Launch Options in CS2: Basic Optimization and Settings

After installing Counter-Strike 2, the first step should be optimizing the game's launch. This helps ensure smooth performance, faster loading, and sets up base CS2 launch parameters without needing to manually adjust them each time.

To add launch options, open Steam, go to your Library, right-click on Counter-Strike 2 → Properties → Set Launch Options.

Here are the most common commands you can use:

1. -novid — disables the intro video when starting the game
2. -console — enables the developer console on startup
3. -freq 240 — sets monitor refresh rate (adjust to your monitor's rate)
4. +exec autoexec.cfg — auto-loads your config file
5. -high — runs the game in high priority
6. -full — full screen mode
7. -windowed — windowed mode
8. -w 1920 -h 1080 — manually sets CS2 screen resolution
9. +rate 128000 — sets maximum bandwidth
10. +cl_cmdrate 128 — number of packets sent to the server per second
11. +cl_updaterate 128 — number of updates received from the server per second
12. +cl_interp 0 — disables interpolation
13. +cl_interp_ratio 1 — sets interpolation ratio
14. -fps_max 0 — removes FPS cap (or set your own value)
15. -threads 8 — number of CPU cores the game will use
16. -m_rawinput 1 — enables raw mouse input (ignores Windows sensitivity)
17. -noforcemspd -noforcemaccel -noforcemparms — disables Windows mouse acceleration
18. -tickrate 128 — sets tickrate for local servers

Example of a basic command line for stable gameplay and high FPS:

-novid -console -freq 240 -threads 8 -high +rate 128000 +cl_cmdrate 128 +cl_updaterate 128 +cl_interp 0 +cl_interp_ratio 1 +fps_max 0

Note: All commands must be separated by a space and start with - or + depending on their function. These options help improve performance, especially on 128 tick competitive servers or while opening CS2 cases.

Launch options of some CS2 pro-players:

1. Launch options kyousuke: -tickrate 128 +mat_queue_mode 2 -allow_third_party_software -language english
2. Launch options donk: -tickrate 128 +mat_queue_mode 2 -allow_third_party_software -language english
3. Launch options m0NESY: -freq 240 -novid -tickrate 128 +rate 786432
4. Launch options ZywOo: -novid -tickrate 128 -allow_third_party_software