Best Counter-Strike 2 Settings for Strong and Weak PC’s

Counter-Strike 2 is out, and Valve did their best to make the transition of players to the new generation of gaming as comfortable as possible. Players don’t need to download the game anew but simply update it. Moreover, all skins, stickers, and other cosmetics are carried over to the new version. Nevertheless, one thing has changed dramatically: the system requirements. If earlier you could run the game even on a potato, now it's finally time to upgrade the hardware to something more modern. For a comfortable game and to see all the graphical delights of CS2, you need to focus on the recommended system requirements:

1. Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit
2. Processor: Intel Core i7 9700k or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
3. Memory: 16 GB RAM
4. Graphics: RTX 2070 or Radeon RX 5700 XT
5. DirectX: Version 11
6. Storage: 60 GB of available Hard Disk space

However, to make the game feel really good, it’s not enough just to upgrade the hardware. You also need to go into the settings and properly fine-tune all available options because there are a few new lines. And that's what this article will be about. Let's take a look at the Counter-Strike 2 settings guide from Profilerr.

Best General Counter-Strike 2 Settings

So, let's break down the best settings for Counter-Strike 2 and start with the general options. These are the settings responsible for the basic aspects of the game, such as video, audio, controls, etc. 

Video

The video settings have the greatest influence on the game. Let's take a look at the best video settings for CS2 because incorrectly configured video can directly affect the FPS and your experience.

1. Main menu background scenery: Any

As the name suggests, this setting changes the main menu background scenery. Choose your favorite one or change it from time to time.

1. Brightness: 100%

You should only change this setting if you are gaming in a dark room and high brightness hurts your eyes.

1. Aspect Ratio: 16:9

This aspect ratio depends solely on the shape of your monitor. 16:9 is the most common option in this case. Some players choose the 4:3 ratio and stretch the picture to make the enemy models larger.

1. Resolution: 1920×1080

The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture, but the lower the resolution, the less stress there is on the hardware. The suggested option is the best graphic setting for CS2, but you can experiment to get more FPS.

1. Display mode: Fullscreen

In fullscreen mode, you can see some increase in FPS. However, if you calibrate the monitor, i.e., use a special program or device to adjust the colors as close to real colors as possible, the calibration profile will reset when you turn on any fullscreen application as they set their own profiles. 

1. Refresh rate: Max

The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the picture. It is better to keep this parameter at the maximum value.

1. Laptop power saving: Disabled

This option has a significant impact on performance. It is better to charge your laptop before playing than turn it on.

Advanced Video Settings

1. Boost player contrast: Enabled

This option improves the visibility of players on the map background. It is better to keep this on for comfortable gameplay.

1. Wait for vertical sync: Disabled 

This mode slightly improves graphics but has a strong impact on your frames per second. We recommend disabling this option.

1. Current video values preset: Custom

You can choose automatic presets or customize everything yourself.

1. Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode: 4X MSAA 

This parameter is responsible for the boundaries of geometric objects. Values below 4X look bad, so we recommend setting it to 4X.

1. Global Shadow Quality: Medium 

This parameter speaks for itself. Avoid setting it to Low, as the image will hurt your eyes.

1. Model / Texture Detail: Medium 

This is the detail of the textures. Medium has minimal impact on FPS.

1. Texture Filtering Mode: Bilinear 

This technology improves the appearance of textures in the game. It does not affect  gameplay and can be set to the lowest value.

1. Shader Detail: Low 

Shaders are responsible for the complexity of lighting and shadows in the game. If you do not have a top-end PC, it is better to leave it low.

1. Particle Detail: Medium 

This parameter is responsible for the detail of various small objects such as splashes, concrete chips, etc. Leave this parameter on Medium.

1. Ambient Occlusion: High or Medium 

Another parameter responsible for lighting. The lower it is, the more FPS. However, if your PC allows it, we recommend setting it at least to Medium for a better experience.

1. High Dynamic Range: Quality 

This parameter is responsible for the richness of colors. It has little effect on FPS, and therefore, it can be set to Quality.

1. FidelityFX Super Resolution: Disabled (Highest Quality) 

This parameter takes a picture in a lower resolution and then upscales it with the help of AI. Sometimes, it may look pretty bad, and it's best not to enable it.

1. NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency: Enabled

This option reduces system latency and improves GPU performance. It is better to enable it because it really affects gameplay, but this miracle is available only to owners of NVIDIA graphics cards.

Audio

Now, let's look at the best Counter-Strike 2 settings for audio.

1. Master Volume: Preference

This setting is up to you. The main thing is not to wake up your neighbors.

1. Audio Device: Default Device

It makes sense to change this parameter only if you have several audio output devices, e.g., speakers and headphones.

1. EQ Profile: Crisp

EQ Profile is responsible for equalizer settings, i.e., for amplifying different types of frequencies. We recommend Crisp as it allows you to better hear high-frequency sounds such as footsteps and gunshots.

1. L/R Isolation: 50-80%

This parameter is responsible for the spatial sound. If you turn it to 100%, you will hear all sounds only in the left or right channel. This can be useful if you need to determine from which side the gun is fired, but it is very inconvenient if fired from behind or in front. It is better to set this option to 50% so that the sound is more natural and gives you a tactical advantage.

1. Perspective Correction: No

This setting appeared with the release of CS2 and is also related to spatial sound. It tries to determine which side the sound is coming from in relation to you. You can try it, but turn it off if you want it to be more familiar.

1. Enable Voice: Press to use mic
2. Here, you can choose whether you want to press or hold down the button to use the microphone.

To maximize your auditory edge in-game, delve into our expert guide on best audio settings for CS2, tailored for competitive play

Keyboard and Mouse

Another important factor in the game settings for CS2 is the control parameters. While the keyboard input is pretty obvious, and you can simply reassign the keys as you like, there are a few rows in the mouse settings that are worth tweaking to suit your preferences. 

1. Reverse Mouse: Off

This setting inverts the mouse control, meaning that when you move the mouse forward, the camera will move down instead of up as usual.

1. Duck Mode: Hold

This setting is responsible for crouching. By changing it, you will be constantly in a crouch by pressing the button once. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep the button pressed all the time.

1. Walk Mode: Hold

Same as the previous option, only for walking. Walking allows you to move around more stealthily and quietly.

1. Zoom Button Hold: Repeat Disabled

If you change this option, holding the mouse will equate to clicking again to change the scope's magnification when aiming from a sniper rifle. 

1. Mouse Sensitivity: 2.50

This parameter should be adjusted to your own preferences, dpi and edpi of your hardware, or just look at the presets of pro players. The higher the parameter, the more responsive the mouse will be to your movements, which can be detrimental to accuracy.

1. Zoom Sensitivity Multiplier: 1.00

This setting is responsible for the mouse sensitivity when aiming with a sniper rifle.

Fine-tune your aiming and movement by exploring best mouse settings for CS2, ensuring precision and responsiveness tailored to your playstyle.

Best Game Settings for Counter-Strike 2

Now, let’s continue our CS2 settings guide by taking a look at the best CS2 game settings.

Game

1. Max Acceptable Matchmaking Ping: 100

The lower the ping, the smoother the game and the easier it will be for you to hit enemies. 

1. Max Acceptable Game Traffic Bandwidth: Unrestricted

This parameter is only worth limiting if you have a limited connection and want to save traffic.

1. Community Notification location: Top right

Select in which corner you want to see the information. The top right will also allow you to keep an eye on the radar.

1. Enable Developer Console (~): Yes

This option allows you to enable cheats in non-competitive matches or configure your settings through the console.

1. Install Counter-Strike Workshop tools: Yes

This option allows you to download additional content from the Workshop.

HUD

1. HUD scale: 0.90

This option can be changed depending on the size of your monitor and personal convenience.

1. HUD color: Preference

Choose your lucky color and win.

For a more personalized interface, discover how to fine-tune your experience with our guide on CS2 hud commands.

Team

1. Show Team Positions in HUD: Show location and equipment

Keep up to date with who and where your teammates are shooting.

1. Show teammate colors in competitive: Show colors

This option helps communication when you can simply say a color instead of a long nickname.

1. Friends lobby default permissions: Friends need invites

Give yourself some privacy when you want to play with random opponents.

Communication

1. Player pings: Display and sound

This option will help your teammates draw your attention to dangerous areas.

1. Mute enemy team: No

Listen to your opponents screaming after another loss.

1. Mute all but friends: No

Teammates who are not on your friends list can also give you valuable hints.

Radar / Tablet

1. Radar centers the player: Yes

Toggling this option may cause disorientation. Also, you might not be able to see the whole map if you're on the one end of it. 

1. Radar is rotating: yes

This option helps you to get a better orientation on the mini-map.

1. Radar HUD size: 1

You can set any value depending on the size of your monitor.

1. Radar Map zoom: 0.60

As in the previous case, this setting depends on your personal preferences.

1. Toggle shape with scoreboard: Yes

When the scoreboard is visible, the radar will become square.

Crosshair

Crosshair settings are more cosmetic. You can customize them as you like or copy the settings of pro players.

After optimizing your game for your system, dive deeper into excellence by exploring CS2 pro player settings to play like the pros.

Best Out-of-Game Settings for CS2

You also need to properly set your settings for CS2 outside of the game to maximize performance.

Windows

Make sure your OS is using the best CS2 settings. To do this:

1. Press the Windows Key and type "Graphics" in the search box.

2. Select "Graphics Settings".

   

3. In the dropdown menu, select "Desktop app".
4. Click "Browse".
5. Go to "steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64".

6. Select "CS2.exe" to close the window.

   

7. Click on "csgo.exe" and select "Options".

8. Check "High performance" and click "Save".

   

Steam

In addition, you should also set the best Counter-Strike 2 settings in Steam to maximize performance.

1. Select "Settings" in the Steam app.

   

2. Select the "Interface" tab.

3. Untick "Enable GPU accelerated rendering in web views".

   

4. Next, select the "Library" tab.

5. Tick "Low Bandwidth Mode" and "Low Performance Mode".

   

6. After that, choose the "Broadcast" tab.
7. Select "Broadcasting disabled".

8. Click "Okay".

   

CS2 Settings to Increase FPS on Weak PC’s

The above best CS2 PC settings will allow you to maximize performance while maintaining pleasing visuals. However, if your computer can't handle this load, you should optimize the game. Here is the hardware you should to be able to play at all:

1. Operating system: Windows® 10
2. Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 750 or higher
3. Memory: 8 GB RAM
4. Graphics: 1 GB or more with support for Shader Model 5.0
5. DirectX: Version 11
6. Storage: 60 GB available space

However, these are the bare minimum requirements, and you will need to make some ‘sacrifices’ in graphics quality to achieve a stable 60 FPS. Therefore, here are the best CS2 settings for FPS:

1. Resolution: The native resolution of your monitor

   Use native monitor resolution or even lower so that the hardware has to render fewer pixels.

2. Refresh rate: Maximum for your monitor

   The higher the refresh rate, the lower the lag and smoother the gameplay.

3. Display Mode: Fullscreen

   In fullscreen mode, your computer devotes all resources to the game, which has a positive effect on performance.

4. Laptop Power Savings: Disabled

   The power savings severely limit the hardware's capabilities.

5. Wait For Vertical Sync: Disabled

   Vertical synchronization affects performance hard, giving you questionable graphical advantages.

6. Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode: 4X

   This is the minimum value at which the game remains pleasing to the eye.

7. Global Shadow Quality: High

   Shadows don't affect performance, so you can leave them high.

8. Model / Texture Quality: Medium or Low

   Sacrifice the beauty of the models in the game for a significant increase in FPS.

9. Texture Filtering Mode: Bilinear

   This is the lowest possible setting for this parameter that will give you a boost in FPS.

10. Shader Detail: Low

    This option will also degrade the lighting quality of the game but will significantly increase the FPS.

11. Particle Detail: Low

    This is an important recommended setting for CS2, as the fewer particles the computer processes, the faster it works. However, you won't be able to admire the beautiful water splashes on Anubis. 

12. Ambient Occlusion: High

    This setting has little effect on performance, so you can leave it at High.

13. High Dynamic Range: Performance

    Brightness is not as important as smooth gameplay, so we recommend changing it to performance.

14. Fidelity FX Super Resolution: Ultra Quality

    Harness the power of artificial intelligence to bring your visuals up to date. 

15. NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency: Enabled 

    This option eliminates lag and should be enabled whenever possible.