CS2 gives you plenty of small settings that can make the game feel cleaner. With a wide range of available Counter-Strike commands, you can enhance numerous things and make the game much more appealing and easier to play. The best CS2 console commands can help with FPS, radar size, viewmodel placement, practice servers, bot training, and a few simple gameplay fixes. We’ll cover everything there is about the CS2 console and the best commands you can use.
How to Open the CS2 Console
If you are just starting your CS2 venture, here are the basic steps you need to take to activate the console so you can use it to your advantage and properly configure the game the way you like it.
The steps are simple:
- Launch the game and find the gear icon that will take you to the settings menu.
- Find the “Game Settings” tab, and click on it.
- Find the option labeled “Enable Developer Console”.
- Click on it, and you will get a drop-down menu where you need to select the “Yes” option.
- At this point, the CS GO 2 console is enabled, and if you didn’t change the default keybind, you can access it by pressing the tilde (~) button on your keyboard. Note that this key can differ by keyboard layout.
Customizing Your CS2 Console Key Binding
Sometimes, if the default ~ key feels awkward or your keyboard layout makes it hard to use, you can change it. Keep in mind that this is solely a personal preference. For example, some players will prefer having the console command bound to the Tilda key. On the other hand, someone else will want it somewhere else.
To customize the CS2 console to open with a different key binding, you can do so by following the simple steps below:
- Ensure that the developer console is enabled.
- Open the settings menu and click the “Keyboard/Mouse” settings.
- Search for the labelled “UI Keys”.
- Here, look for an option labeled “Toggle Console”.
- Click the keybind that is currently active and then select the new button you want to use, and you’re done.

Best CS2 Console Commands
When you first start playing Counter-Strike 2, you are probably not familiar with the basic Counter-Strike console commands that you should use. Before we start digging into various commands for beginners, you need to be aware that 0 stands for false, while 1 stands for true. Let’s dive right in.
FPS & Performance Commands
These CS2 console commands for FPS are useful when you want smoother play, cleaner feedback, or basic CS2 network settings. They will not fix weak hardware, but they can help you spot problems.
| Command | What It Does | Recommended Value / Usage | Notes |
| cl_showfps 1 | Shows your FPS | Use 1 to enable | Simple FPS check |
| fps_max 0 | Removes the FPS cap | Use 0, or cap near your refresh rate | A cap can feel smoother |
| cl_hud_telemetry_frametime_show 2 | Shows frame-time issues | Use 2 | Good for stutter checks |
| cl_hud_telemetry_ping_show 2 | Shows ping info | Use 2 | Useful for lag checks |
| cl_net_buffer_ticks 1 | Adjusts network buffering | Test 0, 1, or 2 | Lower is not always better |
Radar & Viewmodel Commands
Good CS2 radar settings make the map easier to read without taking over the screen. For best radar settings CS2 players usually prefer more map info, plus simple CS2 viewmodel settings.
| Command | What It Does | Recommended Value / Usage | Notes |
| cl_radar_scale 0.35 | Changes radar zoom | Try 0.30–0.45 | Lower shows more map |
| cl_radar_always_centered 0 | Stops radar centering on you | Use 0 | Better map awareness |
| cl_hud_radar_scale 1.1 | Changes radar size | Try 1.0–1.2 | Keep it readable |
| viewmodel_fov 68 | Moves weapon view wider | Use 68 | Common max-style setup |
| viewmodel_offset_x 2.5 | Moves weapon sideways | Try 2–2.5 | Personal preference |
Practice & Bot Commands
Use the CS2 console commands list for practice on a private server. Most CS2 practice console commands that change server behavior need sv_cheats 1, and CS2 bot console commands work best after a quick restart.
| Command | What It Does | Recommended Value / Usage | Notes |
| sv_cheats 1 | Enables cheat-protected practice commands | Use in private servers only | Required for many tools |
| bot_kick | Removes all bots | Type once | Handy before drills |
| bot_add_t / bot_add_ct | Adds bots to a side | Use as needed | Good for aim practice |
| sv_infinite_ammo 1 | Gives infinite ammo | Use 1 | Needs sv_cheats 1 |
| mp_buy_anywhere 1 | Lets you buy anywhere | Use with mp_buytime 9999 | Good for grenade practice |
| mp_restartgame 1 | Restarts the round | Use after setup | Fast reset |

Crosshair & HUD Commands
CS2 crosshair console commands are worth using if the menu feels slow. Keep changes small, though. A clean HUD helps, but constant tweaking gets distracting fast.
| Command | What It Does | Recommended Value / Usage | Notes |
| cl_crosshairsize 2 | Changes crosshair length | Try 2–3 | Depends on resolution |
| cl_crosshairgap -2 | Changes center gap | Try -3 to 0 | Keep targets visible |
| cl_crosshairthickness 0.5 | Changes line thickness | Try 0.5–1 | Avoid bulky lines |
| cl_crosshairdot 0 | Toggles center dot | Use 0 or 1 | Preference only |
| cl_teamid_overhead_mode 2 | Shows teammate info | Use 2 | Helps in busy rounds |
Best CS2 Console Commands for FPS and Performance
Some CS2 console commands for better performance can help with FPS stability, response, and visual load. Use them as quick tests, not magic fixes. The best CS2 commands for FPS depend on your PC, monitor, and server connection. For CS2 best network settings, start safe and only change one thing at a time.
| Command | What It Does | Recommended Value / Usage |
| fps_max 0 | Removes the frame cap | Use 0, or cap near monitor refresh |
| cl_showfps 1 | Shows FPS in-game | Use when testing settings |
| cl_hud_telemetry_frametime_show 2 | Shows frame-time spikes | Good for stutter checks |
| cl_hud_telemetry_ping_show 2 | Shows ping data | Useful when checking lag |
| cl_hide_avatar_images 1 | Hides player avatar images | Small UI cleanup |
| cl_net_buffer_ticks 1 | Adjusts packet buffering | Test carefully; default may feel best |
These CS2 FPS boost commands are safe to test. Still, lower settings in the video menu usually matter more than one command.
Best CS2 Launch Options for FPS
Using the CS2 console commands list can improve how your game starts, keep your FPS steady, and make setup easier. Avoid adding random commands. A short list of CS2 launch commands for FPS is usually better than copying a long, old string.
| Launch Option | What It Does | Recommended Usage |
| -novid | Skips the intro video | Good for faster startup |
| -fullscreen | Starts CS2 in fullscreen | Useful if the game opens wrong |
| -freq 240 / -refresh 240 | Sets monitor refresh rate | Match your monitor, such as 144 or 240 |
| +fps_max 300 | Applies an FPS cap at launch | Use a stable cap if needed |
| +exec autoexec.cfg | Loads your autoexec file | Use only if you have one |
| +map de_mirage | Opens a map on launch | Useful for offline practice |
Legacy options such as +cl_forcepreload 1, +mat_queue_mode 2, and extensive -threads adjustments are no longer recommended for modern CS2. Additional CS2 FPS boost commands should be included in your configuration file rather than applied indiscriminately.

How to Create an Autoexec File in CS2
An autoexec file automatically loads your saved commands each time CS2 starts. This is especially helpful if you frequently use the same radar, crosshair, FPS, or practice configurations.
- Open your CS2 install folder. The usual Windows path is:
Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg - Create a text file named autoexec.cfg.
- Open it with Notepad.
- Add one command per line.
- Save the file.
- In Steam, right-click CS2, open Properties, then Launch Options.
- Add: +exec autoexec.cfg
Restart CS2, and the file should load with the game.
How to Reset Console Commands in CS2
If you’re looking to reset console commands in CS2, try the basic solutions first. Restart the game first, since many temporary commands reset on their own.
If your settings keep resetting, take out +exec autoexec.cfg from your Steam Launch Options. Then open the cfg folder and rename or delete autoexec.cfg. For a deeper reset, restore or remove custom config files from:
Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg
CS2 will recreate the necessary files. However, please back up your data before deleting any files.
If you want to know how to reset all console commands CS2 settings, removing your autoexec and restoring default config files is usually enough.
FAQ
What Are the Most Useful CS2/CSGO Console Commands?
For private sessions, the most useful CS2 console commands include cl_showfps 1, fps_max, cl_radar_scale, viewmodel_fov, bot_kick, and sv_infinite_ammo 1.
How Do You Open the Console in CS2?
First, turn on the Developer Console in the Game settings. Then press the tilde (~) key or whatever key you set for Toggle Console. Some keyboard layouts use a different key.
What Are the Best CS2 Commands for FPS?
If you want to boost your FPS in CS2, try using commands like fps_max, cl_showfps 1, and the telemetry commands for frame time and ping. These are the cleanest options for FPS testing.
What Are CS2 Best Radar Settings?
Radar settings in CS2 come down to personal preference, but a good starting point is cl_radar_always_centered 0 and cl_radar_scale 0.35. You can tweak these based on your screen size.
How to Reset Console Commands in CS2?
To reset all your CS2 console commands, remove any custom launch options, turn off or delete your autoexec, and restore your config files if necessary. Restart the game after each change.
Are CS2 Console Commands Allowed?
Yes, normal commands are allowed. Commands that need sv_cheats 1 only work on private servers, not in regular matchmaking.
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