CS2 Launch Options: FPS Boost, Performance & More

Browse through the best CS2 launch options, including launch options to boost your FPS or make sure the game is working in a way you intend. Launch options can improve system performance and smoothness, giving you that extra competitive edge in your next match.

Best FPS For Most Players

These launch options offer a balanced setup that improves performance, FPS and stability for most players. They disable unnecessary graphical effects, remove frame rate limits, and ensure smoother gameplay without impacting visual quality.

  • +fps_max 0

    Disables FPS limit

  • -softparticlesdefaultoff

    Disables soft particles, reduces GPU load

  • -fullscreen

    Starts CS2 in fullscreen mode

  • -forcenovsync

    Disables VSync

  • -limitvsconst

    Limits vertex shader count

Final launch string

+fps_max 0 -softparticlesdefaultoff -fullscreen -forcenovsync -limitvsconst

All Launch Options

Below is a complete list of CS2 launch options for players who want to fine-tune performance, visuals, and overall game behavior. Each command includes an explanation of what it does and how it can affect your system, allowing you to customize the game to your exact preferences - whether you're optimizing for maximum FPS, smoother input, or better stability.

OptionDescription
-fullscreenLaunches the game in full-screen mode.
-windowedLaunches the game in windowed mode.
-noborderLaunches the game in borderless windowed mode.
-x <posX> -y <posY>Sets the window position on the screen.
-w <width> -h <height>Sets the window resolution.
-refresh <rate>Sets the monitor refresh rate.
-highSets the game's process priority to high.
-threads <number>Sets the number of CPU threads to use.
-consoleEnables the developer console.
-novidSkips the intro video on startup.
-nojoyDisables joystick/controller support.
-softparticlesdefaultoffDisables soft particles for better performance.
+fps_max 0Removes the FPS cap (unlimited FPS).
+violence_hblood 0Disables blood effects.
+r_drawparticles 0Disables particle effects.
-tickrate 128Sets the server tick rate to 128.
+exec autoexec.cfgExecutes the autoexec.cfg file on startup.
-noaafontsDisables anti-aliased fonts.
-no-browserDisables the in-game browser.
-noreflexDisables NVIDIA Reflex (may improve performance).
+cl_forcepreload 1Forces texture preloading.
+mat_disable_fancy_blending 1Disables fancy blending effects.
+r_dynamic 0Disables dynamic lighting.
+cl_hideserverip 1Hides the server IP address.
+mat_queue_mode 2Enables multi-threaded rendering.
+mat_vsync 0Disables vertical sync.
+mat_hdr_level 0Disables high dynamic range lighting.
+mat_antialias 0Disables anti-aliasing.
-vulkanLaunches CS2 using the Vulkan API instead of DirectX.
-forcenovsyncDisables VSync for lower input lag.
-limitvsconstLimits vertex shader constants to improve GPU stability.
-language englishForces the game to use a specific language.

We recommend using launch options with care, as some options may affect different systems in a positive or negative way.

How to Use CS2 Launch Options

Launch options allow you to fine-tune Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) before the game starts. Whether you want to optimize performance, adjust graphics settings, or configure input behavior, these options let you control how CS2 launches. Follow this step-by-step guide to easily apply your preferred launch options via Steam.

How to Apply Launch Options

  1. Open your Steam library and locate Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
  2. Right-click the game and select Properties from the menu.
  3. Under the General tab, find the Launch Options field.
  4. Copy the desired launch options string from our table or guide.
  5. Paste the copied launch options into the Launch Options field.
  6. Close the Properties window. The next time you start CS2, it will launch with your chosen options.
  7. You can tweak these options anytime to optimize performance, visuals, or input based on your preferences.