Counter-Strike 2: How to Fix Low FPS, Lag, & Stuttering in CS2

With the launch of Counter-Strike 2, many players have been experiencing low performance (FPS), lag issues, in-game stutters, and other issues. In this guide, we show you how to fix low FPS and stuttering issues in CS2. We have also discussed a few fixes for high ping and lag in CS2. So without further delay, here are some solutions to fix low FPS, lag, stuttering, and optimize your Counter-Strike 2 experience on Windows.

1. Use the Right Graphics Settings

First, you need to locate the CS2.exe file. You can easily find it by going to your Steam library, right-clicking on Counter-Strike 2, and then going to properties. Here, go to Installed Files and then click onBrowse. You will find yourself in the CS2 installation folder, so note down where it exists.

For us, the CS2.exe executable was installed at the following location: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64”. Make sure you know where is the CS2.exe before you proceed further.

Alternatively, you press theWindows keyboard shortcutWin + I, and the Settings app will open. You can then navigate to the Display Settings.

2. Set CS2.exe to High Priority in Task Manager

3. Set Maximum Matchmaking Ping

Setting Maximum Matchmaking Ping in Counter-Strike 2 should solve the issue of high ping or lag in CS2. Here’s how you can change this settings:

Note: While playing on high ping servers in CS2, I noticed some stutters and lag, so optimizing this particular setting should solve your high ping issue in CS2.

Furthermore, ensure you are playing on a good network and consider wired internet if you still have ping spikes in Counter-Strike 2.

4. Close Background Apps & Minimize Startup Apps

Open the Task Manager and go toStartup apps. Here, disable the ones you don’t need while playing CS2. Restart your PC when done, and the number of background apps should be minimized.

Also, in the Task Manager, we suggest you close all unnecessary processes and apps that can interfere with the game. You can follow ourdedicated guide on Windows 11 optimizationstoo.

5. Turn off Nvidia Reflex in CS2

Nvidia Reflex is a good input-lag reducing technology. It is available in CS2’s graphics settings, and many benefit from using it. However, many have reportedly had issues with using Nvidia Reflex, so try disabling it in the CS2 graphics settings to extract more FPS. If you don’t have FPS problems when using this setting, you can leave it on.

6. Turn on AMD FSR in CS2

AMDFidelityFX (FSR)Super Resolution can be used to boost FPS and extract better performance in Counter-Strike 2. You can read about how the technology works in the linked article.

In Counter-Strike 2, head to Video settings and set “this “FidelityFX Super Resolution” to Ultra Quality. To further increase FPS, you can try using other presets such as Performance or Balanced. When using a laptop without dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics, the integrated Intel GPU gave me 60-100FPS in CS2 while using the Performance setting.

7. Use the Best CS2 Graphics Settings

Using the right Counter Strike 2 graphics settings is important to get the maximum FPS in-game. So, optimize it accordingly with ourbest Counter-Strike 2 Settingsguide. We have givenan optimal preset (for mid-range PCs), which you can use to tune your CS2 graphics settings for optimal competitive gameplay. There is a second CS2 graphics preset forlow-end PCs, which we tested on anIntel 12th Genlaptop with integrated graphics. We got about 60-100FPS on the low-end preset.

8. Use Custom Nvidia Control Panel Settings

Follow the steps in this sectionif you own an Nvidia graphics card. Here are the best custom settings for CS2:

9. Check CPU/GPU Temperatures & Fix If Needed

Download HWInfo from thelink here, and then open the app. Open Counter-Strike 2 and play the game for 15+ minutes. Press Alt+Tab to switch to then desktop, and then look at thetemperature info for your CPU & GPUin HWInfo. If this is around 90-95 degree-Celcius, you might beexperiencing throttling.

If so, you need to clean your PC’s internals (cooling fans) and considerreplacing the thermal pasteif needed. Once your temperatures are back to normal, your CPU and GPU will perform at their potential again. Counter-Strike 2 will run with fewer stutters and higher FPS.

10. Check Gaming Laptop MUX Switch

Many gaming laptops come with aMUX switch, using which you can switch your laptop display to run either on the integrated graphics (such as Intel Iris), or the dedicated GPU (Nvidia/AMD). So, you should consider using the MUX switch feature to run on theDiscrete graphics mode.

If you have the MUX switch feature, you can find it under your gaming laptop’s control panel settings (such as Asus Armory Crate or MSI Dragon Center). Ensure you are running on the dedicated graphics when playing CS2 for the best FPS.

These are some potential fixes that can help improve your gameplay experience in Counter-Strike 2. If you have any other suggestions to reduce stutters and improve FPS, let us know 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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