Best CS2 Launch Options – 2025 Guide

Since the launch of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) in September 2023, the need for many launch options has decreased significantly. Adding the precise launch options for your specific hardware used to be a specialized and often lengthy process. Not anymore!

With Valve’s Source 2, there are fewer essential commands for gamers to utilize. However, there are still some launch options in CS2 that can have an impact. Let’s dive in and discuss how you can add launch commands, the essential options to use, what to avoid, and how to increase in-game performance.

Important: We’ve conducted diligent research and extensive testing to ensure you’ve got the best CS2 launch options at your disposal. Values, effectiveness, and functionality may change in future game updates from Valve. To this end, please note that Thunderpick is not responsible for any issues that may occur if you follow any of these steps or use the commands outlined.

How To Add A CS2 Launch Command

Before we begin with the definitions, effects, and strings of text that may appear to require coding knowledge to decipher (they do not), the first step in utilizing the best CS2 launch commands in 2025 is to learn how to add one to your game. Follow the steps below to add launch commands to CS2:

• Launch Steam.
• Navigate to your Steam Library.
• Update CS2 if available (not required, but recommended best practice).
• On the left-hand side of your screen, find CS2.
• Right-click on CS2 and select Properties.
• In the General tab (first by default), you’ll see Launch Options.
• Enter a launch command.
• Close the tab.
• Play CS2.

There is no “save” button to click. If you aren’t feeling particularly trusting when it comes to technology, you can close and reopen Steam (or restart your PC), then follow the steps above to check if the launch options text box is still populated with your commands.

Essential CS2 Launch Options in 2025

Many launch options that were essential in CS:GO are either unnecessary, don’t do anything, or are completely disabled in CS2. As a prime example, you might see “updated” guides across the internet, and some search engines or AI assistants stating that -disable_d3d9ex is a tested and necessary launch command. This is not the case, as CS2 and the Source 2 engine utilize DirectX 11, making the command useless.

So, which launch options still work, and are there any essential commands that should be noted? Yes, there are! You’ll find the top CS2 launch options still functioning in 2025, along with precise descriptions of their functions, outlined below.

• -novid Disables the short Valve intro when you run the game, saving roughly two (2) seconds each time you launch CS2.
• -nojoy Disables joystick/controller support, potentially freeing up a tiny bit of resources.
• -console Enables the developer console. Also available to enable via the in-game settings menu.
• +fps_max 0 Removes the default FPS limit, so the game can go as high as your hardware supports. Especially effective for those with high-end hardware and screens with high refresh rates.
• -high This sets the game’s process priority to high, instructing your Operating System to allocate more CPU resources to CS2.

CS2 Launch Options To Increase Performance

There are a few commands that you could test individually to increase your system’s performance. These can have different impacts depending on your system’s hardware. We recommend testing each one individually to ascertain which you should add to your permanent launch options.

• -forcenovsync Disables VSync (Vertical Synchronization). This can decrease input lag on some systems.
• +r_drawparticles 0 Disables particle animations, which could lead to higher frame rates on low-end systems.
• -softparticlesdefaultoff Disables soft particle rendering, which could lead to higher frame rates on low-end systems.

Situational CS2 Launch Options

There are some launch options that you can use in certain situations:

• -autoconfig Using this launch command will run the game with its default settings, as if you are starting it up for the first time. It’s a useful tool for troubleshooting issues, where you start on a clean slate and slowly introduce different settings.
• -language [language name] Use this command to change the game’s language. For example, your Steam settings may be English by default, but if you want to experience CS2 in French, use -language french.
• -vulkan Switches CS2’s rendering to Vulkan (from DirectX 11). Use only if you are suffering from performance issues and would like to test Vulkan. It could slightly increase or decrease performance, depending on your hardware setup.
• rate 786432 Set the maximum amount of data that CS2 can use. If you have a fast and reliable internet connection, you could add this for increased responsiveness during gameplay.

Some advanced users may want to add multiple console commands to a single, easy-to-use file, which they can run via a launch option. This is called a custom autoexec.cfg. You can use the +exec autoexec.cfg launch option to run your custom file.

CS2 Launch Commands To Avoid / Not Working

Since the transition from CS:GO to CS2, misinformation about launch options has persisted. Some popular commands either have no impact or have been disabled, and others should be avoided at all costs. Let’s first examine the launch commands that many claim still work, but which either no longer function or serve no purpose.

• -tickrate 128 CS2 using a sub-tick system, and therefore, there is no longer a “tickrate” to set in the first place, making this command pointless.
• -d3d9ex and -disable_d3d9ex While these DirectX 9 launch options worked well in CS:GO, it is essential to note that CS2 uses DirectX 11, so both do not work.
• -limitvsconst This command was used to limit the number of vertex shaders, for a possible performance increase in CS:GO. It does not, and has never, worked in CS2.
• -no-browser Used to turn off the in-game browser in CS:GO, but does not work in CS2.
• -noforcemaccel -noforcemparms and -noforcemspd Mouse acceleration settings that are no longer useful.

Now, onto the commands that still work, but that we highly suggest gamers avoid. Some of these could put you at risk, lowering your Trust Factor via Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC), or cause CS2 to become unstable, potentially crashing your system.

• -allow_third_party_software Players should exercise extreme caution with this launch command. While some game recording software may struggle without it, using this command could lower your Trust Factor and impact your matchmaking.
• -insecure Disables VAC. While some argue that it may slightly increase performance, it’s not worth the risk. Some do use it when playing on third-party platforms that have their own Anti-Cheat systems.
• -threads [number value] CS2’s Source 2 engine handles thread allocation extremely well, so there’s no need to use this option, which manually sets the number of CPU threads the game can use. Using this option can also lead to the game becoming unstable and crashing.
• -heapsize Memory allocation command. Your system handles this automatically, so avoid any tinkering.

A Launchpad To Success

Using the best CS2 launch commands can create the smoothest possible experience, helping some gamers climb the ranks in Competitive and Premier modes. Some make your life easier, while others could give you a slight performance boost. No matter what type of CS2 player you are, we recommend testing out at least some of the essentials.

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