CS2 Bomb Timer and Defuse Time
Quick facts
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Bomb timer after plant | 40 seconds |
| Plant time | about 3 seconds |
| Defuse without kit | 10 seconds |
| Defuse with kit | 5 seconds |
| Defuse kit price | $400, CT side only |
| Round time before a plant | 1:55 |
How the timer works
When the bomb is planted, the round clock disappears and the 40-second bomb timer starts, however much round time was left. This is why Ts often plant with only seconds on the clock: a plant at 0:02 still gives them the full 40 seconds.
The bomb beeps, and the beeps get faster as it gets closer to exploding. Players and casters use the sound to judge how much time is left, because there is no on-screen countdown for players.
The defuse
To defuse, a CT stands right next to the bomb and holds the Use key. A few rules decide most close rounds:
- Start time matters. Without a kit, a CT must start with at least 10 seconds left; with a kit, 5 seconds.
- No saved progress. If the CT lets go, dies or is interrupted, the defuse starts again from zero.
- The kit applies automatically. A CT with a kit always defuses in 5 seconds.
This is why the kit is so valuable. In a late retake, a CT with a kit can win a round that a CT without one has already lost.
Common bomb situations
Ninja defuse. A CT sneaks to the bomb and defuses it while Ts are still alive but not watching it. It is one of the most celebrated plays in CS2.
Fake defuse. A CT taps the defuse key so the Ts hear the sound and peek out, then shoots them. Ts sometimes refuse to react, which is a guessing game in a clutch.
Saving instead of retaking. If too few CTs are alive or time is short, they may give up the round and keep their weapons for the next one. You will see them hide away from the site while the bomb explodes.
Bomb rewards
The bomb also affects money. If the Ts plant and still lose the round, each T gets an extra $800. A round that ends with the bomb exploding or being defused pays $3,500 to the winners instead of $3,250. See CS2 Economy Explained.
Related
FAQ
How long is the bomb timer in CS2?
40 seconds from the moment the bomb is planted.
How long does it take to defuse the bomb in CS2?
10 seconds without a kit and 5 seconds with a defuse kit. The defuse must finish before the bomb explodes.
How much is a defuse kit in CS2?
$400. Only CTs can buy it, and you keep it in the next round if you survive.
Can you stop a defuse and continue later?
No. If you let go, die or get interrupted, the progress is lost and the next attempt starts from zero.
Related guides
How Long Is a Round in CS2?A CS2 round lasts up to 1:55. After a plant, the 40-second bomb timer takes over, so a round can run past two minutes. Freeze time and defuse explained.
CT Side vs T Side: How Sides and Halftime Work in CS2In CS2, Terrorists attack and Counter-Terrorists defend. How each side wins a round, when teams switch at halftime and which maps favor CT or T side.
CS2 Rules Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Competitive Counter-StrikeHow competitive CS2 works: two teams of five, T vs CT, 13 rounds to win a map, the bomb, the economy and how pro matches are played as BO1 or BO3.
RetakeA retake in CS2 is when CTs move back into a bombsite after the bomb is planted, kill the defenders and defuse within 40 seconds. How retakes work.
ClutchA clutch in CS2 is when the last player alive on a team wins the round against one or more opponents. What 1v2 or 1v3 means and why clutches matter.
Sources
Reviewed by the R1GG team