How to change language in CS2?

The language the game you play uses plays a huge role in connecting with it. From convenience to accessibility, it’s natural that multiple developers add support for various languages to ensure as many players as possible can play them. The same applies to Valve with Counter-Strike 2 ^[1].

Counter-Strike 2 supports multiple interface languages to better serve its global player base. Whether you're playing on a PC or a Steam Deck, changing your in-game language is a quick and straightforward process. You can switch languages directly through Steam’s built-in language settings or by adding custom launch options. However, it’s important to understand that these changes only affect the game’s menus and text, not the spoken audio.

Here’s everything to know about changing your language in CS2, including how you can do it and its limitations. If you’re struggling to find players who speak your language to play with you, then you can always hire a professional booster to give you a hand. After all, Eloking has boosters from all over the world.

How to change the language of CS2 on a PC

CS2 supports multiple interface languages. The easiest method on PC is going to the game’s properties on Steam. To do this, players must open Steam, go to their library, right-click on Counter-Strike 2, and select properties. There’s a language dropdown box in the general tab where players can choose their desired language. Restart CS2 for the changes to show up.

If the language tab is unavailable or if the player wants a different method, they can include launch options. Under the general tab in properties, there’s a text box under the launch options area. Over there, players should enter “-language [language_name]“ without the quotes. Replace [language_name] with the lowercase name of the language, such as -language english, -language japanese, etc. Players must avoid using language codes like EN or JP. Relaunching CS2 after setting the launch options should show the new interface.
Does the audio in CS2 change after switching the language?

Regardless of what platform the player uses, changing the UI language only translates menus and in-game text. CS2’s built-in spoken audio, such as radio commands, stays in English. Steam’s full audio support is checked only for English. 

How to change the language of CS2 on a Steam Deck?

On a Steam Deck in gaming mode, players must press the Steam button, go to the library, and open the CS2 page. Press the “...” button or find the gear icon to manage the game, then choose properties. Then, players need to select the language tab and pick the desired language.

Also, the same -language [language_name] launch option works on the Steam Deck. Players can access it by going to properties, general, and then launch options while managing the game in gaming mode.

The Steam Deck’s desktop mode process is the same as the method used on a PC. Open Steam, go to the library, right-click Counter-Strike 2, and follow the same PC steps.

How to troubleshoot CS2 language issues?

If players encounter issues changing the language, then they must ensure they’re using the correct launch option syntax, which is -language followed by the full language name in lowercase, such as -language french. Players must quit CS2 and restart it after changing the language. Sometimes, restarting Steam is essential for new files to load. 

If UI text is incorrect or missing, then players can verify the game files by going into the game’s properties, then local files, and select the “verify integrity of game files” option. In rare cases, the issue might be due to the account region, so players should try using a different Steam account or reinstall the game.

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FAQs

Will changing the language in CS2 also change the audio?

No. Changing the language in CS2 only updates the game’s interface text and menus. Voice lines and radio commands remain in English regardless of your language settings.

What should I do if my selected CS2 language doesn’t apply after restarting?

Ensure you're using the correct format for launch options (e.g., -language french). Then, fully restart both CS2 and the Steam client. If it still doesn't work, verify game file integrity in Steam under Local Files.

References

1. [1] "Official CS2 website". www.counter-strike.net. Retrieved July 06, 2025