Can You Play CS2/CS:GO With A Controller?

While it is possible to set up a controller for CS:GO, you should be aware that the entire experience might not end up being what you expect. The main question that remains is whether the gameplay mechanics can match the speed and precision of playing with a keyboard and mouse.

Even with the versatility that CS: GO offers in terms of using different controllers, this remains a somewhat tall order. That said, we can offer some insights into setting up controllers, dialing them in, and fixing some common issues. 

Ever since its release in 2012, CS:GO has featured a controller option for PC gameplay. So, if you were wondering, ‘does CS:GO have controller support,’ there’s your answer. In fact, any type of controller you can hook up to Windows 10 is automatically going to get picked up by the game.

The reason Vavle made controller support possible is that the game was released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in addition to the much-anticipated PC version. While Global Offensive never really took over as a console game, the controller option transferred to the PC version, where some players seem to be taking the opportunity to use it. 

Even if the game offers no support, or you find the setup somewhat lackluster, there is a workaround that allows you to use even more types of controllers for CS:GO on PC. It involves using emulator software, such as Xpadder or Antimicro.

Why Play CS2 on a Controller? 

People have their reasons, from feeling adventurous and experimentative to perhaps looking for a challenge against less-skilled players on local servers. You might want to switch to a controller for comfort, or just to mix up your gaming experience a bit.

Playing with a controller offers a certain charm while providing the unmatchable comfort of sitting back on a couch while you engage in intense CS: GO battles. The controller design is also ergonomic and intuitive, allowing for all required actions without the need for too much dexterity. 

Setting up your controller for CS:GO is as easy as plugging it into the PC. Windows takes care of the rest, automatically locating drivers (if needed) and setting up the device. You can also content controllers wirelessly via Bluetooth, using the same procedure. 

Once the system recognizes the controller, you can use it directly in CS:GO, after enabling the in-game option. Setting this up is as easy as:

1. Launching CS:GO;
2. Navigating to the “Settings” section;
3. Opening the “Controller” panel and changing the “Controller Enabled” field to ‘Enabled”.

This should immediately make the controller recognizable by the game, and you can proceed to set up key mapping, sensitivity, and special controller features. 

Choosing the Right Controller for CS:GO

As previously mentioned, CS:GO supports a wider range of controllers, including all of the fan-favorite options: 

• Xbox One – If you’re wondering how to play CS:GO with Xbox controller, the answer is that this controller is one of the few that fit the Global Offensive gameplay the best. Marked by a superior design, this controller takes trigger sensitivity to a whole different level. 
• PlayStation DualShock – This is a controller that is all about speed and precision. It has an incredible response time, matching the traditional keyboard and mouse mechanics of the game. 
• Steam Controller – If there is one controller made for CS:GO out there, then it is the Steam controller. Steam released their version of a controller, but tailored specifically for PC use. The main feature of this one is the ability to customize everything, from key mapping to sensitivity. 

Sensitivity Settings

The main aspect of playing CS:GO with a controller is setting up the sensitivity. Controllers are not the best tool for keyboard-and-mouse-specific games, as they lack responsiveness and precision, particularly in aiming. 

With sensitivity, you need to look for the settings that allow you to aim and move quickly and precisely, without lag, but also the crosshairs zooming all over your screen. Stopping motion is as crucial as going through it fast, so make sure to keep tweaking the settings until you find your sweet spot. 

With the right sensitivity settings, you’ll get as close to a mouse and keyboard performance as possible. They are highly individual settings, though, so as frustrating as it may be, spend time finding your own instead of trying to copy the “best sensitivity setting” for CS:GO. There is no such thing.

Aim Assist Features 

Now that you have an idea of how to play CS:GO with Xbox one controller, PlayStation controller, or Steam controller, let’s talk about aiming. Aim assist is a huge feature of CS:GO when played with a mouse and keyboard, providing unmatched precision and speed. 

Setting up the sensitivity is one aspect of calibrating crosshair behavior in CS:GO. Another is the “flick stick“ feature, which Valve introduced as a fix to improve CS:GO aim assist with controllers. 

Introduced in 2022, this feature uses the controller gyro for improved aiming, with the right stick controlling horizontal, and the left vertical motions. Flick stick aiming might just be the solution that finally allows controllers to burst onto the CS:GO scene.

While you can definitely play CS:GO with a controller, the overall experience is never going to be the same as using a mouse and keyboard. Apart from the speed and accuracy of the traditional gameplay method, there is also the aspect of matchmaking to consider. 

Namely, when playing on Steam, you will be matched according to your trust factor and not the controller type. No matter how good you may be, a controller is always going to come in second to using a mouse and keyboard, so unless you’re extremely good, you’ll end up frustrated. 

Just figuring out how to play CS:GO with a controller is going to take time, since you’re essentially re-learning the game. Add to this common controller issues, which, to be fair, Valve is trying to fix with updates, and you’re left with a real challenge, especially in highly competitive settings. 

Can CS:GO be played with controller? Absolutely. The question is not “can I” but rather “should I”. And the answer to that one comes down to you. Most top controllers are natively integrated with CS:GO, meaning setting them up is extremely easy. 

The playing part presents a challenge. Setting your sensitivity, learning motion, and dialing in aiming are just a few aspects you’ll need to master in order to become efficient at playing CS:GO with a controller. Otherwise, you might find the game unplayable and revert back to the traditional keyboard and mouse setting.