CS2 (CS:GO) Launch Options in 2026: What Still Works

Counter-Strike 2 replaced CS:GO in September 2023, and it moved the series from the old Source engine to Source 2. A lot of things carried over: your skins, your binds, most console commands. Launch options are the big exception. Many of the classic CS:GO launch options do nothing in CS2, and a few of the old "FPS boost" lines can even make things worse.

Launch options are still useful, though. A short, clean set can:

• Open the console as soon as the game starts;
• Force the right resolution and refresh rate;
• Load your config automatically;
• And let recording or overlay software work with the game.

In this guide, we go through the CS2 launch options that still work in 2026, the CS:GO-era ones you can delete, and how to set them up in Steam.

What Are CS2 Launch Options?

Launch options are command-line arguments that Steam passes to the game when it starts. They let you set things before the main menu even loads, such as the resolution, the window mode or a config file to run.

The idea is as old as Valve's games. The original Half-Life game from 1998 already accepted them, and every Counter-Strike since has supported them.

There are two kinds of launch options:

• Options that start with a dash (for example -console). These are engine switches;
• Options that start with a plus (for example +fps_max 0). These run a console command at startup, exactly as if you typed it in the console.

The important thing to know in 2026 is that CS2 moved most settings into the in-game menus. Launch options are now mostly a convenience, not a secret performance tweak.

Why Are Launch Options Still Useful In CS2?

Launch options won't magically double your FPS in CS2. But they still have a place:

How To Set CS2 Launch Options

Setting launch options in CS2 works the same way it did in CS:GO:

1. Open your Steam library;
2. Right-click Counter-Strike 2 and choose "Properties";
3. On the "General" tab, find the "Launch Options" field;
4. Type your options, separated by spaces (for example -console -high +fps_max 0);
5. Close the window and start the game.

If the game misbehaves after a change, remove the options one at a time until you find the culprit. Keep the list short. Every option you add should solve a specific problem.

Best CS2 Launch Options In 2026

Here are the launch options that still do something in CS2 in 2026.

-console

It opens the developer console as soon as the game starts. It's handy if you use console commands a lot, for example to apply a crosshair code or to check your FPS.

You can also enable the console without a launch option: go to Settings > Game and set "Enable Developer Console (~)" to "Yes".

-high

It asks Windows to run CS2 at high process priority. On some systems it helps when background programs steal CPU time. On others it makes no difference at all. Test it with and without, and keep it only if your frame times are better.

-fullscreen

It starts the game in fullscreen mode. This is useful if CS2 keeps opening in a window or on the wrong screen. You can also set the display mode in Settings > Video.

-w and -h

They set the width and height of the resolution at launch. For example, -w 1920 -h 1080 starts the game at 1920x1080, and -w 1280 -h 960 starts it at 1280x960. They are mostly useful when the game opens at a resolution your monitor doesn't support. For everything else, the Video settings menu does the same job. See our guide to the best resolution and aspect ratio for CS2 for help choosing one.

-refresh

It sets the monitor refresh rate the game uses, for example -refresh 144 or -refresh 240. Use it if CS2 starts at 60 Hz on a high refresh rate monitor. Your monitor has to support the value you enter.

+fps_max

It runs the fps_max console command at startup. +fps_max 0 removes the frame rate cap, and a number such as +fps_max 400 caps it at that value. Some players prefer a cap slightly above what their PC can hold steadily, because it can make frame times more even.

-nojoy

It disables controller support. If you only play with a mouse and keyboard, it stops a plugged-in controller from interfering. Don't expect an FPS gain from it.

-allow_third_party_software

It lets third-party programs, such as some recording, streaming and overlay tools, hook into CS2. By default, CS2 runs in Trusted Mode, which blocks them.

There is a trade-off. With this option, the game runs outside Trusted Mode. It won't get you banned, but you only need it if a program you actually use doesn't work without it.

-vulkan

On Windows, CS2 uses DirectX 11 by default. -vulkan starts it with the Vulkan renderer instead. On some systems Vulkan runs better, on others worse. Treat it as an experiment and compare your FPS both ways.

+exec

It runs a config file at startup. For example, +exec autoexec runs the autoexec.cfg file from your CS2 cfg folder. It's the easiest way to load your binds and custom settings every time. Our CS2 autoexec guide explains how to build one.

CS:GO Launch Options That No Longer Work In CS2

Many launch options that you will still find in old guides (including the 2023 version of this one) were removed in CS2 or never existed in Source 2. You can delete them from your launch options:

• -novid. It skipped the intro video in CS:GO. CS2 has no intro video for it to skip;
• -tickrate 128. CS2 doesn't use a tick rate setting like CS:GO did. It uses a "sub-tick" system, where the server records the exact moment you shot, jumped or moved between ticks. There is no 64 vs 128 tick choice to make;
• -nod3d9ex and -dxlevel. They controlled old DirectX 9 rendering paths. CS2 runs on DirectX 11 or Vulkan;
• -noforcemaccel, -noforcemparms and -noforcemspd. They dealt with Windows mouse acceleration in CS:GO. CS2 uses raw input from the mouse, so they do nothing;
• -noipx, -nohltv and -noaafonts. These are leftovers from very old versions of the Source engine.

And a few options to avoid even though people still recommend them:

• -threads. Source 2 detects your CPU threads on its own. Forcing a number can lower performance, especially on newer CPUs that mix performance and efficiency cores;
• Long "FPS boost" lists copied from the internet. Most of them are CS:GO-era options that CS2 ignores. In the worst case, they cause crashes or odd behavior.

How To Get More FPS In CS2

FPS (frames per second) is the number of images your PC draws every second. Higher and more stable FPS makes the game feel smoother and more responsive. CS2 is a heavier game than CS:GO was, so your frame rate will usually be lower than it was in the old game on the same PC.

Launch options do very little for FPS in CS2. These steps do much more:

How To Show Your FPS In CS2

The old net_graph command from CS:GO was removed in CS2. Use one of these instead:

• Telemetry HUD. Go to Settings > Game > Telemetry. There you can choose to always show your frame time and FPS, as well as your ping and network quality;
• cl_showfps 1. Type it in the console to show a simple FPS counter in the corner of the screen. Use cl_showfps 0 to hide it again.

How To Cap Or Uncap FPS?

You can cap or uncap your frame rate in CS2 with the fps_max command:

1. Open the developer console with the ~ key;
2. Type fps_max 0 to remove the cap;
3. Or type a number, for example fps_max 300, to cap your FPS at that value.

To apply it every time you launch the game, add it to your launch options as +fps_max 0 (or your value), or put it in your autoexec.cfg.

A Word From mannco.store

CS2 launch options are simpler than they used to be. A short list such as -console -fullscreen +exec autoexec covers most players. Add -refresh, -w and -h or -allow_third_party_software only when you need them. Then leave the rest to the in-game settings.

How can mannco.store can help you?

Mannco Store is an online marketplace where players buy and sell their in-game:

• Stickers;
• Skins;
• Weapons;
• And other items.

So, if you want to boost your in-game experience, Mannco Store is a great place to start!

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FAQ

Are launch options safe to use in CS2?

Yes. Launch options are a normal Steam feature, and using them will not get you banned. Just keep in mind that -allow_third_party_software turns off Trusted Mode.

Does -tickrate 128 work in CS2?

No. CS2 uses a sub-tick system instead of the 64 or 128 tick choice from CS:GO, so the -tickrate launch option does nothing.

Does -novid still work in CS2?

No. CS2 doesn't have the intro video that -novid skipped in CS:GO, so you can remove it from your launch options.

How to set CS2 launch options?

To set launch options, you need to:

• right-click Counter-Strike 2 in your Steam library;
• select "Properties";
• and then type your launch options in the "Launch Options" field on the "General" tab.

How to run CS2 on a low-end PC?

Launch options won't help much. Lower the video settings instead, especially shadows, anti-aliasing and ambient occlusion. A lower resolution also helps a lot.

How to change the CS2 resolution outside of the game?

Add -w and -h to your launch options, for example -w 1920 -h 1080. The game will start at that resolution, and you can then set it permanently in the Video settings.

How do I show net_graph in CS2?

You can't. net_graph was removed in CS2. Turn on the telemetry HUD in Settings > Game > Telemetry, or type cl_showfps 1 in the console.

Can I change my crosshair with launch options?

Not with dash launch options. Use the crosshair settings menu or import a crosshair code instead. Our CS2 crosshair guide explains how.

Can CS2 launch options help me with hit registration?

No. Hit registration depends on your connection and the server. CS2's sub-tick system already records when you shot between ticks, and no launch option changes that.