In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), it is much easier to 1v1 than you may think. Since the game’s launch, Valve has made significant improvements, including adding a Workshop Maps tab directly in the game, which allows you to enjoy 1v1 CS2 experiences with friends easily.
Let’s discuss the steps to duel your friends in CS2 so you are locked and loaded the next time someone challenges you.
1v1 In CS2
How To Play Duels With Friends In CS2
While you can set up dedicated servers and use complex console commands to create a 1v1 experience in CS2, you don’t need to jump through all those technical hoops. You’ll find quick and easy steps to play 1v1 duels with friends in CS2 outlined below.
- Get CS2 for free via Steam.
- Launch CS2.
- Via the in-game friend list on the right-hand side, invite a friend you want to duel.
- Wait for your friend to accept the party invite and launch CS2.
- Click the “Play” button and then “Workshop Maps.”
- Select one of the best 1v1/duel maps.
- Click on the big green “GO” button at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
You can now start a duel between you and your friend in the match. No additional steps are required!
If you don’t have any 1v1 maps installed, we suggest clicking “Visit Workshop” at the bottom-left side of your screen after selecting the Workshop Maps menu option. From here, you can search for terms such as “1v1” or “duel” and add the maps you want to test. If you don’t know what to pick, never fear! We’ve provided some excellent CS2 1v1 Workshop Map suggestions later in our guide.
Pro tip: When choosing a Workshop Map option to 1v1 in, we recommend turning off the “Open Party” option if you already have a friend you wish to duel in your party. If you leave on the option, anyone on your Steam friend list can join your match, potentially ruining your private 1v1.
If you don’t have any friends to play with, or no one is online, consider joining a community server. Click on the globe-like icon next to the Workshop Maps option in CS2, then open the “Community Server Browser.” From here, search for server names such as “duel” and “1v1 arena” to see which community servers are available and set preferred parameters such as Latency and Map.
How To Remove Bots From 1v1s in CS2
If you decide not to go with Workshop Maps tailor-made for 1v1s in CS2, and you just choose the “Practice” game mode and select an official map and mode, such as Team Deathmatch, you may find a bunch of bots populating all the slots in your match. Luckily, all you need to do is follow these simple steps to remove the bots from your 1v1 duels:
- Navigate to the settings menu (cogwheel icon), then the “Game” tab, and then select “Yes” next to the Enable Developer Console option.
- Press the tilde key (~) to open the dev console.
- Type in kick_bots and press the Enter key.
All the bots should disappear from the server, allowing your friend to join you in a 1v1 duel.
Best 1v1 Workshop Maps In CS2
There are hundreds of Workshop Maps in CS2 with 1v1 options and dozens created explicitly by community members for duels. Our top five picks below are based on the author’s opinion and experience. Search for these precise names via the Steam Workshop.
- Aim Blast [Stand-off]
- ARENA 1v1 CS2
- Redline [1v1 Multi Arena]
- 1v1/Aim Minecraft map
- 1v1 Forest Arena (CS2)
When launching these maps, select the “Custom” game mode option when available. If the map names include “1v1” or “arena,” they usually have built-in custom settings perfect for duels, so no console commands are necessary.
Honorable mentions include 1v1 versions of all Active Duty maps, such as “duels_inferno_1v1” and “duels_dust2_1v1”. You can even enjoy specific, niche alternatives, such as a small LEGO-themed dueling map. There’s even a 1v1 map that turns your weapon model into a cat.
We highly recommend browsing the Steam Workshop with your friends and finding the 1v1 maps you enjoy the most.
Tips For Winning Duels
We’ve got five tips below that will improve your chances of winning duels in CS2.
Improve Your Aim To Click Heads
Just like with any match in CS2, you need your aim to be on point. Unlike most other matches, though, you don’t have to worry about other enemy players catching you off-guard, and there aren’t bomb-planting mechanics or the need to balance your economy. Improving your aim is the best way to win more duels in CS2. Be sure to check out our in-depth guide to improving your aim, featuring techniques and training methods.
Learn The 1v1 Map Mechanics
Some 1v1 maps have specific mechanics that you can use to your advantage. For example, the BLAST Stand-Off map has boxes in the air you can shoot down, killing an enemy underneath. Many custom 1v1 maps also have specific spots on the ground for weapons that you can pick up. Learn where your favorite CS2 weapon is located to save time searching during a duel.
Stay Calm & Breathe
Yes, it can be annoying if a friend keeps taking you down in a 1v1. But the worst thing you can do is panic. Keep your breathing slow and steady, and teach yourself to relax and stay calm under pressure. Remember, while losing a 1v1 may put a dent in your pride, it’s not like you are playing in the Thunderpick World Championship with a massive prize pool on the line!
Pick The Right Crosshair
Using the best possible crosshair settings can make a world of difference. Depending on the map’s color scheme, you may be able to switch up your crosshair color to give yourself an advantage. Learn more about the best CS2 crosshair settings in our in-depth guide.
Peeking & Movement
Mastering the art of peeking around corners and movement mechanics such as counter-strafing and jiggle-peeking is vital when chasing victory in CS2 1v1 matches. You can avoid enemy fire with fast jiggle-peeks or jumps while gathering crucial information, such as your opponent’s weapon type and location. Our guide to playing CS2 should help you improve on the basics.
Bonus tip: Use the best CS2 settings for a smooth experience.
Time To Duel
Valve has made 1v1s in CS2 both fun and easily accessible. Thanks to the Workshop Maps tab, you can challenge your friends on your favorite custom maps in no time. Remember that these duels are more than just intense, head-to-head competitions with your pals—they’re excellent ways to practice! Even if things get heated, the good news is that you’re actually getting better at adapting to one-on-one moments against random players in other game modes. Whether you’re settling a personal score or trying out a different gameplay style, you can get a lot out of 1v1s in CS2.
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