploding. To pull off a silent pop-flash, stand next to a side of a wall, object, or stairs and look upwards. Then move forward and press the right click to underhand throw the flashbang. If done correctly, the flashbang should explode before hitting the ground and in front of the enemy’s line of site.

To perform the second type of pop-flash, look at the ground or the nearby wall from a distance. Press left-click while moving so the flash hits the wall or the floor. This way, the flashbang will bounce off them and explode next to enemies. An example of a pop-flash could be throwing a flashbang on the handrails in A-short in Dust 2 ^[2], so it ricochets and explodes in front of opponents in bombsite A.

Either way, let teammates know about the flash so they can look away and not accidentally get flashed.

References

1. [1] "official Valorant homepage". playvalorant.com. Retrieved September 05, 2024
2. [2] "Dust 2 page". counterstrike.fandom.com. Retrieved September 05, 2024