Sandstone is one of the most popular and strategically engaging maps in Standoff 2. With its blend of tight chokepoints, wide-open mid areas, and multiple routes to bomb sites, this desert-themed map challenges players to think tactically and adapt quickly. Whether you’re playing as an attacker or a defender, understanding Sandstone’s layout and mechanics is crucial to securing victory in this FPS game.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of Sandstone, highlight strategic positions for attackers and defenders, and share tips to outplay your opponents. Whether you’re just learning map positioning in Standoff 2, or are a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you master every corner of Sandstone.

Sandstone Layout Overview

Sandstone is a symmetrical map with two bomb sites—A and B—connected by narrow alleyways, open mid areas, and key chokepoints. The map offers a mix of long sightlines and tight corners, encouraging a variety of playstyles, from long-range sniping to close-quarters combat.

There are several important areas you should know about when playing on this map, among which are the following:

• Mid (Middle Area): Controlling mid is critical, as it connects both bomb sites and allows for quick rotations. Gaining dominance here can give your team a significant tactical advantage.
• Bombsite A: Located near the apartments and balcony areas, Bombsite A offers both high ground for defenders and narrow approaches for attackers.
• Bombsite B: Positioned near the container and stairs, Bombsite B is more exposed, making it a high-risk, high-reward site to attack or defend.
• Long: This path leads toward Bombsite A and offers a clear, open sightline, perfect for snipers or long-range engagements.
• Apartments: A key area overlooking Bombsite A, the apartments provide cover and opportunities for ambushes, making it a strategic hotspot.

Understanding these areas is essential for planning your movements and predicting enemy tactics.

Attack Strategies for Sandstone

As attackers, your goal is to plant the bomb at one of the two sites while overcoming the defenders’ setups. Success hinges on teamwork, effective utility use, and map control.

• Pushing Bombsite A

When attacking Bombsite A, focus on using flashbangs and smoke grenades to neutralize defenders on the balcony or inside the apartments. A coordinated split push works well here:

• Send one or two players through Long to pressure defenders from a distance.
• Simultaneously, have teammates move through Mid and Apartments to flank the site from different angles.

The key to breaking through is to overwhelm defenders quickly before they can reposition or reinforce their teammates.

• Attacking Bombsite B

Bombsite B requires careful execution due to its exposed layout. Smoke grenades are essential to block defenders’ sightlines from the container and stairs.

• A direct push with flashes and smokes can catch defenders off guard, especially if they’re positioned behind the container.
• Alternatively, send a player through mid to apply pressure and create a distraction, allowing your team to approach from multiple angles.

If the site is heavily fortified, rotate back to A or mid to keep the defenders guessing.

Defense Strategies for Sandstone

Defending on Sandstone is all about controlling chokepoints and maintaining strong positioning. By holding key areas and coordinating with teammates, you can make it difficult for attackers to plant the bomb.

• Defending Bombsite A

Bombsite A offers excellent defensive positions, particularly in the apartments and on the balcony.

• The Classic Setup: Position one player in the apartments to cover the site entrance and another on the balcony to engage attackers from a distance. This creates a crossfire that’s hard to counter.
• Ambush Tactic: Have one player attract attention on the balcony while their teammate waits in the apartments to ambush enemies as they push in. This pincer movement is especially effective against uncoordinated teams.

Additionally, a roving player positioned in mid can provide early warnings of incoming attackers or rotate quickly to reinforce A.

• Defending Bombsite B

Bombsite B demands a more dynamic defense due to its openness. Effective setups include:

• Placing one player behind the container to anchor the site while another holds the stairs for elevated cover.
• A third player can stay mobile, rotating between mid and B to plug gaps in the defense and provide extra firepower where needed.

Grenades are particularly useful for defenders here. Use flashbangs to blind attackers pushing into the site or throw molotovs to block their approach and delay their attack.

General Tips for Success on Sandstone

Whether you’re attacking or defending, these tips will help you adapt and thrive on Sandstone:

• Control Mid: Mid is the gateway to both bomb sites. Whether you’re rotating to reinforce a bomb site or flanking the enemy, controlling mid is key to maintaining map dominance.
• Utility Is Your Best Friend: Use grenades strategically to block sightlines, force opponents out of cover, or create space for pushes. Smoke grenades, in particular, can neutralize snipers on long sightlines.
• Communication Is Key: Always call out enemy positions, rotations, and bomb activity to keep your team informed. Coordinated plays will always outperform solo efforts.
• Adapt to the Enemy: If one strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch things up. Fake a push to one site, then rotate to the other to catch defenders off guard.

Sandstone’s fast-paced gameplay demands precision and responsiveness, and that’s exactly what you get when playing Standoff 2 on PC with BlueStacks. With advanced keymapping, you can customize your controls for a PC-like experience, gaining the edge with smoother movements and better aim. Plus, BlueStacks’ exclusive Smart Controls automate toggling between shooting mode and cursor mode, making transitions seamless during critical moments.

Whether you’re holding chokepoints as a defender or pushing sites as an attacker, playing on BlueStacks ensures you’re always in full control. Download BlueStacks today and dominate Sandstone with the best tools at your fingertips.