How to Cap FPS in CS2/CSGO

In this guide, we’ll lead you through the process of how to limit fps in CS:GO, as well as how to remove the fps limit. We’ll also explore the advantages and disadvantages of capping and uncapping the FPS and even how to maximize your FPS if that is what you prefer.

FPS or Frames Per Second, is the built-in feature in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2 that determines how smooth your gameplay will be. The higher the FPS count in your game, the smoother your movements, shooting, and communication with your fellow players will be.

You don’t want to find yourself in a one-on-one, Wild West-style duel with an opponent only for your screen to freeze and for the opponent to kill you in-game. So, while you can’t always make sure that your game is running in ideal conditions, you can ensure that you have full control over your in-game FPS.

Counter-Strike, both CS:GO and CS2, is a game that allows you to adjust every single element of the game to your specific preference. While many games choose to keep the FPS settings as they are by default, experienced Counter-Strike players will tell you that learning how to cap fps CS:GO and CS2 can affect your outcomes significantly. 

Opting for capped frames per second in your game gives you a much higher degree of control over this feature and provides a steadier experience. Leaving the FPS uncapped means that this number will go as high as possible, but it also means that the game can start lagging as your computer hardware keeps the FPS up.

Each Counter-Strike player has his own perception of what makes the game smoother or, more specifically, what gives him an edge over the other competitors. That being said, with the game design being what it is, you just need to ensure that your FPS is anywhere between 60 FPS and 90 FPS to get gameplay with absolutely no issues.

Here is how to cap fps in CS:GO in a few simple steps:

1. Access the Game tab in Settings and set Enable Developer Console to ‘Yes’
2. Open the command console by clicking on the ‘~’ button in-game
3. Type in or paste this exact command: fps_max YOUR_DESIRED_FPS_VALUE
4. Replace the ‘YOUR_DESIRED_FPS_VALUE’ part of the command with the number you have in mind
5. Press the ‘Enter’ button

If you have a computer with top-tier hardware, software, and internet you can fully rely on, then uncapping the FPS when playing Counter-Strike can help you get the optimal experience. Uncapped frames per second can go up to 500 frames per second with a frame time rate (MS) of 2.00, giving you a much quicker response time. Here is how to uncap fps in CS:GO and CS2:

1. Click on the ‘~’ button and open the command console 
2. Input the following command into the console: fps_max YOUR_DESIRED_FPS_VALUE
3. Delete the ‘YOUR_DESIRED_FPS_VALUE’ section and type in the number ‘0’
4. Confirm the adjustment by pressing the ‘Enter’ key

Pros and Cons of Uncapping the FPS

Uncapping the frames per second will provide you with the most ideal graphics and immersive gameplay you can experience playing Counter-Strike, but only if you get high FPS at all times. Before you make a decision about whether to remove the maximum limit on your frames per second in CS:GO/CS2, you should know what the benefits and drawbacks are.

Pros

• The best possible frame rate 
• Much quicker reaction time in-game
• The gameplay is more immersive
• Counter-strike is optimized for higher in-game FPS, so you’re playing it as it is meant to be played

Cons

• Uncapped frames per second can fluctuate and drop suddenly, causing glitching and freezing
• Higher energy consumption

Counter-Strike 2 may be relatively new in the gaming world, but Counter-Strike as a franchise certainly isn’t. There are players with decades of experience playing this game who have tested out every possible variation of settings in order to achieve the optimal gaming experience.

If you want to get the smoothest and most immersive gameplay possible with maximum FPS, here are the settings that you need to use in Counter-Strike 2:

• Boost Players Contrast: Enabled
• Wait for Vertical Sync: Disabled
• Current Video Values Preset: Custom
• Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode: 4X MSAA
• Global Shadow Quality: Low
• Model/Texture Detail: Low
• Shader Detail: Low
• Particle Detail: Low
• Ambient Occlusion: Disabled
• High Dynamic Range: Performance
• FidelityFX Super Resolution: Disabled (Highest Quality)

That being said, you also need to adjust the PC settings, regardless of whether you play CS:GO or CS2, to the following:

• Color Mode – Computer Monitor
• Brightness  – 100%
• Aspect Ratio  – 16:9
• Resolution – 1920×1080
• Display Mode – Full screen
• Refresh Rate – Highest possible 
• Boost Player Contrast  – Enabled
• Wait For Vertical Sync – Disabled
• Current Video Values Preset – Custom
• Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode – 4X MSAA
• Global Shadow Quality – High
• Model / Texture Detail – Medium
• Texture Filtering Mode – Bilinear 
• Shader Detail – High 
• Particle Detail – Low
• Ambient Occlusion – Medium
• High Dynamic Range – Quality
• FidelityFX Super Resolution – Disabled

NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency – Enabled

No one else can give you an answer to the question CS2 should I cap fps, mostly because no one knows your personal preferences. While each of these options has its pros and cons, you should make a decision based on the quality of your PC hardware, as well as your expectations from the game.