Best CS2 (CS:GO) Crosshair Settings in 2026

Counter-Strike 2 replaced CS:GO in September 2023, but one thing hasn't changed: your crosshair is the most important setting in the game. A crosshair is the small marker in the center of the screen that shows where your shots will go. It has to be easy to see, not get in the way, and feel natural to you.

CS2 kept almost every crosshair setting from CS:GO, and your old CS:GO crosshair codes still work. But the menu looks different, a few options were added, and crosshair codes are now the main way to share a setup. The crosshair settings allow players to change the following:

• Style;
• Size, gap and thickness;
• Color and transparency;
• Outline, center dot and T-style;
• Whether the crosshair follows the recoil of your weapon.

For example, some players prefer a small crosshair for precise aiming. Others choose a bigger one so they never lose sight of it. And you can pick a color that stands out against the walls and floors of the maps you play.

In this guide, we'll go through every CS2 crosshair setting, what most pros use in 2026, and how to set up and share your crosshair.

Choosing Crosshair Settings

When you build a crosshair, it helps to look at each setting on its own. Each one answers a different question, and together they cover everything the game lets you change.

The CS2 crosshair settings break down like this:

A good way to work is to change one setting at a time. Start from a simple setup, then adjust only what bothers you. For example, a player may end up with:

• The Classic Static style;
• Short lines with a small negative gap;
• Thin lines;
• A bright color like green, cyan or yellow;
• No center dot.

The Best CS2 Crosshair Settings In 2026

There is no single best crosshair. But when you look at what professional players use, the same patterns keep coming up.

In crosshair databases such as totalcsgo.com, almost every top pro uses the Classic Static style (cl_crosshairstyle 4). Their crosshairs are small, with short lines and a negative gap. Most don't use a center dot or an outline, and they keep Follow Recoil off.

Here are a few examples, as listed on totalcsgo.com in September 2026:

• ZywOo: style 4, size 2, gap -3, thickness 0.5, no dot, no outline;
• donk: style 4, size 1, gap -4, thickness 1.5, no dot, no outline;
• m0NESY: style 4, size 1, gap -4, thickness 1, no dot, no outline.

Pros change their crosshair from time to time, so check a current source if you want an exact copy.

Here is what to take away from the pro settings:

Copying a pro crosshair is a good starting point. But the best crosshair settings are the ones that feel comfortable to you, on your monitor and at your resolution.

Customizing Crosshair Settings

You can customize your CS2 crosshair in three ways: through the settings menu, with a crosshair code, or with console commands.

Step 1: Open the Game Settings

Click the gear icon in the main menu to open the settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the "Game" Tab

Open the "Game" tab at the top of the settings window.

Step 3: Select "Crosshair"

Click "Crosshair". You'll see a live preview of your crosshair next to the settings.

Step 4: Choose the Crosshair Style

Pick a style from the list: Default, Default Static, Classic, Classic Dynamic or Classic Static. The "Classic" styles can be fully customized. Classic Static is the one most players use.

Step 5: Adjust Length, Thickness and Gap

Use the sliders to set the length of the lines, how thick they are and the gap in the middle. Small steps make a big difference, so change them slowly and watch the preview.

Step 6: Customize Crosshair Color

Choose one of the preset colors or pick a custom color. Set the alpha if you want the crosshair to be slightly see-through. Pick a color that contrasts with the maps you play.

Step 7: Add an Outline, Dot or T-Style

Turn on the outline if your crosshair gets lost on bright backgrounds. Add a center dot if you like a fixed point to aim with. The T-style removes the top line.

Step 8: Decide on Follow Recoil

Follow Recoil is a CS2 setting that makes the crosshair move with your weapon's recoil, showing where the next bullet will go. It can help new players understand spray patterns. Most experienced players keep it off.

Step 9: Save and Share Your Crosshair

Your changes save automatically. Click the share button next to the preview to copy your crosshair code or import someone else's.

Step 10: Test Your Crosshair Settings

Play a few rounds or a practice match to see how the crosshair feels. If it's too distracting or hard to see, go back and change it.

Crosshair Codes

CS2 crosshairs can be shared as a code that looks like CSGO-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. The code stores every setting at once. Codes from CS:GO still work in CS2.

To use a code:

• In the menu: go to Settings > Game > Crosshair, click the share button, paste the code and click "Import";
• In the console: type apply_crosshair_code followed by the code.

Crosshair Console Commands

If you prefer the console, or want your crosshair in your autoexec, these are the main crosshair commands in CS2:

• cl_crosshairstyle: the style (4 is Classic Static);
• cl_crosshairsize: the length of the lines;
• cl_crosshairgap: the gap in the middle;
• cl_crosshairthickness: the thickness of the lines;
• cl_crosshairdot: 1 shows a center dot, 0 hides it;
• cl_crosshair_drawoutline and cl_crosshair_outlinethickness: the outline and its width;
• cl_crosshaircolor: 0 red, 1 green, 2 yellow, 3 blue, 4 cyan, 5 custom;
• cl_crosshaircolor_r, _g and _b: the RGB values for a custom color (0 to 255);
• cl_crosshairalpha and cl_crosshairusealpha: the transparency;
• cl_crosshair_t: 1 turns on the T-style;
• cl_crosshair_recoil: 1 turns on Follow Recoil, 0 turns it off.

Here are some tips to help you create the best CS2 crosshair possible:

• Keep it simple. A cluttered crosshair is distracting. Stick to four short lines and only add a dot or outline if you need them;
• Choose a contrasting color. Your crosshair should stand out on every map in the Active Duty pool;
• Choose the right size. It should be big enough to see at a glance, but small enough not to cover a head at long range;
• Adjust the gap and thickness. Small changes here have a big effect on how the crosshair feels;
• Test it. Try it in real matches, not only in the preview.

Remember that crosshair settings are a personal preference. Use these tips as a starting point and adjust them to your needs.

Troubleshooting Crosshair Settings

Some common problems you may run into with your CS2 crosshair:

• The crosshair is too big or too small. Change the length (size) setting. Keep in mind that your resolution and aspect ratio change how big the crosshair looks;
• The crosshair is too thick or too thin. Adjust the thickness. Thin lines are precise, thick lines are easier to see;
• The color blends in with the map. Pick a brighter or more contrasting color, or turn on the outline;
• The crosshair moves when you shoot. Check that Follow Recoil is off and that you use a static style;
• A pasted crosshair code doesn't work. Make sure you copied the whole code, including the "CSGO-" at the start;
• The crosshair looks stretched. If you play 4:3 stretched, the crosshair stretches with the image. Many stretched players adjust their gap and thickness to compensate.

Fixing these problems will give you a crosshair that you can trust in every situation.

Conclusion

Your crosshair is one of the most important settings in CS2. Splitting it into its parts (style, size, gap, thickness, color and extras) makes it easier to build one that works for you. Looking at what pros use gives you a solid starting point: a small, static crosshair with a tight gap and a bright color.

Take the time to try a few versions and test them in real matches. Once you're happy with it, save the crosshair code, so you can always get it back.

FAQ

What is the best crosshair for CS2?

The best crosshair depends on your personal preferences and style of play. Most pros use a small Classic Static crosshair with a negative gap and no center dot.

How do I choose the right crosshair settings?

Start from a simple setup or a pro's crosshair, then change one setting at a time. Test each change in real matches.

Can crosshair settings affect gameplay?

Yes. A crosshair that is easy to see and doesn't block your target makes it easier to aim quickly and accurately.

How do I customize my crosshair in CS2?

Go to Settings > Game > Crosshair. You can change every setting there with sliders, or import a crosshair code.

Do CS:GO crosshair codes work in CS2?

Yes. CS2 uses the same crosshair code format, so codes from CS:GO can be imported in CS2.

How do I import a crosshair code in CS2?

Go to Settings > Game > Crosshair, click the share button and paste the code. Or type apply_crosshair_code followed by the code in the console.

What is Follow Recoil in CS2?

Follow Recoil (cl_crosshair_recoil) is a CS2 setting that moves your crosshair with your weapon's recoil. It can help beginners learn spray patterns, but most experienced players keep it off.

What is the best color for a crosshair in CS2?

Choose a color that contrasts well with the maps you play. Green, cyan and yellow are popular because they stand out on most maps.

What is the difference between a static and dynamic crosshair in CS2?

A static crosshair stays the same size no matter what you do. A dynamic crosshair spreads out when you move or shoot.

Can I use the same crosshair settings as a professional player in CS2?

Yes. Many sites list pro crosshair codes. Import one and use it as a starting point.