CS2 FPS commands and launch options: what works and what’s a myth
A lot of the FPS command lists going around were written for CS:GO. CS2 runs on Source 2, and many of those commands don’t even exist in it.
Rise TeamGuide written by the Rise team. The steps work with or without Rise; the facts about the game come from the sources at the end of the page, with the date we checked them.
Short answer
In CS2, no console command or launch option raises FPS on its own. The ones that still work show or cap FPS, like cl_showfps and fps_max. CS:GO commands like mat_queue_mode, cl_forcepreload and cl_updaterate don’t exist in CS2, and -allow_third_party_software turns off Trusted Mode’s protection.
First, find out what is holding you back
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| An FPS command changes nothing | A CS:GO command that doesn’t exist in CS2[1] | Remove it from your launch options and autoexec.cfg |
| fps_max won’t change in the console | CS2 won’t let you change fps_max while connected to a server[5] | Change it from the main menu, before the match |
| cl_interp won’t take a value | Valve locked cl_interp in February 2024[3] | Use "Buffering to smooth over packet loss / jitter" in the "Game" menu[3] |
| net_graph doesn’t show up | It doesn’t exist in CS2; telemetry replaced it[4] | Turn it on in "Game" › "Telemetry"[4] |
| The game opens in insecure mode | A program with an unsigned DLL injected into CS2[7] | Close the program and remove -allow_third_party_software[7] |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Why so many old commands don’t work in CS2
CS2 swapped CS:GO’s engine for Source 2, and many variables from the old engine went with it. The current variable list, pulled from the game itself, has no mat_queue_mode, cl_forcepreload, r_dynamic, cl_updaterate, cl_cmdrate or net_graph.
A command that doesn’t exist changes nothing in the game. It just takes up space in your launch options or autoexec.cfg. Steam Support’s launch options page was written for Source and GoldSrc games, and items from it like +mat_picmip and +r_rootlod aren’t on CS2’s list either.
Commands that work in CS2 today
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| cl_showfps 1 | Shows FPS at the top of the screen. A value of 2 smooths the number.[1] |
| fps_max 0 | Removes the FPS cap in matches. A number instead of zero becomes the cap.[1] |
| fps_max_ui | FPS cap for menus only.[1] |
| cl_hud_telemetry_frametime_show 2 | Always shows the worst frame time and average FPS, like the menu option.[1] |
| cl_ticktiming print | Prints a report of the sources of delay in the console.[2] |
| mm_dedicated_search_maxping | Max ping accepted when searching for a match, same as "Max Acceptable Matchmaking Ping".[1] |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
None of them raises FPS: they show or cap it. What changes FPS is the video menu and your PC.
Myths carried over from CS:GO
- -tickrate 128: CS2 uses 64 ticks per second on official servers. An option that runs on your PC doesn’t change the server.
- cl_interp and cl_interp_ratio: since February 2024, Valve hasn’t let you change cl_interp directly, because scripts with high values caused rubber-banding. The setting is now "Buffering to smooth over packet loss / jitter".
- net_graph: it doesn’t exist in CS2. cq_netgraph, which played a similar role, was deleted in February 2024 and replaced by telemetry.
- -novid: on Steam’s list, it only skips the intro video. It isn’t an FPS command.
- mat_queue_mode, cl_forcepreload and r_dynamic: they aren’t on CS2’s variable list.
Where CS2 launch options live
- In your Steam Library, right-click Counter-Strike 2 and choose "Properties...".
- On the "General" tab, find "Launch Options".
- Separate each option with a space. A console command becomes a launch option with a + in front, but not every command accepts that.
- Close the window and launch the game.
What Rise does in CS2
Everything here shows what changes before you apply it.
- Config ProApplies public pro player configs. The autoexec.cfg belongs to Config Pro alone and, in the video file, whatever you applied last wins.Games › CS2 · Rise Premium
- CS2 video presetWrites the graphics settings to cs2_video.txt, the file the game itself rewrites when you apply the video menu, based on your graphics card’s memory. Shows what changes first.Games › CS2 · Rise Premium
- Before-and-after BenchmarkRuns the same Rise 3D scene before and after your tweaks and compares average FPS, 1% low and stutters on your PC.Benchmark · Rise Basic and Premium
What Rise does not do in CS2
- Doesn’t write launch options without showing you first.
- Doesn’t touch VAC and doesn’t inject anything into CS2.
- Doesn’t promise an FPS number: measure before and after on your PC.
Frequently asked questions
Which commands increase FPS in CS2?
No console command raises FPS on its own. The useful ones show or cap it: cl_showfps shows FPS and fps_max sets the cap. FPS comes from the video menu and your PC.
Does mat_queue_mode work in CS2?
No. The variable isn’t on CS2’s list: it’s from CS:GO. The same goes for cl_forcepreload, r_dynamic, cl_updaterate and cl_cmdrate.
Does -tickrate 128 work in CS2?
It doesn’t change anything on official servers. CS2 uses 64 ticks per second, and a launch option only runs on your PC.
How do I see net_graph in CS2?
net_graph doesn’t exist in CS2. Turn on telemetry in "Game" › "Telemetry": it shows frame time, FPS, ping and network problems.
Can console commands get you VAC banned?
What Trusted Mode blocks and Valve punishes with VAC is a program that injects into the game’s process. Console commands are part of CS2 itself. Be wary of any "FPS config" that comes with a program to install.
Where do I put CS2 launch options?
In your Steam Library: right-click Counter-Strike 2, "Properties...", "General" tab, "Launch Options" field. Separate each option with a space.
Sources
- SteamDB (GameTracking-CS2): variables and commands pulled from CS2 (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Valve: CS2 release notes for February 6, 2024 (cl_ticktiming and buffering) (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Valve: CS2 release notes for February 7, 2024 (cl_interp) (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Valve: CS2 release notes for February 15, 2024 (telemetry and cq_netgraph) (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Valve: CS2 update from August 2025 (fps_max in a match) (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Steam Support: setting game launch options (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Steam Support: CS2 Trusted Mode (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
- Steam Support: CS2 telemetry (Source2 Telemetry HUD) (checked on Nov 3, 2026)
Spotted something out of date? Let us know on the Rise Discord and we will fix it. Report on Discord
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More CS2 guides
CS2 low FPS, stuttering or input lag: how to fix it
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CS2 stuttering even with high FPS? Learn how to read frame time in the game’s telemetry, tell your PC apart from your network and fix the most common causes. With Valve sources.
CS2 FPS capped at 60 or at your monitor’s refresh rate: how to uncap it
CS2 FPS stuck at 60 or always slightly below your refresh rate? Find where the cap comes from: fps_max, V-Sync, G-Sync with Reflex, your graphics driver or a laptop on battery.
CS2 lagging with good ping: network, packet loss or your PC?
Low ping and CS2 still lagging? Ping doesn’t show packet loss or jitter. Learn how to turn on CS2’s network telemetry and find out whether the problem is your connection or your PC.