Mastering the CS:GO experience isn’t just about in-game skills; it’s also about tweaking the settings to achieve optimal performance. The heart of customization in CS:GO lies within the console commands implemented post-launch, commonly referred to as ‘Launch Options.’ This guide delves into the importance and functions of CS:GO launch options, highlighting how they can improve your gameplay experience and overall system efficiency.
Purpose and Functionality of Launch Options
In essence, CS:GO launch options are a potent tool allowing gamers to start their gaming session with their preferred technical configurations. From aspects such as tickrate to monitor frequency and CPU management, launch options can tailor the game’s performance to suit an individual’s unique gaming setup. Moreover, these options hold the highest priority, superseding other settings for your ultimate convenience.
While the default settings provided by Valve are a decent starting point, they may not cater to the specific needs of every player. In fact, as stated by a Valve employee, “The best launch options are no launch options,” emphasizing the adaptability of each user’s setup. With the flexibility to input launch options both through the Steam library’s game properties or console commands, gamers can truly personalize their CS:GO experience.
How to Implement CS:GO Launch Options
To start customizing your CS:GO launch options, you’ll need to venture into Steam’s library. Find CS:GO in your games collection, right-click it, and select ‘Properties.’ Here, you will find the ‘Set Launch Options’ button in the General tab, which, when clicked, opens a window for you to input your desired commands.
Each launch option command should be separated by a space. The convention is to begin each command with a “-” or “+” and avoid using quotes. Note that once you’ve set these options, they’ll apply to all subsequent gaming sessions unless you decide to modify them.
Pro Players’ Preferences on Launch Options
Delving into the world of professional CS:GO, it becomes evident that even the best players have their personal preferences when it comes to launch options. A common combination amongst pros is “-console -novid -freq 240 -tickrate 128 +exec config.cfg”. Exploring why they choose these specific options uncovers their pursuit for faster console accessibility, skipping the starting video, achieving a high-frequency rate, and executing a personal config file. Their choices underline the importance of tailoring launch options to suit individual needs and preferences.
A closer look into some specific launch options can provide insights into their relevance and benefits. One such notable option is for boosting Frames Per Second (FPS), a crucial aspect for any gamer. Higher FPS typically results in a smoother, more visually appealing gaming experience, but can be taxing on your system.
Fortunately, FPS-specific launch options can optimize performance while maintaining a high FPS. However, every gaming setup is unique, which is why it is vital to find the best launch options that work for your specific hardware, software, and internet connection.
Selecting the Best CS:GO Launch Options
There’s a sea of launch options available, but identifying the CSGO best launch options for your personal needs is key to enhancing your gaming experience. These options aren’t a magic pill to make you a pro overnight; rather, they help reduce technical inconveniences, enabling you to focus solely on the gameplay.
For instance, the universally recommended launch options, such as “-tickrate 128 +fps_max 0 -novid -nojoy,” are believed to provide general benefits. However, remember that each player’s choice of launch options should reflect their individual preferences and system’s capabilities.
All Launch Options
Setting Your Server’s Tick Rate: -tickrate
Customizing your game’s tick rate has never been easier. The -tickrate launch option lets you determine the tick rate of any single-player or server-based games you run. You’ll simply need to replace [tick rate] with your chosen number, such as “-tickrate 128”. This rate is the new norm for any “Offline With Bots” games you initiate.
Refresh Rate Control: -refresh
With the -refresh launch option, you can set your client’s refresh rate effortlessly. Just swap [refresh rate] with your preferred refresh rate number. This controls how frequently your monitor updates per second. For instance, at a 60hz refresh rate, your monitor displays 60 frames per second. If you use a 144hz monitor, setting “-refresh 144” lets your game refresh 144 times per second.
Adjusting Screen Modes: -fullscreen and -windowed
Toggling between screen modes can dramatically impact your gaming experience. Utilize the -fullscreen option to compel CS:GO to boot in fullscreen mode. Alternatively, use the -windowed command to start CS:GO in windowed mode. Both options offer different advantages and can be used based on your preference.
Modifying Window Borders: -noborder
Prefer a borderless windowed mode? The -noborder option strips away the borders from the windowed mode, which means you’ll no longer see the Windows UI with the usual “X/Maximize/Minimize” buttons on the top right.
Performance Enhancement: -d3d9ex
Serious players may see notable performance improvements using the -d3d9ex launch option. This command activates DirectX 9Ex, potentially decreasing CPU memory usage by up to 40%. As of 22nd April 2019, CS:GO has enabled this by default.
Executing Commands: +exec [file name]
The +exec launch option comes in handy when you want to execute commands from a specific file. All you need to do is replace [file name] with your chosen file’s name (e.g. autoexec.cfg). Ensure that the file is located in the “Steam\SteamApps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\csgo\cfg” folder.
Enabling or Disabling DirectX 9Ex: -disable_d3d9ex
Not every player may need DirectX 9Ex enabled. If that’s the case for you, the -disable_d3d9ex command disables DirectX 9Ex effectively.
Texture Modification: +mat_disable_fancy_blending 1
The +mat_disable_fancy_blending 1 option may boost FPS by disabling fancy blending of textures. This results in smoother, less detailed textures within your game.
Preloading Models: +cl_forcepreload 1
Mislabelled commonly as a launch option, the +cl_forcepreload 1 is actually a console command. This compels your client to preload models, which can influence your game’s performance.
Setting High Priority: -high
For better performance, use the -high option to run CS:GO at “high priority” on your computer. This means CS:GO will take precedence over other lower priority processes.
OpenGL Emulation: -r_emulate_g
Exclusively for Windows users, the -r_emulate_g launch option lets the game emulate OpenGL, which can potentially increase FPS.
Featherless Rendering: -softparticlesdefaultoff
For featherless rendering, use the -softparticlesdefaultoff option. This launch option commands CS:GO to render particles without the scene depth blending feature.
Maximum FPS Setting: +fps_max [amount]
With the +fps_max option, you can cap the maximum FPS your game can run at. You replace [amount] with your desired limit. Set it to 0 (“-fps_max 0”) if you want no limit and wish to achieve the highest FPS possible.
Disabling In-Game Browser: -no-browser
The -no-browser launch option used to disable the in-game browser displaying welcome messages in servers. However, with the introduction of the Panorama UI, this may no longer function.
Opting Out of Preloading: -nopreload
Should you wish not to preload models, -nopreload comes to your aid. While it might speed up games/maps loading, it might also negatively impact your gameplay. Since models not preloaded during the map/game load time will need to be loaded later, this could potentially add extra latency.
Turning off Source TV Features: -nohltv
Use -nohltv to disable all Source TV features during your gameplay.
Enabling Console at Startup: -console
The -console option enables the console as soon as the game starts.
Skipping Intro Video: -novid
If you want to jump straight into the game without watching the Valve/CS:GO intro video, use the -novid command.
Dropping Joystick Support: -nojoy
The -nojoy option lets the game drop all joystick support, which could result in a decrease in RAM usage.
Limiting Hardware Vertex Shader Constants: -limitvsconst
The -limitvsconst launch option helps limit hardware vertex shader constants to 256.
Disabling VSync: -forcenovsync
By using -forcenovsync, CS:GO can bypass VSync. VSync syncs your monitor’s vertical refresh rate with your game’s FPS. While this can reduce screen tearing and conserve power, it often results in input lag and other issues.
Processor Threads Management: -threads [amount]
By using -threads, you can determine the amount of processor threads that CS:GO will utilize. However, using this option can lead to instability and other issues, so it’s generally not recommended.
Blood Removal: +violence_hblood 0
For a less graphic experience, the +violence_hblood 0 option can help remove blood from the game.
Language Setting: -language [language name]
The -language option lets you start CS:GO in your chosen language. You only need to replace [language name] with your preferred language, such as “-language english”.
Adjusting Window Dimensions and Position: -width [width], -height [height], -x [position horizontally], and -y [position vertically]
The -width and -height options let you set your CS:GO window’s width and height, respectively, in pixels. The -x and -y options allow you to adjust the position of your CS:GO window on your monitor, horizontally and vertically.
Dynamic Lighting: +r_dynamic [0 / 1]
Although typically mistaken as a launch option, +r_dynamic is actually a console command. You can either disable dynamic lighting with “+r_dynamic 0” or enable it with “+r_dynamic 1” (default). Disabling it might slightly improve FPS but remove some lighting features.
Restoring Default Configurations: -autoconfig
Finally, the -autoconfig launch option forces your game to start with the default configuration settings. These settings can be altered once the game has started, but will reset to default when the game is restarted with this option.
Final Thoughts
While the internet is littered with guides claiming to offer the best CS:GO launch options, no single guide can cater to everyone. Different hardware, software, and internet connections mean that each player will require different settings for optimal gaming. However, with a proper understanding of how launch options work, you can customize your CS:GO experience to match your needs and preferences perfectly. Remember, CS:GO launch options don’t make the player; they simply provide a better platform for you to showcase your skills.