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Full CS2 Launch Options List

+fps_max 0
This launch option will remove the FPS cap, allowing you to get unlimited FPS when playing CS2. However, some players prefer setting a limit to avoid FPS stutters, for example, +fps_max 120.
-console
This option is used to enable the in-game developer console so players can input console commands. You do not need this launch option if you’ve enabled the console through the game settings already.
-nojoy
By default, CS2 will provide joystick support for players looking to use a controller to play. If you have no plans on using a joystick controller, use this launch option to disable joystick support and receive a performance boost.
-novid
The novid launch option is used to disable the video trailer that plays every time you launch CS2, which can help you take less time to open the game.The novid launch option is used to disable the video trailer that plays every time you launch CS2, which can help you take less time to open the game.
-fullscreen
The fullscreen launch option will ensure CS2 runs in fullscreen mode at all times, which will give players more FPS than Windowed or Fullscreen Windowed. This is a necessary option to use when you are using a dual monitor setup so your cursor won’t slip to the other screen.
-high
This launch option will ensure that CS2 runs at high priority, resulting in better overall performance and FPS. While CS2 is open, other programs may run slower, but the game should be your main focus when it’s launched anyways.
-low
This is the opposite of the high command and will make your game run at a lower priority.
+exec [config name].cfg:
The exec launch option is used to execute autoexec configs, such as jump throw or practice configs. Replace [config name] with the name you have set the config file to.
-vulkan
We all love to Alt + Tab while dead, right? The vulkan option is used to help Alt + Tabbing smoother, and some players have also experienced performance increases when using this launch option. It switches CS2’s rendering focus from DirectX 11 to Vulkan. If it does not increase performance or Alt + Tab speed, feel free to remove this launch option.
-refresh 144/240
The refresh launch option is used to adjust your game’s refresh frequency, and should be set according to your monitor’s refresh rate. If you have a 144 Hz monitor, use -refresh 144. If you have a 240 Hz monitor, use -refresh 240.
-tickrate 128
This isn’t the most useful general launch option, but helps with private servers. This launch option ensures your private servers will run on 128 tick, which is the preferred tickrate for advanced to professional players.
+cl_forcepreload 1
This launch option will pre-load the entire map and game while you are loading into a match. The time you take to load in the match will take longer, but there will be less performance issues in the game, which is a really good tradeoff.
+violence_hblood 0
Small particles can affect your CS2 game’s performance. This launch option is recommended for low-end computers as it removes all particle effects, giving a much-needed performance boost.
+r_drawparticles 0:
Small particles can affect your CS2 game’s performance. This launch option is recommended for low-end computers as it removes all particle effects, giving a much-needed performance boost.
- softparticlesdeaultoff
This is a follow up launch option to the r_drawparticles option. It will remove all the soft particles in CS2, which can make your game look less-visually appealing, but will result in an increase in performance.
+r_dynamic 0
This launch option is used to disable dynamic lighting, which are visual details that offer no competitive advantage, but affect your FPS in CS2. Players experiencing FPS issues should look to utilize this launch option.
+mat_queue_mode 2
The mat_queue_mode launch option is used to determine the thread mode for material systems used in the game. This option will not improve FPS for everyone, so it’s highly recommended to do a quick test.
-d3d9ex:
The d3d9ex option might not work for everyone, but it’s worth a shot to test it out. This launch option is used to switch on d3d9ex technology, which can improve the performance of some computers. If not, you can always remove the launch option.
-nohltv
This launch option will remove HLTV features.
-forcenovsync
This will force the game not to use vSync settings. It is recommended that you do not use this command as this will not allow you to get the most out of performance in those competitive encounters, due to the input lag that you get when vSync is enabled
-autoconfig
This launch option will force your client to open with original default settings each time when opened.
-threads [amount]
This launch option when set will determine the amount of processer threads that the CS2 client will use for example inputting 2 after the threads launch option will make the game use 2 threads. Normally it is not recommended to set this launch option as the game manages to utilize your threads by default, allowing for maximum performance.
-dxlevel [60 / 70 / 80 / 81 / 90 / 91 / 95 / 98 / 100 / 110]
This launch option will sets your game's DirectX API version. The default for CS2 is 11. This should only be changed if you get issues with DX11 which is rare.

Launch Options Everybody Should Be Using For The Best FPS

If you’re a player with a low-end setup, feel free to copy and paste these CS2 launch options to boost your performance:

-console -fullscreen -tickrate 128 -high -novid -nojoy -softparticlesdefaultoff +fps_max 0 +cl_forcepreload 1 +r_drawparticles 0 +r_dynamic 0 +violence_hblood 0 -rate 786432

Launch Options That No Longer Work in CS2

-novid This originally removed the CS:GO video at the start of the game. However in CS2 Valve removed the start-up video.

-tickrate 128 This launch option used to work in the original CS:GO but does not work in CS2 as the tick rate architecture has changed.

-limitvsconst no longer working in CS2.

-d3d9exdisable_d3d9ex are both no longer working in CS2. Due to CS2 now using DirectX 11.

Autoexec & Launch Options

An autoexec is a file that can contain commands and launch options that are automatically launched when CS2 starts. Sometimes Steam can reset your launch options. You can add launch options to your autoexec file so you always have a backup of set launch options. You can set your autoexec to execute in each start in the launch options.

Your autoexec file (which is named autoexec.cfg) is located the “Steam\SteamApps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\cs2\cfg” folder.

Input this launch option into Steam to make it work, this will execute all the launch options that are set in the autoexec.cfg file.

+exec autoexec.cfg

If your autoexec file isn’t named autoexec.cfg, replace autoexec.cfg with the name the exact name of your file with .cfg at the end.

Launch Options CS2 For Better FPS

Before you decide on the FPS settings you would like to go forward with, make sure you check our guides on FPS options, to understand more on their function for your gameplay- especially if you are a beginner. 

The FPS commands are essentially a way to increase your number of frames per second (FPS). If you are a player that doesn’t have the best set up, the code below should offer you a great boost to your CS2 Launch options and performance. Make sure to copy and paste these to your settings!

-console -fullscreen -tickrate 128 -high -novid -nojoy -softparticlesdefaultoff +fps_max 0 +cl_forcepreload 1 +r_drawparticles 0 +r_dynamic 0 +violence_hblood 0 -rate 786432

Launch Options CS2 For Better Competitive Play

If you happen to have the high-end monitors that operate on 144Hz or above, you want to make sure that you are getting the refreshes per second that suit your monitor.

Use the following:

-refresh 144 or -refresh 240 (for 240Hz monitors)

Many do debate on whether these commands are needed, as CS2 is supposed to optimize and set your refresh rate for you, yet many pro players choose to have this in their launch options just to be sure and safe than sorry!

Should your refresh rate be slower than optimal, you can troubleshoot it yourself, by checking the cables (HDMI 1.4+, DisplayPort, DVI Dual-Link) that support 144Hz/240Hz. If you have the VGA, HDMI operating on less than 1.4, this could be a reason for the issues and disruption, as they are not supported.

P.s. Don’t forget to enable the Windows (7,8 or 10) to operate for your monitor, that is important too!

Nine times out of ten, you should not need any launch options for the ALT+ TAB, however, in some cases there can be issues that can be troubleshooted simply by using the following launch option:

-vulkan

*Disclaimer* Players have often noticed that it’s using the above launch option that causes problems with the ALT + TAB!

Resolution Launch Options

If you happen to have the high-end monitors that operate on 144Hz or above, you want to make sure that you are getting the refreshes per second that suit your monitor.

Use the following:

-refresh 144 or -refresh 240 (for 240Hz monitors)

Many do debate on whether these commands are needed, as CS2 is supposed to optimize and set your refresh rate for you, yet many pro players choose to have this in their launch options just to be sure and safe than sorry!

Should your refresh rate be slower than optimal, you can troubleshoot it yourself, by checking the cables (HDMI 1.4+, DisplayPort, DVI Dual-Link) that support 144Hz/240Hz. If you have the VGA, HDMI operating on less than 1.4, this could be a reason for the issues and disruption, as they are not supported.

P.s. Don’t forget to enable the Windows (7,8 or 10) to operate for your monitor, that is important too!

Nine times out of ten, you should not need any launch options for the ALT+ TAB, however, in some cases there can be issues that can be troubleshooted simply by using the following launch option:

-vulkan

*Disclaimer* Players have often noticed that it’s using the above launch option that causes problems with the ALT + TAB!

144hz, 240hz and ALT + Tab Launch Options

For those that want to focus solely on improving their competitive gameplay, check out the launch options we have below. This will neglect some visual aspects that pro players will pick up on of course, however it is a great player to start with and try out for yourself!

-refresh 120 +fps_max 120 -forcenovsync -softparticlesdefaultoff +mat_disable_fancy_blending 1 +r_dynamic 0

Do take note that, if your monitor does not support 120 Hz, you will need to change the values of the – refresh to 60, and the +fps_max to 60 also: ‘– refresh to 60’ and ‘+fps_max 60’.

CS2 Launch Options Used By Pro Players

Player Launch Options
Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz -console -novid -freq 360 -tickrate 128 +exec config.cfg 
Tyson “TenZ” Ngo -freq 240 -novid -tickrate 128
Valerii “b1t” Vakhovskyi +fps_max 500 -freq 360 -console -tickrate 128 -novid 
Can “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş -freq 360 -novid -console -tickrate 128 -d3d9ex
Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis -novid -console -tickrate 128 +fps_max 999

Setting CS2 Launch Options

The procedure to set CS2 launch options is relatively straightforward.

Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating your launch options in CS2:

Open your Steam Client and go to your Steam Library

Look for Counter-Strike 2, and right-click the game

Then, click on Properties

CS2 Properties

In the General menu, you should see the Launch Options section

Launch Options

Enter your desired launch commands in the text box provided

Launch options should be separated with a space. Do not use any commas to separate them!

Now that you know how to input the CS2 launch options, let’s get to figuring out what the best ones are.

Conclusion

This page will offer the best launch options for CS2 players in 2024.

Counter-Strike 2 is a game that many beginners can adapt to, due to the great default frame CS2 offers its players. However, what happens to players that are ready to experience the next level of their gaming, and grow out of that mold? Personalizing your settings when you launch CS2, can allow you to change your client’s tickrate, setting your FPS, adjust your technical settings such as the autoexec and more.

In this guide, we have made it a priority to include all the CS2 launch options that we think you should be using, information on how to correctly perform and adjust the settings, as well as launch options specifically used by the elite and pro players in CS2.  All the information we will provide will help boost your CS2 productivity.

Understanding Launch Options in 2024

Launch options in CS2 are active from the moment the game starts. They are simply a combined number of settings that are listed as special CS2 Launch commands. Their practicality all depends on your needs and wants when playing.

CS2 Launch options can help you:

–   Increase the FPS

–   Change/alter video quality

–   Improve performance

–   Customize autoexec file

–     Create and customize competition settings

If you want to learn specific launch option commands, you will need to adjust each for your playstyle and habits- copying pro players for example may not work for you, and adjusting is essential. The best CS2 settings will differ for each player, and as players become more progressive with their style, they become pickier and more selective- which is a good thing!