CS2 console commands give players quick control over Counter-Strike 2 settings, practice servers, FPS monitoring, crosshair customization, binds, bots, grenades, and private-server settings. The developer console can be enabled from Settings > Game > Enable Developer Console (~) > Yes, after which players can open it with the ~ key on supported keyboard layouts.
This guide covers the most useful CS2 console commands for practice, FPS, crosshair, binds, and servers. It also explains which commands require sv_cheats 1, how to create a practice setup, and how to discover commands available in your current CS2 build.
CS2 Console Commands: How to Enable and Use Them
To enable the CS2 developer console, open the game and go to Settings > Game. Find Enable Developer Console (~) and set it to Yes. Valve’s current Steam Support instructions confirm this exact process for Counter-Strike 2.
Once enabled, press ~ to open the console. Type a command and press Enter. You can also use find to search for commands related to a specific feature and help to get information about a command.
For example:
find crosshair
help cl_crosshairsize
CS2 has thousands of console variables and commands, and the available list can change with updates. Therefore, this guide focuses on the commands players are most likely to use rather than pretending that every internal command is useful. You can use cvarlist inside CS2 to inspect the commands available in your current build.
Best CS2 Console Commands for Practice
Practice commands are useful for grenade lineups, aim training, movement practice, bot setups, and testing weapons. Most server-side practice commands should be used in a private or offline environment.
| Command | What It Does |
|---|---|
sv_cheats 1 | Enables cheat-protected commands |
noclip | Lets you fly around the map |
bot_kick | Removes all bots |
bot_add | Adds a bot |
bot_difficulty 3 | Sets bot difficulty to Expert |
mp_restartgame 1 | Restarts the game after 1 second |
mp_freezetime 0 | Removes freeze time |
mp_roundtime 60 | Sets a long round timer |
mp_buy_anywhere 1 | Allows buying anywhere |
mp_buytime 60000 | Extends the buy period |
mp_maxmoney 65535 | Raises the maximum money limit |
mp_startmoney 65535 | Gives players high starting money |
sv_infinite_ammo 1 | Enables unlimited ammunition |
ammo_grenade_limit_total 5 | Raises the grenade carrying limit |
A basic practice setup can start with:
sv_cheats 1
bot_kick
mp_freezetime 0
mp_roundtime 60
mp_buy_anywhere 1
mp_buytime 60000
mp_maxmoney 65535
mp_startmoney 65535
mp_restartgame 1
For grenade practice, CS2 also includes commands such as sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_pipreview 1, which enables a picture-in-picture grenade trajectory preview. sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_trailtime can be used to control how long grenade trajectories remain visible.
For example:
sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_pipreview 1
sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_trailtime 10
These commands are especially useful when learning smoke, flash, molotov, and HE grenade lineups.
CS2 Console Commands for FPS
Players can use CS2 console commands to monitor and cap FPS, although the game also has a built-in Telemetry HUD that can display FPS and network information. Valve recommends the Telemetry HUD under Settings > Game > Telemetry for monitoring frame rate and network conditions.
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
cl_showfps 1 | Shows the current FPS |
cl_showfps 2 | Shows additional FPS information |
fps_max 0 | Removes the in-game FPS cap |
fps_max 400 | Caps FPS at 400 |
For a simple FPS counter, use:
cl_showfps 1
To set an FPS limit:
fps_max 400
There is no universal FPS value that is best for every PC. Players should choose a cap that their hardware can maintain consistently rather than chasing an unnecessarily high number.
CS2 Crosshair Commands
Crosshair commands remain some of the most useful CS2 console commands because they let players fine-tune the size, gap, thickness, color, and style of their crosshair.
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
cl_crosshairstyle 4 | Uses a classic static crosshair |
cl_crosshairsize 2 | Changes crosshair size |
cl_crosshairgap -3 | Changes the crosshair gap |
cl_crosshairthickness 1 | Changes thickness |
cl_crosshairdot 1 | Adds a center dot |
cl_crosshairdot 0 | Removes the center dot |
cl_crosshair_drawoutline 1 | Enables the outline |
cl_crosshairalpha 255 | Sets crosshair opacity |
cl_crosshaircolor 4 | Changes the preset color |
crosshair 1 | Shows the crosshair |
crosshair 0 | Hides the crosshair |
A simple static crosshair can be created with:
cl_crosshairstyle 4
cl_crosshairsize 2
cl_crosshairgap -3
cl_crosshairthickness 1
cl_crosshairdot 0
cl_crosshair_drawoutline 0
CS2 also supports custom RGB values through cl_crosshaircolor_r, cl_crosshaircolor_g, and cl_crosshaircolor_b. This gives players more control over their crosshair color than the standard presets.
CS2 Console Commands for Binds
The bind command assigns a console command to a keyboard or mouse button. Players can use binds for movement, weapon actions, utility, hand switching, and other frequently used functions.
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
bind "KEY" "COMMAND" | Assigns a command to a key |
unbind "KEY" | Removes a key bind |
key_listboundkeys | Lists current key binds |
unbindall | Removes all binds |
For example:
bind "F4" "noclip"
This makes F4 activate noclip on a server where cheats are enabled.
Players can also bind multiple commands:
bind "F5" "buy ak47; buy vesthelm; buy flashbang"
For switching the weapon between the left and right side of the screen, the current command is:
bind "L" "switchhands"
The switchhands command is supported in current CS2 builds, making it a useful alternative to relying on older CS:GO-era hand-switch commands.
CS2 Console Commands for Servers
Server commands are mainly useful for private matches, local practice, or server administration. Some commands can also be used to connect to or manage a server.
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
connect IP:PORT | Connects to a server |
disconnect | Disconnects from the current server |
retry | Attempts to reconnect |
status | Displays server and player information |
changelevel MAP | Changes the current map |
map MAP | Loads a map |
sv_cheats 1 | Enables cheat-protected commands where permitted |
sv_lan 1 | Configures the server for LAN use |
For example:
connect 127.0.0.1:27015
The exact commands available to you can vary depending on whether you are playing an official match, local game, community server, or a server where you have administrative access.
CS2 Console Commands You Should Not Confuse With CS:GO Commands
Older CS:GO command lists can be misleading because Counter-Strike 2 uses the Source 2 engine and Valve has changed or removed several commands over time.
For example, older guides frequently recommend commands such as net_graph or older hand-switch configurations without explaining their current CS2 status. Players should verify commands against the current CS2 build rather than blindly copying old CS:GO lists.
This is also why cvarlist, find, and help are useful. They let you check what your own game currently supports.
Valve continues to update CS2, including changes to commands and scripting functionality, so command behavior can change with major updates.
How to Find Any CS2 Console Command
If you are looking for a command that is not included above, open the console and use:
cvarlist
You can also search for a specific feature:
find grenade
find crosshair
find radar
find fps
find bot
find bind
For information about a specific command:
help command_name
This is the most reliable way to check commands in your installed version of CS2 because large third-party command databases can contain commands from older versions or other Source-engine games.
Final Words
CS2 console commands are useful for much more than enabling cheats. Players can use them to build practice servers, test grenade lineups, monitor FPS, customize crosshairs, create binds, manage bots, and connect to private servers.
For everyday use, commands such as cl_showfps, fps_max, cl_crosshairstyle, cl_crosshairsize, bind, and switchhands are among the most practical. For training, commands such as sv_cheats 1, bot_kick, mp_roundtime, mp_buy_anywhere, and grenade trajectory commands can save a lot of time.
Because CS2 continues to receive updates, use cvarlist, find, and help whenever you are unsure whether an older command still works.
