“Fire in the hole” callout in Counter-Strike: What it signifies and how to use it

The Origins of “Fire in the Hole”

“Fire in the hole” is a phrase that has been used in the military for many years and has been used during the war. It was blown to signal before throwing bombs such as grenades, dynamite, or firing cannons. This phrase was borrowed into Counter-Strike as a reference to these roots, indicating that an explosive is being used – be it a grenade, Molotov cocktail, or incendiary charge.

When and Why It’s Used in Counter-Strike

In-game, the callout usually occurs when a player tosses a grenade or any other explosive device. Although you can sometimes hear it in voice comms, it is not as frequent as you progress up the ranks. The higher the skill level, the more accurate and unambiguous the communication process is. For instance, it is important to know whether a teammate is throwing a flashbang, smoke or Molotov as it helps in strategy and positioning – generic shouts like ‘Fire in the hole’ are not acceptable in competitive play.

But in casual games or when you are playing with friends, it gives the game a little more taste and fun, which is a reference to Counter-Strike. It is a kind of humorous reference to the game’s military theme and a way to introduce some roleplay into less serious games.

When Should You Use It?

Although “Fire in the hole!” may not be the most professional shout, it does have its appeal. If you are in a casual environment or if you are tossing a utility with hostile purpose – such as a frag grenade or Molotov – it feels appropriate. As you will see in high level games, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. It is always important to state the type of utility you are throwing to ensure that your team is aware and your plan is well defined.