Looking to dominate in Counter-Strike 2? You’re not alone. Whether you’re struggling with choppy gameplay or just want to squeeze every possible advantage out of your setup, finding the perfect CS2 settings can make a world of difference.
I’ve spent countless hours testing, tweaking, and perfecting every setting in CS2 to bring you this comprehensive guide. We’ll cover everything from boosting your FPS to fine-tuning your audio for those crucial footstep sounds.
Trust me, your K/D ratio will thank you.
Best CS2 Video Settings for Maximum FPS
Let’s face it – even the sickest flick shots won’t save you if your game is chugging along at 30 FPS. While CS2 runs smoother than its predecessor on most systems, finding that perfect balance between gorgeous visuals and silky-smooth performance is the holy grail for competitive players.
My testing across various systems revealed that tweaking just a few key settings can dramatically improve your frame rates without turning your game into a pixelated mess from the 90s. Ready to see those FPS numbers skyrocket? Let’s dig in!
Quick FPS Boost Checklist
Before diving into specific settings, here are the most impactful changes for better performance:
- Display Mode: Always use Fullscreen (not Borderless or Windowed)
- Global Shadow Quality: Set to Low or Medium
- Shader Detail: Low for maximum FPS
- Particle Detail: Low to minimize FPS drops during action
- Boost Player Contrast: Enabled (better visibility with minimal performance cost)
- Wait for Vertical Sync: Disabled (reduces input lag)
- Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode: CMAA2 (for low-end PCs) or 2x MSAA (balanced)
Each of these settings strikes a different balance between visual quality and performance – and I’ve tested all of them extensively to find the sweet spot.
Advanced Video Settings: Fine-Tuning for Performance
The advanced settings menu is where the magic happens. While it might look intimidating with all those technical terms, I’ll break down each setting and explain exactly what it does to your gameplay experience.
Boost Player Contrast
Recommended setting: Enabled
This nifty feature increases the contrast of player models against backgrounds, especially at a distance. It’s like having a built-in “spot the enemy” button! The performance impact is minimal, making this a no-brainer for competitive play.
Wait for Vertical Sync
Recommended setting: Disabled
While V-Sync can eliminate screen tearing, it adds noticeable input lag – the last thing you want when you’re trying to hit that perfect headshot. Turn this off immediately unless you’re creating cinematic gameplay videos.
Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode
Recommended setting: CMAA2 (low-end PCs) or 2x/4x MSAA (mid/high-end)
Anti-aliasing smooths out jagged edges but comes with a performance cost. MSAA offers better quality, while CMAA2 is more performance-friendly. Some players swear that 2x+ MSAA helps with visibility through railings and fences – worth testing if you play maps with lots of these elements!
Global Shadow Quality
Recommended setting: Low or Medium
Shadows are one of the biggest FPS killers in CS2. The good news? You can drop this to Low without losing crucial player shadows as long as Dynamic Shadows is set to “All”. This single change can boost your FPS by 10-20% on some systems!
Model / Texture Detail
Recommended setting: Low or Medium
Controls the quality of player models and surfaces. Low maximizes FPS but can make blood splatters and bullet impacts harder to see. Medium is a good compromise for most systems – you’ll still see all the important visual information without the performance hit.
Shader Detail
Recommended setting: Low
This affects lighting effects, reflections, and surface rendering. It’s mostly eye candy with no competitive advantage. Setting it to Low can give you a solid FPS boost, especially during smoke grenades and Molotovs.
Particle Detail
Recommended setting: Low
Controls explosions, smoke plumes, and fire effects. Setting this to Low not only boosts performance but also reduces visual clutter during intense moments. Some players report better visibility through Molotovs with this set to Low, though results may vary.
Ambient Occlusion
Recommended setting: Disabled
This creates subtle shadows where surfaces meet, adding realism but offering zero competitive advantage. Turning it off gives a noticeable FPS boost with no gameplay drawbacks.
High Dynamic Range
Recommended setting: Performance
The difference between settings here is subtle, but “Performance” prioritizes FPS while “Quality” can help reduce visual graininess in transitions between bright and dark areas. If you’re pushing for maximum FPS, stick with Performance.
FidelityFX Super Resolution
Recommended setting: Disabled (Highest Quality)
FSR renders at a lower resolution then upscales, which can boost FPS dramatically but at the cost of visual clarity. The blurriness can make enemy spotting more difficult. Only consider enabling this if you’re desperate for frames on a low-end system.
Always test your FPS before and after making changes! Use the command cl_showfps 1 in the console to display your current frame rate, or use a third-party tool like MSI Afterburner for more detailed monitoring.
CS2 Pro Settings: Aspect Ratio and Resolution Guide
The great aspect ratio debate rages on in CS2 just as it did in CS:GO. Should you play at your monitor’s native resolution? Or should you join the army of pros playing at stretched 4:3 resolutions that look like they’re from 2005?
Here’s the truth: there’s no “best” resolution or aspect ratio – it’s all about the trade-offs.
| Setting | Pros | Cons | Preferred By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:9 (1920×1080) |
• Widest field of view • Sharpest image quality • Modern, crisp look |
• Models appear smaller • Lower FPS than 4:3 • Can be distracting |
~30% of pros S1mple, NiKo |
| 4:3 Stretched (1280×960, 1024×768) |
• Player models appear wider • Higher FPS • Feels “faster” horizontally |
• Reduced horizontal FOV • Distorted visuals • Missing peripheral vision |
~70% of pros ZywOo, device |
| 16:10 (1680×1050) |
• Middle ground between 16:9 and 4:3 • Good balance of FOV and model size • Less stretching than 4:3 |
• Uncommon, less supported • Not as wide as 16:9 • Not as focused as 4:3 |
~10% of pros karrigan, ropz |
To create a custom 4:3 resolution like 1280×960, you’ll need to set it up in your GPU control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software) before it appears as an option in CS2.
My recommendation? Start with your monitor’s native resolution (likely 1920×1080 at 16:9), then experiment with 1280×960 stretched (4:3) to see if you prefer the wider player models. Give each setting at least a few days before switching – it takes time for your brain to adjust to the different visual feel.
For a deeper look at resolution and aspect ratio options, check out our complete CS2 resolution guide.
Best CS2 Settings for Visibility
Can’t see that sneaky CT in the shadows? You’re not alone. Visibility is crucial in CS2, and I’ve spent countless hours testing various settings combinations to find what works best for spotting enemies in different situations.
The perfect visibility settings will help you spot players faster, react quicker, and avoid those frustrating “I didn’t even see him!” moments that make you question your eyesight.
Video Settings
- Brightness: 100-130% (higher makes dark spots more visible)
- Boost Player Contrast: Enabled (makes enemies stand out)
- Multisampling AA: 2x or 4x (helps see through fences better)
- Texture Quality: Medium (Low can make surfaces too blurry)
- Shader Detail: Low (removes distracting effects)
- Motion Blur: Disabled (always off for better visibility)
- FidelityFX Super Resolution: Disabled (makes targets blurry)
External Display Settings
- Monitor Refresh Rate: 144Hz+ for smoother target tracking
- Digital Vibrance/Saturation: 70-100% in GPU settings
- Monitor Game Mode: Enabled if available
- Black Equalizer/Black Boost: 10-15 on gaming monitors
- Monitor Preset: FPS/Gaming mode if available
- Dynamic Range: Full (0-255) in GPU settings
- Color Mode: Computer Monitor in CS2 settings
The biggest visibility boost comes from increasing Digital Vibrance in your GPU settings. For NVIDIA, right-click desktop → NVIDIA Control Panel → Adjust Desktop Color Settings → Digital Vibrance → 70-100%. For AMD, use the Saturation slider in Radeon Software.
Remember that visibility settings are highly personal and depend on your monitor, lighting conditions, and even your eyesight. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you!
For an in-depth guide to spotting enemies more easily, check out our dedicated CS2 visibility settings guide.
Mastering CS2 Audio Settings
In CS2, your ears are just as important as your eyes. Hearing footsteps, weapon reloads, and grenade pins can give you crucial information about enemy positions and intentions before they ever appear on your screen.
The Source 2 engine brings significant changes to how audio works compared to CS:GO, with new settings that can dramatically affect your ability to pinpoint sounds accurately.
| Setting | Description | Optimal Value |
|---|---|---|
| Main Menu Volume | Controls the volume of menu music | 0-20% (personal preference) |
| Round Start Volume | Music played at the beginning of rounds | 0-10% |
| Round Action Volume | Background music during gameplay | 0% (Off) |
| Round End Volume | Music played when round concludes | 10-30% |
| MVP Volume | Music for MVP announcements | 10-50% (personal preference) |
| Bomb/Hostage Volume | Volume of bomb planting/defusing and hostage sounds | 100% |
| Ten Second Warning | Volume of bomb countdown warning | 100% |
| Death Camera Volume | Music played after you die | 0-10% |
The goal with these music settings is simple: minimize distracting sounds while keeping the tactically important ones (bomb plant, 10-second warning) at full volume. This lets you focus on footsteps and other crucial audio cues.
In-Game Audio Settings Deep Dive
CS2’s advanced audio settings can be confusing, but getting them right is essential for accurate sound positioning. Here’s what each setting does and how you should configure it:
Master Volume
Recommended setting: 50-100%
Set this to a comfortable level where you can clearly hear footsteps without damaging your hearing during gunfights. Remember that hearing damage is permanent – protect your ears by keeping volume at reasonable levels!
Audio Device
Recommended setting: Your primary headphones
Make sure this is set to your gaming headphones or headset. Using speakers for CS2 is like bringing a knife to a gunfight – you need headphones for proper directional sound.
EQ Profile
Recommended setting: Natural or Crisp
This setting has two popular options among players:
- Natural: Balanced sound with minimal frequency adjustments. Used by ~62% of pro players. Less fatiguing during long sessions.
- Crisp: Boosts mid and high frequencies, making footsteps and reloads more prominent. Can sound harsh but potentially easier to hear specific game sounds.
I recommend starting with Natural and switching to Crisp if you’re struggling to hear important sounds.
L/R Isolation
Recommended setting: 0% (preferred by pros) or 50-70%
Controls how sounds are separated between your left and right ears:
- 0%: Uses CS2’s natural, physically accurate audio positioning. Most pros use this setting.
- 50-70%: Creates more extreme left/right separation, similar to CS:GO’s audio. Some players find this more intuitive if coming from CS:GO.
Try both to see which gives you better directional awareness.
Perspective Correction
Recommended setting: Enabled (Yes)
This setting adjusts how sounds change based on your camera orientation:
- Enabled: More realistic audio that changes as you turn. Used by ~75% of pro players.
- Disabled: Keeps sound cues more consistent regardless of orientation, similar to CS:GO.
While many guides recommend disabling this for “competitive advantage,” the majority of pros actually keep it enabled.
VOIP Volume
Recommended setting: 40-70%
Adjust this so you can clearly hear teammates without their callouts drowning out game sounds. Using Push-to-Talk is strongly recommended over open mic to reduce background noise.
The best headphone setup for CS2 is a quality pair of stereo headphones with any virtual surround features disabled. CS2’s built-in HRTF audio processing works best with pure stereo output.
Want to master every aspect of CS2’s sound system? Check out our complete CS2 audio settings guide for advanced techniques and console commands.
Perfecting CS2 Mouse Settings
Your mouse settings are perhaps the most personal aspect of your CS2 configuration. Finding the perfect sensitivity is like discovering your gaming soulmate – when it clicks, you just know.
Let me guide you through the process of finding your ideal settings, from understanding what DPI and sensitivity really mean to configuring everything for maximum precision.
Finding Your Ideal DPI and Sensitivity
Understanding the relationship between DPI, in-game sensitivity, and eDPI is crucial for finding your sweet spot:
Understanding Mouse Settings
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
This is a hardware setting on your mouse that determines how many pixels the cursor moves for each inch you move the mouse. Higher DPI = more sensitive mouse movement.
Common values: 400, 800, 1600
In-Game Sensitivity
This is a multiplier applied to your DPI within CS2. It’s the setting you adjust in the game options menu.
Typical pro range: 0.7 – 2.5
eDPI (Effective DPI)
eDPI = DPI × In-game Sensitivity
This is the true measure of your sensitivity and allows comparison between different setups. Example: 400 DPI at 2.0 sensitivity = 800 eDPI
Finding Your Sweet Spot: eDPI Ranges
Most pro players use an eDPI between 600-1200, with the median around 830. Here’s what different ranges feel like:
Low eDPI (600-800)
Pros: Precise micro-adjustments, easier spray control
Cons: Requires large mousepad, slower 180° turns
Good for: Riflers, passive players, long-range engagement
Medium eDPI (800-1000)
Pros: Good balance of precision and speed
Cons: Jack of all trades, master of none
Good for: All-around players, most beginners
High eDPI (1000+)
Pros: Quick reactions, fast flicks, easier entry fragging
Cons: Less precise, harder spray control
Good for: Entry fraggers, aggressive players, AWPers
To find your perfect sensitivity, try the “Perfect Sensitivity Finder” technique: Set your sensitivity so you can comfortably trace your crosshair along a wall while walking sideways. If you can smoothly follow a point without over or under-aiming, you’re in the right ballpark!
Beyond sensitivity, there are a few essential mouse settings that all CS2 players should configure:
Mouse Acceleration
Recommended setting: Disabled (0 in console)
Mouse acceleration makes your cursor move farther based on how quickly you move your mouse. This creates inconsistency that makes building muscle memory nearly impossible. Turn it off for consistent aim.
Raw Input
Recommended setting: Enabled (default in CS2)
This setting bypasses Windows mouse processing and reads directly from your mouse hardware. CS2 has this enabled by default and it cannot be disabled, ensuring the most direct and consistent mouse input.
Polling Rate
Recommended setting: 1000Hz (standard) or 2000Hz (high-end)
This is how often your mouse reports its position to your computer. 1000Hz (1ms) is the standard for gaming mice. While newer mice offer 4000Hz or 8000Hz, these can cause performance issues in CS2 and aren’t widely recommended yet.
Zoom Sensitivity
Recommended setting: 1.0 (default)
This multiplier adjusts your sensitivity when using scoped weapons like the AWP or AUG. Most pros use the default 1.0, but you can try values between 0.8-1.0 if you want more precision when scoped.
Pro Player Mouse Settings
Curious how the best players in the world set up their mice? Here’s a peek at what the pros are using:
| Player | Mouse | DPI | Sensitivity | eDPI | Polling Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZywOo | Vaxee Outset AX | 400 | 1.95 | 780 | 1000Hz |
| s1mple | Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 | 400 | 3.09 | 1236 | 2000Hz |
| NiKo | Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro | 800 | 0.755 | 604 | 4000Hz |
| dev1ce | Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 | 400 | 2.0 | 800 | 1000Hz |
| ropz | Zowie EC2-CW | 400 | 1.77 | 708 | 1000Hz |
| m0NESY | Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 | 400 | 2.0 | 800 | 1000Hz |
Notice how even among top players, there’s significant variation in sensitivity preferences. Don’t just copy your favorite pro’s settings – find what works best for your playstyle!
Check out our complete CS2 mouse settings guide for detailed instructions on finding your perfect sensitivity.
Best CS2 Crosshair Settings
Your crosshair is your constant companion in CS2 – it’s literally the center of your gaming experience. Finding a crosshair that suits your playstyle and preferences can dramatically improve your accuracy and consistency.
CS2 offers extensive crosshair customization options, from style and size to color and behavior. Let’s break down what makes a good crosshair and how to set it up.
Customizing Your Crosshair
Key Crosshair Settings
Crosshair Style
A fundamental choice that determines the basic behavior of your crosshair:
- Style 0: Classic static crosshair
- Style 1: Default dynamic (expands with movement/shooting)
- Style 2: Classic dynamic
- Style 3: Classic static with dynamic dot
- Style 4: Classic static with accurate split (most popular among pros)
- Style 5: Classic static with a dot in the middle
Pro recommendation: Style 4 or 0 for consistency
Crosshair Color
Choose a color that contrasts well with maps and environments:
- Green: High visibility on most maps (most popular)
- Yellow: Good contrast, stands out well
- Cyan: Excellent visibility on Dust2 and bright maps
- Pink/Purple: Unique colors that stand out on most surfaces
- Red: Can blend into blood spatters and some textures
- White: Very visible but can be lost against bright surfaces
Pro recommendation: Green (classic) or cyan
Size and Gap
These settings control the dimensions of your crosshair:
- Length: How long each line extends (1-3 recommended)
- Thickness: How thick the lines are (0-1 recommended)
- Gap: Space in the center (-3 to -1 for no gap, 0-3 for visible gap)
- Outline: Adds a black border around the crosshair (0 = off, 1 = on)
Pro recommendation: Small crosshairs (Length 1-2, Thickness 0-1) with minimal or negative gap
Center Dot
Adds a dot to the middle of your crosshair:
- Enabled: Provides a precise aiming point, helpful for tapping
- Disabled: Offers a cleaner look with less obstruction
- Size: Adjusts the dot size (1-2 recommended if enabled)
Pro recommendation: Most pros disable the center dot, but it’s entirely personal preference
CS2 uses a code system to easily share crosshairs. To copy a pro’s crosshair, just enter their code in the game’s crosshair settings menu. You can also share your own crosshair by generating a code that others can use!
Pro Player Crosshair Settings
Want to use the same crosshair as your favorite pro? Here’s a table with popular professional player crosshair codes:
| Player | Team | Crosshair Code | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZywOo | Vitality | CSGO-ywh69-Ys549-BMc7Y-79HEq-J6sKG | Green |
| s1mple | NAVI | CSGO-S7jsW-zcE8j-zLCvH-9fJsY-f3YfB | Yellow |
| NiKo | G2 | CSGO-OjCsj-aAWYy-WCzAZ-wOCJj-sLu3A | Green |
| device | Astralis | CSGO-3W8tO-3nHFz-GHu8Y-OKwYT-qzfYF | Green |
| m0NESY | G2 | CSGO-GC7fH-3kTnE-jkczH-DsSF8-c3A4M | Green |
| ropz | FaZe | CSGO-Qaknn-wCZDj-Vvqpn-2uiUt-jD3nG | Green |
Remember that crosshair preference is highly personal. What works for one player might not work for another. The best approach is to try different styles and find what feels most comfortable and effective for your playstyle.
For more crosshair codes and detailed customization options, check out our complete CS2 crosshair settings guide.
Working with CS2 Launch Options
Launch options are special commands that you add to CS2’s startup parameters in Steam. They allow you to override certain settings and optimize performance before the game even launches.
However, with CS2’s move to the Source 2 engine, many old CS:GO launch options no longer work as expected. Let’s separate the functional options from the outdated ones.
Essential Launch Options
To set your launch options:
- Open Steam
- Right-click on “Counter-Strike 2” in your library
- Select “Properties…”
- Find the “Launch Options” text field
- Enter your desired options, separated by spaces
| Command | Function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| -console | Enables the developer console, accessible with the ~ key. | Recommended for all players – essential for advanced tweaking. |
| -high | Sets CS2 to high CPU priority. | Test on your system – can improve performance but may cause instability. |
| -fullscreen | Forces the game to run in exclusive fullscreen mode. | Recommended for reduced input lag. |
| -nojoy | Disables joystick/controller support. | Recommended – frees up a small amount of resources. |
| +fps_max 0 | Removes the FPS cap, allowing unlimited frames. | Recommended for high-end PCs for minimum input lag. |
| +fps_max 240 | Caps FPS at specified value (e.g., 240). | Recommended for mid/low-end PCs or with G-Sync/FreeSync. |
| -allow_third_party_software | Allows external apps like OBS to capture the game. | Use only if needed for streaming/recording. |
| -vulkan | Forces Vulkan rendering API instead of DirectX. | Test on your system – may improve performance for some AMD GPUs. |
| +exec autoexec.cfg | Automatically executes a config file at startup. | Recommended if you have a custom config file. |
Here’s a sample launch options string that works well for most players:
-console -high -nojoy -fullscreen +fps_max 0For systems with G-Sync/FreeSync, consider using this instead (with a cap slightly below your refresh rate):
-console -high -nojoy -fullscreen +fps_max 240Outdated Launch Options to Avoid
Many CS:GO launch options no longer work in CS2 due to the move to Source 2. Using these outdated options won’t harm your game, but they won’t help either and just clutter your launch options.
Less is more with launch options. Only use what you understand and have tested on your system. Too many launch options can cause conflicts or unexpected behavior.
Want to explore more advanced launch options and console commands? Check out our complete CS2 launch options guide.
System-Level Optimization for CS2
Beyond in-game settings, optimizing your operating system and GPU settings can further enhance CS2 performance. Here are some crucial tweaks to consider:
NVIDIA Control Panel Settings
- Power Management Mode: Prefer Maximum Performance
- Low Latency Mode: On (Ultra if you have a high-end CPU)
- Texture Filtering – Quality: High Performance
- Vertical Sync: Off (unless using G-Sync)
- Threaded Optimization: On
- Preferred Refresh Rate: Highest Available
- Digital Vibrance: 70-100% for better visibility
AMD Radeon Settings
- Radeon Anti-Lag: Enabled
- Radeon Chill: Disabled
- Radeon Boost: Disabled
- Radeon Image Sharpening: Disabled or 50%
- Wait for Vertical Refresh: Always Off
- Texture Filtering Quality: Performance
- Surface Format Optimization: Enabled
- Color Saturation: 70-100% for better visibility
Windows Optimization
- Power Plan: High Performance or Ultimate Performance
- Game Mode: Test enabled vs. disabled (results vary)
- Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling: Test on your system
- Windows Update: Make sure Windows is up to date
- Background Apps: Close unnecessary programs
- Disable Startup Programs: Via Task Manager → Startup
- Optimizations for Windowed Games: On (Windows 11)
Other System Tweaks
- Update GPU Drivers: Get the latest game-ready drivers
- Disk Cleanup: Remove temporary files regularly
- SSD Installation: Install CS2 on an SSD for faster loading
- RAM Management: Ensure you have at least 16GB RAM
- Monitor Settings: Use gaming/FPS preset if available
- Shader Cache: Clear DirectX Shader Cache occasionally
- Network Optimization: Use wired connection when possible
If you’re experiencing stuttering in CS2, try forcing shader precompilation through Steam. Open Steam, press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to bring up the console, then type “shader_build 730” to rebuild the shader cache properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
To maximize your FPS in CS2, focus on these key areas:
- Lower your video settings (Global Shadow Quality, Shader Detail, and Particle Detail to Low)
- Use Fullscreen mode instead of Borderless or Windowed
- Consider a 4:3 stretched resolution for better performance
- Disable Vertical Sync and set FidelityFX Super Resolution to “Disabled”
- Add performance-focused launch options like “-high +fps_max 0”
- Close background applications before playing
- Update your GPU drivers and set your GPU control panel to performance mode
- Make sure your Windows power plan is set to High Performance
These tweaks combined should give you a significant FPS boost while maintaining good visibility for competitive play.
There’s no “one size fits all” answer to the best resolution and aspect ratio in CS2. The most common options are:
- 1920×1080 (16:9): Native resolution for most monitors, offers the widest field of view but smaller player models
- 1280×960 (4:3 stretched): Most popular among pros (70% use this or similar), makes player models wider and potentially easier to see
- 1680×1050 (16:10): A middle ground offering a balance between FOV and model size
I recommend starting with your monitor’s native resolution, then experimenting with 4:3 stretched to see which you prefer. Give each setting at least a few days to properly adjust before making your final decision.
The most important factor isn’t your DPI (dots per inch) alone, but your eDPI (effective DPI), which is calculated by multiplying your DPI by your in-game sensitivity.
Most professional CS2 players use either 400 DPI or 800 DPI, with sensitivities adjusted to reach an eDPI between 600-1200. The median pro eDPI is around 830.
Lower eDPI ranges (600-800) provide better precision and spray control but require larger arm movements. Higher eDPI (1000+) allows for faster reactions but can reduce precision.
If you’re new to CS2, I recommend starting with 800 DPI and 1.0 sensitivity (800 eDPI) as a balanced middle ground, then adjusting based on your personal preference and playstyle.
With CS2’s move to the Source 2 engine, many old CS:GO launch options no longer function. Here are the confirmed working launch options for CS2:
- -console: Enables the developer console
- -fullscreen: Forces fullscreen mode
- -high: Sets high CPU priority
- -nojoy: Disables joystick/controller support
- +fps_max 0/[value]: Removes FPS cap or sets it to a specific value
- -allow_third_party_software: Allows OBS and other capture software
- -vulkan: Forces Vulkan rendering instead of DirectX
- +exec [config.cfg]: Automatically executes a config file
Many old options like -novid, -threads, +cl_forcepreload, and various DirectX tweaks are now deprecated and have no effect in CS2.
To optimize your audio for hearing footsteps and other crucial sounds in CS2:
- Turn music volumes down (0-20%) except for Bomb and Ten Second Warning (100%)
- Use stereo headphones (not speakers or virtual surround)
- Try both “Natural” and “Crisp” EQ profiles to see which helps you hear footsteps better
- Experiment with L/R Isolation at 0% (default) or 50% if you’re coming from CS:GO
- Keep Perspective Correction enabled for the most accurate directional audio
- Set Master Volume to a comfortable level where footsteps are clear without causing hearing damage
- Disable any third-party audio processing or “gaming” features in your headset software
Remember that CS2’s audio engine is significantly different from CS:GO, so it may take time to adjust to the new sound positioning.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to optimizing your CS2 settings for maximum performance and competitive advantage! Remember that finding your perfect settings is a personal journey, and what works for one player might not work for another.
Take the time to experiment with different combinations, and don’t be afraid to adjust things to match your unique playstyle and preferences. Good luck, and I’ll see you on the server!
Looking for more CS2 guides? Check out our collections of CS2 tips and tricks, best CS2 skins, and pro player settings.
