How To 1v1 In CS:GO [Step-by-Step Guide]
In this article, we’ll go through a complete step-by-step guide of how you can set up a 1v1 server in minutes, along with which maps and commands to use!
How To 1v1 Your Friend In CS:GO Guide
Here is a full overview of how the steps required to play a 1v1 match against your friend in CS:GO.
Step 1: Enable Developer Console
Before we do anything, it is important that you have your Counter-Strike developer console enabled, as we will need it later when we are in the game. We might as well set it up now to make things easier.
To turn on the CS:GO console, follow the procedure below.
- Launch Counter-Strike and go to the Settings menu.
- Next, go to the “Game” settings.
- The first setting you should see is “Enable Developer Console.”
- On the options next to it, select “Yes” and save your changes.
If you have followed the steps correctly, the console should be ready to go. To open the console, tap the “~” button which is above your “TAB” key. Pressing it the first time will open it, and the second time will close it.
Step 2: Find A Suitable 1v1 Map
The next step is to figure out where your epic battle against your friend will take place. It is completely fine to use Active Duty Maps to 1v1, but you will be forced to play in a Bomb Defusal scenario if you don’t use any commands.
The best way to conduct a 1v1 is by using aim maps, which are specifically made for aim duels. These maps include obstacles such as walls and boxes that force players to hit headshots. You can find these maps on the community workshop, which is discussed later in the article.
Step 3: Form A Party And Load Into A Private Server
After you have enabled your developer console and downloaded a suitable map, you are set to play the 1v1 match against your friend.
The next step is to invite them to a party, like you normally would to queue for a regular matchmaking game. Once you are in the same party together, you can load into the map by following the steps below:
- Click on the “Play” button at the top of the main menu.
- Next, select the “Workshop Maps” option if you are using a custom map. If not, click on “Practice” to select one of Counter-Strike’s official maps.
- Then, choose the map you are trying to play.
- Once completed, click the “Go” button on the bottom right to load into a game.
You must fully load into the server before your friend can begin loading, so it is normal for them to have to wait a few minutes.
Step 4: Enter CS:GO 1v1 Commands And Restart The Game
Once you are loaded into the server, the final step is optional, but will make your 1v1 experience infinitely better. There are a handful of console commands that are designed for practice purposes, such as 1v1s with your friends.
You can see an entire list of useful 1v1 CS:GO commands further down the article if you need references. Use your developer console to input these commands, and once you’re done, you must restart the game to apply the changes. You can restart the game by typing the “mp_restartgame 1” command.
Once the game is restarted, you should be good to go. Enjoy your 1v1 session and make sure to always aim for the head. Training your headshots is crucial to improving as a player.
Best 1v1 CS:GO Maps
Some players perform 1v1s using regular Counter-Strike maps such as Dust II or Inferno to simulate a real-game situation, but when people talk about “1v1s,” they are referring to aim maps.
Aim maps are specifically designed for 1v1 purposes. All of these maps will have boxes or other obstacles for players to play around. Usually, these structures create “headshot only” angles to help players improve their aim.
Some of the most popular 1v1 maps include:
- aim_map: One of the most classic 1v1 maps. It has been around since Counter-Strike 1.6 and remains as one of the best maps for rifle duels.
- aim_redline: Redline is another map for rifle 1v1s. It is a bright, indoor map with elevations and headshot angles.
- awp_india: The awp_india map is the perfect 1v1 map made for AWPs. It is a long-ranged map with many structures scattered around.
All of these maps can be found on the Steam Community Workshop, and are completely free to download!
All 1v1 CS:GO Commands List
It is necessary to use console commands for a seamless 1v1 experience, as the default round settings just don’t cut it.
Here is a table with the most useful CS:GO 1v1 commands you should use on your server. A config of all of these commands is included below!
| Command | Use |
| sv_cheats 1 | Enables cheat commands. |
| mp_freezetime 2 | Reduces the freeze time from 15 seconds to 2. |
| mp_free armor 1 | Gives every player on the server full armor every round. |
| mp_round_restart_delay 3 | Reduces the round start delay time from 7 seconds to 3. |
| mp_roundtime 60 | Changes the round time to 60 minutes instead of 1 minute and 55 seconds. |
| mp_overtime_enable 1 | Enables overtime in case the 1v1 is tied at 12-12 so a winner can be determined. |
| sv_infinite_ammo 2 | Gives players infinite ammunition in the weapon’s reserve magazine. |
| sv_alltalk 1 | Allows players from different teams to talk to each other using voice chat. |
| sv_deadtalk 1 | Allows alive players to hear dead players. |
| mp_warmup_end 1 | Ends the 5-minute warmup timer immediately. |
| mp_restartgame 1 | Restarts the game, applying all new commands and resetting the score to 0-0. Must be done for commands to work! |
We assure you all these commands are incredibly helpful, and should all be used on your 1v1 server. To make things easier, you can copy and paste all of the commands listed above using this 1v1 config:
| sv_cheats 1; mp_freezetime 2; mp_free_armor 1; mp_round_restart_delay 3; mp_roundtime 60; mp_overtime_enable 1; sv_infinite_ammo 2; sv_alltalk 1; sv_deadtalk 1; mp_warmup_end 1; mp_restartgame 1 |
Joining 1v1 Community Servers
If you do not have any friends online to 1v1, or you think they’re too easy for you, there are more fish in the sea. In Counter-Strike, there are dozens of community servers that are specifically hosted for players to play 1v1s.
To join a 1v1 community server, follow the steps below:
- Launch Counter-Strike and hit the “Play” button on the main menu.
- Next, click on the “Community Server Browser,” which appears as an icon of a globe.
- You will see a complete list of online community servers. Using the filtering tools, type the search tag “1v1” to shorten the list.
- Now, the displayed servers will be whittled down to 1v1 servers only. Select a server and join it.
- You might have to download a workshop map to join the server. This is done automatically, and you only need to wait a minute or two.
Make sure to check for the server’s latency, as this is what your ping will be once you join it. Look for a server that is near your geographical location so you won’t lag while playing 1v1s.
These 1v1 servers have built-in plugins that create a seamless dueling experience. If you’re up for a challenge, these servers are always open 24/7 and are typically free to join. Just make sure to check if there are any players on the server so you can find an opponent.