Best Counter-Strike 2 Settings for Maximum FPS & Performance

Counter-Strike 2 is officially here, and you have already downloaded the game to relive the CS:GO memories and see what all is new. The biggest change with CS2 is that Valve is now using the Source 2 engine with better lighting and improved maps. However, the new engine also means that Counter-Strike 2 is heavier on system resources as compared to CS:GO. So, let’s discuss the best CS2 graphics settings to achieve maximum FPS and the best performance on your PC.

For optimal competitive play, you will want to maximize your performance, thus, increasing the frames. To check that in-game right away, use our guide onhow to show your FPS in Counter-Strike 2to observe your game’s performance. We have suggested a preset forlow-end PCsas well as more high-end builds, so let’s dive in without wasting any more time.

Best Video Settings for Counter-Strike 2

Best Video Settings for Counter-Strike 2

Launch Counter-Strike 2 and go toSettingsby clicking on the gear icon at the top left corner. Then, move to the “Video” tab, and choose the highest refresh rate that is available. If you can’t see your gaming monitor’s highest supported refresh rate in the video settings in CS2, follow our guide tocheck your monitor refresh rate.

Adjust the brightness as per your preference, as every monitor can look different. We usually play the game at 80% brightness. That said, here are the optimal video settings you should use:

For optimal visual clarity, we suggest you use the highest resolution available (depending on whether you are using a 1080p, 1440p, or 4K monitor). The native resolution will give you the best clarity for the UI as well as gameplay. But we suggest you reduce the resolution if it’s too taxing for your system. You can also adjust the in-game rendering resolution using AMD FidelityFX (FSR) to increase FPS in Counter-Strike 2.

Some prefer using a stretched resolution (with a 4:3 or 5:4 aspect ratio), but that lowers the field of view (FOV). Essentially, you’ll see less around the sides. So, using stretched resolution can potentially cost you a crucial round during competitive play, because you could not see the player. Still, you can adjust these resolution settings based on your personal preferences & PC specifications.

Best Advanced Video Settings for CS2

Best Advanced Video Settings for CS2

Now, heading over to the Advanced Video section, we have suggested two different settings that you can use depending on your preference. You can either use thecompetitivepresetor themaximum FPS presetsettings we have shared below. How do they differ? Let’s find out:

With the basics out of the way, here are the optimal Counter-Strike 2 graphics settings for best performance:SettingsComp Preset (Mid to High-end PCs)Maximum FPS Preset (Low-end PCs)Boost Player ContrastEnabledDisabledVertical SyncDisabledDisabledMultisampling Anti-AliasingMode2X MSAAOffGlobal Shadow QualityMediumLowModel/Texture DetailMediumLowShader & Particle DetailLowLowAmbient OcclusionDisabledDisabledHigh Dynamic RangePerformancePerformanceFidelityFXSuper ResolutionDisabled (Highest Quality)Performance or BalancedNVIDIA ReflexDisabledDisabledBest CS2 Graphics Settings

Note: The Nvidia Reflex setting is reportedly causing issues with some users, such as stuttering and low FPS in CS2. In many games, Nvidia Reflex can help reduce input lag. But currently, disabling Nvidia Reflex in Counter-Strike 2 is seen as a popular fix for stuttering issues. For now, we recommend you disableNvidia Reflex. However, you can try using the feature yourself, and leave it on if there are no issues.

You can also try using higher settings depending onthe graphics card on your Windows PC. But even if you have a high-end PC, thebest settings in CS2are thecompetitive presetsuggested above. If you want better graphics quality, it might come at a cost. For the best experience, you always want FPS above your monitor’s refresh rate. When a lot of action happens in-game, you want to have the best FPS and stay above your monitor’s refresh rate.

Every frame counts towards lower input lag, so don’t limit your FPS unless absolutely required. Depending on your system hardware, you can try testing higher settings to find out if the game still feels smooth. But, do note that these competitive preset settings are also the least distracting.

Even if you get 500+ FPS on your high-end PC, limiting your FPS is not a good choice. Test it for yourself, and you will feel less input lag with uncapped FPS. So, it is definitely worth using the competitive to extract themaximum possible FPSwhile maintaining optimal visual clarity.

We hope these settings helped you achieve optimal performance inCounter-Strike 2, which comes with a slew of new features. Stay tuned for more such CS2 guides. We will soon release a guide on the best CS2 network settings, where we adjust things like the interp to give you the lowest ping & best network connection quality. Also, if you are curioushow Counter-Strike 2 compares to Valorant, we have a guide on borrowed features as well. Do let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Satyam Kumar

Highly passionate about technology. Major expertise in PC hardware, the VR industry, esports-centric gear, and other gadgets. In my spare time, I’m usually researching exciting hardware breakthroughs or playing competitive games.

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