TL;DR
- Complete three graffiti locations per star in Blacksite Danger Zone for maximum efficiency
- Use AK-47 over M4 for Wingman headshots since double-dinks don’t count twice
- Desert Eagle is optimal for both Guardian pistol kills and Demolition challenges
- Northwest spawn provides optimal starting position for Blacksite graffiti missions
- Demolition mode offers fastest completion time with short, focused matches

Welcome to the nautical-themed ninth week of Operation Riptide, where coastal combat meets strategic mission completion. This installment, aptly named Nautical Mile, combines seaside scenery with precision shooting requirements across multiple game modes.
Successfully completing all Week 9 objectives will elevate your star total to 58, bringing you significantly closer to exclusive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive rewards. The operation store features an extensive collection including premium weapon finishes, operative agents, collectible stickers, profile patches, and additional cosmetic items. Our comprehensive guide details the most effective approaches to secure all six available stars this week.
Operation Riptide’s Week 9 introduces tactical vandalism as a core mechanic, offering up to three stars for deploying graffiti sprays at designated positions throughout the Blacksite Danger Zone environment.
Nine distinct spray locations are scattered across the map, with each trio of completed tags earning one star reward. Since Blacksite rotates with other Danger Zone maps in the playlist, verify its current availability before queuing for this specific assignment.

Unlike sequential checklist missions from previous operations, this graffiti challenge allows complete flexibility in completion order. This strategic freedom enables players to prioritize safer, less contested areas before attempting high-risk locations. The map’s layout spreads objectives widely, but initiating from the northwest quadrant positions you advantageously near the lighthouse, bridge connection, and picnic zone. Postpone the water tower objective until last, as its exposed positioning makes players vulnerable to long-range engagements during the tagging animation.
Pro Tip: Equip smoke grenades to create visual cover when attempting open-area sprays. Many players make the mistake of rushing dangerous locations first—instead, secure easier stars early to guarantee progress even if eliminated later. For advanced optimization, coordinate with teammates to cover multiple locations simultaneously.
The two-versus-two Wingman format presents three additional stars this week, achievable through either accumulating 20 total headshot eliminations or securing nine headshots in one match. Critical understanding: consecutive headshots from M4 variants register as single counts, making the AK-47’s superior one-tap capability essential for efficiency.
Shortdust appears infrequently in standard CS:GO rotations but offers excellent design compatibility with Wingman’s condensed gameplay. A reliable tactical approach involves deploying smoke screens on bomb sites followed by aggressive plant execution—this pressure often forces favorable engagements.
Advanced Strategy: Pre-aim common head-level positions and practice counter-strafing for precise shots. Many players struggle with timing their peeks correctly on this map; instead, hold off-angles and let opponents make the first move. The compact layout means most encounters occur at medium range, perfect for AK-47 effectiveness.
Guardian missions remain fundamental components of CS:GO operations, with Riptide continuing this established tradition. This week’s co-op challenge mandates pistol eliminations, with weapon choice being unrestricted—though the Desert Eagle’s stopping power makes it the obvious selection for most combat scenarios.
Accumulate 20 pistol kills to claim the two-star reward. This isn’t the only Week 9 assignment emphasizing Desert Eagle proficiency, creating synergistic completion opportunities.
Efficiency Note: Complete the Guardian mission alongside the Demolition Desert Eagle requirement for time optimization. The USP-S and P2000 can be effective for eco rounds, but the Deagle’s one-shot headshot potential at most engagement distances makes it superior for dedicated completion.
Demolition often receives less attention among CS:GO’s game modes, but Operation Riptide consistently highlights its value through weekly assignments.
Week 9’s Demolition objective requires either 18 total weapon upgrades or two Desert Eagle eliminations within a single match. The upgrade system progresses through successive eliminations, with multi-kills awarding randomly selected grenades. Demolition’s brisk match pace and condensed rounds make it ideal for rapid star acquisition—typically requiring just a few matches to secure both available stars.
Completion Estimate: Most players will finish the weapon upgrade requirement in 3-4 matches, while skilled marksmen can complete the Desert Eagle alternative in 1-2 games. The mode’s predictable spawn patterns and limited economy create consistent engagement scenarios perfect for focused objective completion.
Action Checklist
- Check Blacksite availability in Danger Zone rotation before queuing
- Prioritize northwest spawn for optimal graffiti route: lighthouse → bridge → picnic area
- Complete three Danger Zone graffiti locations for first star
- Use AK-47 for Wingman headshots (9 in one match or 20 total)
- Secure 20 pistol kills in Guardian mode with Desert Eagle
- Complete Demolition weapon upgrades (18 total) or Desert Eagle kills (2 in one match)
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