In Counter-Strike 2, having the right settings can often mean the difference between a victory or a loss. Optimising your game's settings can help you achieve smoother gameplay, quicker reactions, and ensure clear visuals so that you can better spot enemies. This guide will help you configure your CS2 settings, whether that be for a better framerate, or to help you gain that important competitive advantage over your enemy.
Best CS2 Video Settings for FPS
Video Settings
To find and change your video settings, head to settings, click on VIDEO, and then again on VIDEO:
The best video settings for maximum framerate can be found below:
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Display Mode | Fullscreen | Reduces input lag |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 for regular, 4:3 for stretched | Fits modern displays the best |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 for regular, 1280x1024 for stretched | Fits the aspect ratios above the best |
| Refresh Rate | Largest amount possible, normally 60hz, 144hz or 240hz | Creates smoother gameplay |
| Brightness | 110% | Makes enemies easier to spot in dark environments |
Advanced Video Settings
To find and change your advanced video settings, head to settings, click on VIDEO, and then ADVANCED VIDEO:
The best advanced video settings for maximum framerate can be found below:
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Player Contrast | Enabled | Helps players stand out |
| V-Sync | Disabled | Allows the largest amount of FPS possible |
| AMD Anti-Lag 2.0 (AMD users only) | Enabled | Decreases lag |
| Maximum FPS In Game | 1,000 | Allows the largest amount of FPS possible |
| Maximum FPS In Menus | 1,000 | Allows the largest amount of FPS possible |
| Current Video Values Preset | Custom | Allows you to edit presets |
| Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode | None | Makes objects less detailed |
| Global Shadow Quality | Low | Decreases quality of shadows |
| Dyanmic Shadows | Sun Only | Decreases shadow detail inside buildings |
| Model/Texture Detail | Low | Decrease model and texture details |
| Texture Filtering Mode | Bilinear | Decreases texture details |
| Shader Detail | Low | Decreases shader details |
| Particle Detail | Low | Decreases particle details |
| Ambient Occlusion | Disabled | Decreases quality of softer shadows |
| High Dynamic Range | Performance | Slightly decreases image quality |
| FidelityFX Super Resolution | Disabled (Highest Quality) | Retains original CS2 resolution |
| NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency (NVIDIA users only) | Enabled + Boost | Improves latency |
Best CS2 Settings for a Competitive Advantage
To find and change your game settings for a better competitive advantage, head to settings and click on GAME:
Game Settings
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Max Acceptable Matchmaking Ping | 90 | Reduces chance of internet lag in-game |
| Max Acceptable Game Traffic Bandwidth | Unrestricted | Allows the game to use all the internet/bandwith that is available |
| Buffering to smooth over packet loss / jitter | None | Prevents buffering in-game |
Team Settings
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Show Team ID Through Walls | PIPS, Names, Health, and Equipment | Makes teammates' equipment, health, equipment and PIPs visible through walls |
| Show Player Colors in Competitive | Show Colors | Helps make it easier to identify teammates |
Communication
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Player Pings | Display and Play Sound | Makes pings easier to locate |
| Mute All But Friends | No | Allows you to communicate with other teammates |
Item
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Delay Sniper Rifle Un-Scope after Shot | No | Rescopes the sniper when it's ready to fire again (after taking a shot) |
| Detach Silencer on M4A1-S and USP-S | Yes | Allows customisation of weapons when necessary |
| First Person Tracers | Enabled | Renders your own bullet tracers |
| Always Show Inventory | Yes | Helps you keep track of your items |
Damage Prediction
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Predict Body Shot Effects | No | Prevents client-sided false body shots (particuarly at higher ping) |
| Predict Head Shot Effects | No | Prevents client-sided false head shots (particuarly at higher ping) |
| Predict Kill Ragdolls | No | Prevents client-sided false kills (particuarly at higher ping) |
Advanced Video
To find and change your advanced video settings, head to settings, click on VIDEO, and then ADVANCED VIDEO:
Please note that although the following settings can improve your competitive advantage, they can also decrease FPS.
| Setting | Value | Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Global Shadow Quality | Very High | Helps you to spot enemy shadows |
| Dynamic Shadows | All | Improves shadow quality when indoors |
| Shader Detail | High | Improves overall visual quality, making enemies easier to see |
| Ambient Occlusion | High | Improves quality of softer shadows |
| High Dynamic Range | Quality | Improves lighting contrast |
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