Launch options builder
Pick what you need, understand what each flag does, and copy a tidy launch-options string. Built for CS2, not recycled from CS:GO guides.
Toggles
Display and performance
Your launch options
-novid -console -nojoyPaste this into Steam: right-click CS2, Properties, then General, then Launch Options.
Skip these in CS2
These are copied from old CS:GO guides but no longer do anything useful in CS2 and can cause issues:
-tickrate 128-d3d9ex+cl_forcepreload+mat_queue_mode 2-threads
Questions
- How do I add launch options in CS2?
- In Steam, right-click Counter-Strike 2 and choose Properties. On the General tab there is a Launch Options box. Paste your options there, separated by spaces, then close the window and start the game.
- Do launch options get me VAC banned?
- No. Launch options are an official Steam feature and do not touch game memory or trigger anti-cheat. Only third-party software risks a ban.
- Why does CS2 need fewer launch options than CS:GO?
- CS2 runs on Source 2, which handles threading and a lot of optimization automatically. Many old CS:GO flags like -tickrate, -d3d9ex and +cl_forcepreload no longer do anything, and a few can cause stutter, so it is best to leave them out.