CS2 Launch Options Optimizer
Configure your Steam launch options for optimal CS2 performance. Select individual flags or start from a hardware-matched preset.
Quick Presets
Low-End PC
Squeeze every frame from older hardware
-novid -high -threads 4 -d3d9ex +fps_max 0 -nojoy Mid-Range
Balanced performance for modern systems
-novid -high -tickrate 128 -d3d9ex +fps_max 0 High-End
Clean and simple for powerful PCs
-novid -tickrate 128 +fps_max 0 Competitive
Optimized for ranked play
-novid -high -tickrate 128 -d3d9ex +fps_max 0 Minimal Input Lag
Absolute minimum delay
-novid -high -d3d9ex +fps_max 0 +engine_low_latency_sleep_after_client_tick true Streaming
Capped FPS for smooth encoding
-novid -tickrate 128 +fps_max 300 Build Custom Launch Options
Your Launch Options
Launch Options Reference
| Flag | Category | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
-novid | startup | Skips the intro video on startup | Faster launch |
-high | performance | Sets CS2 to high CPU priority | +5-15 FPS on busy systems |
-tickrate 128 | network | Sets offline server tick rate to 128 | Better offline practice |
-threads N | performance | Sets number of CPU threads (replace N) | Can improve multi-core usage |
-nojoy | startup | Disables joystick support (legacy) | Marginal memory save |
-d3d9ex | performance | DirectX 9 optimization for alt-tabbing | Faster alt-tab |
-freq N | display | Forces monitor refresh rate (replace N) | Ensures correct Hz |
-w N -h N | display | Forces resolution width and height | Custom resolution |
+fps_max 0 | performance | Uncaps FPS from launch | Immediate unlimited FPS |
-console | startup | Opens console on game start | Quick access to commands |
-language english | startup | Forces English language | Override system language |
How Launch Options Affect Performance
Launch options are command-line arguments passed to the CS2 executable before the engine initializes. This means they configure low-level behaviour that cannot be changed from the in-game settings menu. The most universally beneficial options are -novid (saves 3-5 seconds per launch) and -tickrate 128 (ensures your local server runs at competition-grade tick rate).
The -high flag tells Windows to give CS2 priority access to CPU resources. On systems running Discord, Chrome, streaming software, or other background processes, this can meaningfully improve frame consistency. On dedicated gaming machines with nothing else running, the benefit is negligible.
Avoid cargo-culting long lists of options from outdated guides. Many flags from CS:GO (like -lv, -processheap, or -nod3d9ex) no longer exist in CS2 and will either be ignored or cause unexpected behaviour. Keep your launch options minimal and purposeful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I set launch options in CS2?
- Right-click CS2 in your Steam Library → Properties → General tab → Launch Options. Paste your launch options string in the text field. Changes take effect next time you start the game.
- What are the best CS2 launch options?
- For most players: -novid -high -tickrate 128. Add -threads [your CPU threads] on older hardware. Avoid deprecated options like -nojoy or -lv which no longer do anything in CS2.
- Does -high actually help in CS2?
- The -high flag sets CS2 to high process priority, which can improve performance on systems running background applications. On dedicated gaming PCs with nothing else running, the difference is minimal.
- What launch options reduce input lag?
- The most impactful options for input lag are -high (priority), -d3d9ex (DirectX optimization), and disabling VSync in-game. The -tickrate 128 flag ensures offline practice matches run at full tick rate.
- Are there launch options that hurt performance?
- Yes. Options like -fullscreen (forces exclusive fullscreen which can cause issues), too many -threads, or outdated CS:GO options that don't exist in CS2 can cause instability or have no effect.