Displaying FPS in CS2: Commands and Settings for Counter-Strike 2

Maximizing your frames per second (FPS) in Counter-Strike 2 is crucial to maintain a competitive edge. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to display FPS during gameplay through several techniques, including the straightforward show fps command.

In CS2, the significance of FPS cannot be underestimated. Begin by ensuring you’re set up for optimal performance using our ultimate CS2 settings guide.

There are various ways to monitor your frames per second while you play, each offering different visual insights. Below, we break down the three primary methods to track your FPS.

Displaying FPS Settings

The easiest method to view FPS in CS2, and one that is universally applicable, is to activate the HUD telemetry within the Game Settings.

Hit the ESC key and click on the settings icon.
Navigate to Game Settings.
Find the Telemetry section.
Set “Show frame time and FPS” to ALWAYS.
Your FPS will now be visible in the top right corner of your HUD.

Accessing Game Settings

game settings menu in cs2 — Source: Dexerto

Locating Telemetry

Selecting “Always” for FPS Display

show fps setting in cs2 — Source: Dexerto

Observing FPS in the HUD

average fps display in cs2 — Source: Dexerto

Your frame timing and average FPS will now appear in a small green font in the upper right corner of your HUD. While this position is fixed, you have alternatives to track FPS in-game through commands.

Utilizing the Show FPS Command in CS2

To execute the FPS command in CS2, you must first enable the developer console, which you can access using the ~ key.

Press ~ to open the in-game console.
Type in “cl_showfps 1” and hit Enter.
Bright red text will now display your real-time FPS instead of the average.

This will show the FPS count on the left side of your screen. You can turn it off again by typing cl_showfps 0.

show fps command in cs2 — Source: Dexerto

Issue the cl_showfps 1 command in the console.

You can also explore additional options by using the following commands:

cl_showfps 1: Displays frames per second only.
cl_showfps 2: Shows FPS, minimum and maximum FPS, and frame time.
cl_showfps 3: Reveals server ms delay and ticks per second.
cl_showfps 4: Outputs the average FPS.

For those interested in further console commands, we have curated a list of the top CS2 commands available here.

Using Steam Overlay to Display FPS

An additional straightforward method to view FPS during CS2 gameplay is by leveraging the Steam Overlay. This allows for placement of the FPS counter in a preferred location rather than strictly at the top right. Follow these steps while in CS2.

Press Shift + Tab to access the Steam Overlay.
Select the settings icon at the bottom right of the menu.
Under ‘In Game’, locate ‘In-game FPS counter’.
Choose your desired display position for the FPS counter.
Enable the ‘In-game FPS counter high contrast color’ option.

Your current FPS will be displayed in bright green wherever you have chosen to place it.

The Importance of FPS in CS2

Now that you can monitor your average or current FPS during Counter-Strike 2 matches, you may be wondering about its significance.

CS2 operates as a fast-paced competitive shooter where even a split-second can determine between life and death, winning or losing a round, and, ultimately, securing a map victory.

Players who achieve higher FPS enjoy a natural advantage, enabling quicker reactions to on-screen events. Conversely, those with lower FPS may face stuttering gameplay, potentially missing critical details. For instance, a player executing a ‘jiggle peek’ around a corner may be undetectable by someone running at 60 FPS or below, as information could be lost between frames.

This highlights the necessity of maximizing your FPS and utilizing a monitor that supports a high refresh rate.

Target FPS Goals

When playing CS2, you should strive for a minimum of 250 FPS during competitive matches. Ideally, your FPS should match or exceed your monitor’s refresh rate for optimal performance, with higher numbers being preferable.

For example, if you have a 144Hz monitor, aim for a baseline of 144 FPS. However, many professional players target even higher numbers, typically exceeding 300 FPS.

Achieving these goals will require a robust graphics card, a capable CPU, and likely some tuning of the game’s graphics settings to enhance performance.

Ways to Boost FPS in CS2

If you wish to increase your average FPS in Counter-Strike 2, consider the following measures.

Start by adjusting your in-game settings. We have a detailed guide on optimal CS2 settings that can help enhance your frames per second while gaining a competitive edge. While these adjustments may sacrifice some visual quality, they will not compromise essential gameplay features like shadows.

Additionally, ensure to close any unnecessary applications running on your PC. Memory-intensive programs, such as browsers like Google Chrome, or music apps like Apple Music or Spotify, should be closed. Use Task Manager to identify and terminate applications that consume significant resources while gaming.

Finally, consider upgrading your hardware. Enhancing your GPU can lead to an instant increase in FPS by as much as 100 frames. You may also need to upgrade your CPU and RAM to fully capitalize on the benefits of a new GPU.