CS2 Launch Options in 2026: Which Flags Still Work and What They Do

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[center]CS2 Launch Options in 2026: Which Flags Still Work and What They Do[/center]

Launch options are passed to Counter-Strike 2 via Steam: right-click the game in your library, select Properties, and enter options in the Launch Options field. Each option starts with a dash (-) or plus (+).

Recommended for all players:

`+fps_max 0` removes the default FPS cap. Most players disable this, but it offers a benefit to anyone who hasn't.

`-nojoy` removes joystick support from the game, which may free up RAM. It's unlikely to hurt and some report a small benefit.

`-softparticlesdefaultoff` may increase CS2 performance by disabling particle blending with the background, reducing GPU load.

`+violence_hblood 0` may remove blood from the game. Some report it works; on other setups it has no effect.

`+r_drawparticles 0` improves performance at the cost of graphics quality by disabling particle animations.

`-console` enables the developer console by default, saving time in settings.

For higher FPS:

The guide lists options including `+engine_low_latency_sleep_after_client_tick`, `-high`, `-fullscreen`, `+mat_disable_fancy_blending 1`, `-limitvsconst`, `-forcenovsync`, `+r_dynamic 0`, `+mat_queue_mode 2`, `-softparticlesdefaultoff`, `-vulkan`, and `-insecure` (disables VAC, usable only on non-Valve-secured servers).

Options that no longer work in CS2:

`-tickrate 128` worked in CS:GO but CS2 uses a sub-tick system.

`-novid` no longer works — the introductory video was replaced when CS:GO became CS2.

`-limitvsconst` no longer works.

`-d3d9ex` and `-disable_d3d9ex` affect DirectX 9, but CS2 uses DirectX 11.

How to set launch options:

Open Steam, go to Library, right-click Counter-Strike 2, select Properties, then click "Set Launch Options...". Type options separated by spaces — no quotes. Only letters, numbers, +, -, and _ characters. Restart CS2 for changes to take effect.

An autoexec.cfg file in the cs2/cfg folder can be executed with `+exec autoexec.cfg` as a launch option.

Total CS: Best CS2 Launch Options Guide & List (2026)
Steam Community: CS2 Launch Options 2026