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Best Cs2 Settings: For Max FPS and Best Performance (2025)
h
Hamza Rashid
Gamer
03 Mar 2025
Posted On
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is a highly competitive game where every frame and every pixel can make a difference. Optimizing your graphics settings can dramatically improve performance, which is even more crucial for those playing on low-end PCs. On the other hand, it can also help with maintaining clear visuals for competitive play.
This guide breaks down the best CS2 video settings for low, mid, and high-end systems, compares resolutions and their impact on FPS/visibility. We’ll also tackle some frequently asked questions about CS2 performance and settings. We also dive into the best audio and controls settings for the game to ensure you're playing at your peak performance.
So, if you want to ensure your graphics, audio, and control settings are optimized to the max, you’re at the right spot.
How to optimize CS2 settings for performance
In CS2, maximizing FPS is usually more important than having shiny graphics. Even professional players tend to use low graphic settings to get the highest frame rates, only bumping up a few specific options for visibility. As one guide notes, pros play on low settings for most options except Global Shadow Quality, Texture Filtering Mode and Boost Player Contrast, which are set higher.
The goal is smooth gameplay: high FPS reduces input lag and stutter, giving you a competitive edge. No matter how skilled you are, if your FPS is too low, your experience will suffer. That said, the “best” settings can vary depending on your hardware capabilities. Below, we break down recommendations for low-end, mid-range, and high-end PCs, along with expected performance.
Best CS2 Settings for Low-End PCs
If you’re on a budget or using older hardware like an older laptop, integrated graphics, or a low-tier GPU, you’ll need to sacrifice visuals for performance. The good news: CS2’s Source 2 engine is optimized to scale down to very modest specs. Valve’s minimum is just a quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and a DX11 1GB VRAM GPU, after all [1]. Here are optimal settings for low-end systems:
Setting
Recommended Option
Explanation
Resolution & Aspect Ratio
Lower is better (e.g., 1280×960 or 1024×768 stretched)
Lower resolution improves FPS. 4:3 stretched makes player models appear larger, helping aim.
Overall Quality Preset
Low
CS2 on Low still looks okay and can double or triple FPS compared to Very High.
Texture/Model Detail
Low
Reduces detail on surfaces and objects for a small FPS boost with minimal gameplay impact.
Shadows
Medium (or High if Medium isn’t available)
Shadows provide a tactical advantage, so don’t disable them completely.
Shader Detail
Low
Reduces fancy lighting effects, boosting FPS.
Effects (Particle Detail)
Low
Simplifies explosions, smoke, and particles, making fights clearer and improving FPS.
Ambient Occlusion
Disabled
Removes subtle shadowing around objects to improve performance.
Texture Filtering
Bilinear or Trilinear
Lowers texture sharpness slightly but increases performance.
Anti-Aliasing
Lower MSAA (2× or Off) or FSR
Anti-aliasing smooths edges but is GPU-intensive. FSR can boost FPS while maintaining sharpness.
V-Sync
Off
Prevents FPS capping and input lag.
Laptop Power Savings
Off
Avoids performance throttling for better FPS.
NVIDIA Reflex
Off
Reduces latency but can add GPU load, which is bad for low-end hardware.
Boost Player Contrast
Enabled if possible, Off as a last resort
Helps distinguish enemies from the background but can be disabled for slight FPS gains.
With the above settings, even weak GPUs and iGPUs should reach playable framerates.
Best CS2 Settings for Mid-Range PCs
Mid-range systems like a PC with a decent mid-tier GPU like GTX 1660 Super, RTX 3060, RX 6600, etc., and a reasonably modern CPU, can afford to increase some settings while still maintaining high FPS. With these setups, the goal is usually to stay at 120+ FPS (or whatever your monitor’s refresh rate is, often 144Hz) at 1080p, while making the game look a bit nicer than absolute minimum.
Setting
Recommended Option
Explanation
Resolution & Aspect Ratio
1920×1080 (16:9)
Mid-range PCs can handle 1080p at high FPS. 16:9 gives a wider field of view and crisper image. 4:3 stretched is still an option for higher FPS or preference.
Texture/Model Detail
Medium or High
Doesn’t impact performance much on mid-range GPUs. High makes skins and maps sharper.
Shadows
High
Helps see enemy shadows from farther away, useful in competitive play.
Shader Detail
Medium or High
Improves lighting effects. If FPS is stable, High is a good choice. Many pros use High.
Effects (Particle Detail)
Low or Medium
Higher settings add more smoke/explosion effects that don’t help in fights. Many pros use Low.
Ambient Occlusion
Medium
Adds depth without major FPS loss. Used by many pro players.
Texture Filtering
Anisotropic 4x or higher
Sharpens textures viewed at an angle. Small performance cost, improves clarity.
Anti-Aliasing
4x MSAA
Smooths jagged edges while maintaining high FPS. If FPS drops, reduce to 2x MSAA or use FSR.
FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR)
Optional
Useful for higher resolutions or extra FPS. Not needed at 1080p unless pushing frames higher.
V-Sync
Off
Avoids input delay. Instead, use the in-game FPS limiter (fps_max).
NVIDIA Reflex
Enabled + Boost
Reduces input lag, making shots register faster. “+ Boost” keeps GPU clocks high for minimal latency.
Boost Player Contrast
Enabled
Helps outline enemies against backgrounds, improving visibility. Most players keep it on.
Other Settings
Multicore Rendering: On, Triple Monitor Mode: Off, Motion Blur: Off
Multicore Rendering improves performance. Motion Blur can hurt visibility and is best disabled.
Best CS2 Settings for High-End PCs
High-end gaming PCs (e.g. RTX 5070/5080/5090 or RX 6800/7900 series GPUs, paired with strong CPUs) can brute-force CS2 even at very high settings. These systems can often run maxed-out graphics and still exceed 240 FPS at 1080p or 1440p. However, even on a beast rig, many players (especially competitive ones) will still tune settings for consistency and clarity rather than just cranking everything to ultra. Here’s how to approach settings on a high-end setup:
Setting
Recommended Option
Explanation
Resolution & Aspect Ratio
2560×1440 (16:9) or 4K, but 1920×1080 or 1280×960 (4:3) is still viable
High-end PCs can run high resolutions easily. 16:9 offers max FOV and clarity, while 4:3 stretched can feel snappier for competitive play.
Overall Quality
High/Very High
CS2 isn’t very demanding; a high-end PC can max everything without major FPS drops.
Texture/Model Detail
High or Very High
No reason to lower on a strong GPU. 8GB+ VRAM can handle max texture quality.
Shadows
Very High
Improves long-distance shadow clarity. If you prefer competitive consistency, High is fine.
Shader Detail
High
Enhances lighting, water, and world visuals with minimal FPS impact.
Effects (Particle Detail)
Low
Reduces unnecessary visual clutter like excessive smoke or sparks. Many pros use Low.
Ambient Occlusion
Medium or High
High makes corners richer in shadow, but Medium can improve visibility slightly.
Texture Filtering
8x or 16x Anisotropic
Performance cost is negligible on high-end GPUs; improves texture clarity at angles.
Anti-Aliasing
8x MSAA
Smooths edges without major FPS impact. Some competitive players might lower it for extra frames.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Quality
Prevents blinding effects in bright/dark transitions; high-end PCs can handle it.
FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR)
Off (or minimal)
Not needed unless pushing extreme resolutions like 4K at high FPS. Native resolution is sharper.
V-Sync
Off
Avoids input lag. If tearing is an issue, use G-Sync/FreeSync or cap FPS instead.
NVIDIA Reflex
Enabled + Boost
Minimizes system latency. High-end GPUs can handle this with little performance cost.
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Optimal CS2 Video Settings by PC Specification:
Setting
Low-End PC (Max FPS)
Mid-Range PC (Balanced)
High-End PC (Max Quality & FPS)
Resolution & Aspect
1280×960 or lower, 4:3 stretched for FPS boost
1920x1080 and 16:9
Same as mid-range
V-Sync
Disabled (always off for competitive play)
Disabled (always off for competitive play)
Disabled (always off for competitive play)
Boost Player Contrast
Off if FPS is critical (On if you can afford)
Enabled (Helps visibility, small performance hit)
Enabled (no reason to turn off on high-end)
Multisampling Anti-Aliasing (AA)
0x or 2x MSAA (or use FSR for upscaling)
4x MS (Balances smooth edges with performance)
8x MS (Cleanest image, high-end GPUs can handle it)
Global Shadow Quality
Medium (Keep some shadows for tactical advantage)
High (See enemy shadows at distance)
Very High (Max shadow detail – minimal FPS cost on top GPUs)
Dynamic Shadows
All (if option exists)
All
All
Model / Texture Detail
Low
Medium or High (mid GPUs handle high textures fine)
High/Very High (max it out – negligible FPS impact)
Texture Filtering
Bilinear (Low)
Anisotropic
Anisotropic 8x or 16x (Sharper textures at angle, no FPS concern)
Shader Detail
Low
Medium/High (use High if FPS is 120+)
High (Best lighting quality)
Particle Detail
Low (Minimal smoke/particles for clarity)
Low (or Medium if visuals desired)
Low (many keep this low even on high-end for less clutter)
Ambient Occlusion
Disable
Medium (Some extra shadow depth, moderate cost)
Medium or High (High for slightly richer visuals, or Medium for consistency)
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Performance (Faster transition)
Performance or Quality (Performance mode if you dislike the bright flash effect)
Quality (Smooth eye adaptation, looks best)
FidelityFX Super Resolution
Enabled Ultra Quality if needed for FPS (Use FSR to upscale and boost FPS on weak GPU.)
Optional (Use at 1440p or higher to maintain FPS – e.g. FSR Ultra Quality
Disable (Run native resolution since your FPS is high anyway)
NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency
Disabled (if GPU-bound (Reflex off if it hurts FPS on older card.)
With graphics and overall visuals out of the way, it’s time to highlight some general control settings that professional CS2 players use to ensure promptness and ease of access for every important input. Natually, you can tweak these as you see fit depending on your personal preference.
Setting
Recommended Configuration
Explanation
Mouse Sensitivity
1.5 – 2.5
A lower sensitivity allows for more precise aiming, which is crucial in CS2. It's common among professional players to use sensitivities within this range.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
400 – 800
Lower DPI settings combined with appropriate in-game sensitivity provide better control and accuracy.
Raw Input
On
Ensures that mouse movements are directly registered by the game, bypassing any potential interference from the operating system.
Mouse Acceleration
Off
Disabling this ensures consistent mouse movement, providing better muscle memory and aim consistency.
Reverse Mouse
Off
Keeps the default vertical mouse movement direction, which is standard for most players.
Duck Mode
Hold
Requires holding the key to crouch, offering better control during movement and shooting.
Walk Mode
Hold
Requires holding the key to walk, allowing for precise movement control.
Zoom Mode
Hold
Requires holding the key to zoom, providing immediate return to normal view upon release.
Use Key
E
Standard key binding for interaction, consistent with default settings.
Jump
Space Bar
Default key for jumping, widely used and comfortable for most players.
Best CS2 audio settings
While some may assume that audio isn’t all that crucial when playing a competitive game like CS2, that isn’t true. On the contrary, things like sound queues and gunfire can help you locate where the enemy is or what they’re doing to perform actions accordingly.
Below are some of the most recommended audio settings most professional players use to ensure they can hear everything in the game.
Setting
Recommended Value
Explanation
Master Volume
70%
Adjusts the overall game sound. Set to a comfortable level that allows you to hear in-game cues without overpowering other sounds.
Audio Device
Default Device
Ensures the game uses your system's primary audio output.
EQ Profile
Crisp
Enhances clarity of in-game sounds, making footsteps and gunshots more distinguishable.
L/R Isolation
50%
Balances audio between left and right channels, aiding in precise sound localization.
Perspective Correction
No
Disables automatic adjustment of sound based on in-game perspective, maintaining consistent audio cues.
Enable Voice
Press To Use the Mic
Activates voice communication only when pressing a designated key, reducing background noise during gameplay.
VOIP Volume
30%
Controls the volume of voice communications from teammates. Adjust to ensure clarity without overpowering game sounds.
Streamlined Push-To-Talk
Yes
Prevents other applications from interfering with in-game audio settings, ensuring consistent communication quality.
Play Audio When Game In Background
Yes
Allows game sounds to continue when the game window is not active, useful for multitasking or during pauses.
FAQs
My CS2 FPS is still low even after lowering settings. What can I do?
If you’ve put everything to Low and still struggle, there are a few extra steps:
Update your drivers – new GPU drivers often include CS2 optimizations.
Close background apps – even a browser or recording software can steal CPU/GPU resources. Also disable Windows Game DVR/clipping if you don’t use it.
Enable XMP/EXPO for RAM – if you have a decent motherboard, make sure your RAM is running at full speed.
Use Performance mode power settings – on Windows, set Power Plan to High Performance and for laptops ensure you’re plugged in (and disable any battery saver.
Lower resolution further or use FSR – try dropping to 1024×768 or even 800×600 (the game will look pixelated but run faster). Or use FSR on a lower quality (Balanced or Performance) – this will noticeably blur the image but can greatly improve FPS by rendering at a much lower res and upscaling.
Check for thermal throttling – if you’re on a laptop/PC that’s overheating, your CPU/GPU might be slowing down. Ensure proper cooling (clean fans, use a cooling pad, etc.).
As a last resort, if nothing helps, consider hardware upgrades. CS2 isn’t extremely demanding, so even an older GPU like a GTX 1050 Ti or RX 570 can run it decently – if you’re below that tier (or using integrated graphics), a cheap used graphics card or more RAM (8 to 16GB) could give you a big boost [2].
Is there any point in using ultra settings or higher resolutions in competitive CS2?
Competitively, the consensus is to favor performance and clarity over graphics fidelity. Using Ultra settings might make the game look slightly nicer (you’ll notice it in things like skin details, fancy shadows, volumetric lighting), but those rarely help you win rounds. Higher resolution (1440p, 4K) can actually hurt competitive play if it lowers your FPS below your monitor refresh or introduces input lag. However, if you have a very strong PC that can handle, say, 1440p at 240Hz, some players might enjoy the extra sharpness.
The benefit would be that a distant head at 1440p has more pixels representing it than at 1080p, potentially making long-range aiming easier. But most competitive players value the muscle memory and consistency – and most have trained on 1080p or lower. For pure tryhard competitive mode, stick to what gives you the highest stable FPS (which is usually not Ultra).
If you’re playing more casually (say non-tournament matches, or just with friends), feel free to up some settings or res for visual pleasure since your skill won’t suddenly vanish if you drop from 300 to 200 FPS – it’ll still be smooth. It really comes down to your priorities in the moment.
Should I cap my FPS or use any kind of frame limiter?
In CS2, if you’re getting wildly fluctuating FPS or your GPU is running super hot pumping out 500 fps unnecessarily, you might consider using fps_max X to cap it at a stable value (like fps_max 300 or 400). Many players cap at their monitor’s refresh (e.g. 144 or 240) to reduce GPU load and input latency variability.
Running uncapped can sometimes cause additional input lag once you go way above your monitor’s rate (because of how the frames queue). So, if your system is high-end, capping at a reasonable number slightly above your average is a good practice (e.g. you get ~330 fps average, cap at 30.
Definitely cap if you see that your GPU usage is maxed out 100% just to produce extra frames that you don’t need – capping will give your GPU breathing room, lower temps, and can eliminate micro-stutters from fluctuating frame times. Do not use V-Sync for capping – use the console or in-game setting to limit FPS, or use adaptive sync tech like G-Sync/FreeSync which is even better.
Is CS2 more demanding than CS:GO?
Yes, CS2 is generally more demanding. It’s on the new Source 2 engine with improved graphics (better lighting, realistic smoke, higher poly models, etc.), so it will run at fewer FPS than CS:GO did on the same hardware. Don’t be alarmed – even high-end PCs see lower numbers in CS2 compared to the older game. However, CS2 is still optimized to run on a wide range of PCs. Valve’s philosophy has been to keep CS accessible. They raised the requirements a bit, but as we saw, even low-tier GPUs can handle it with settings tweaks.
References
[1] "pcoptimizedsettings". pcoptimizedsettings.com. Retrieved March 02, 2025
[2] "Steam Community". steamcommunity.com. Retrieved March 02, 2025
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