How To Find CS2/CS:GO Config Files

Inserting various commands in the CS:GO console to customize your gameplay can quickly turn around a match in your favor. While it’s quite a convenience to make such changes, you will end up abruptly disappointed the moment you exit the game and boot it up again. To your dismay, you will realize that all your custom configurations have been reverted back to the default ones
1

Introduction

In order to avoid this, players usually resort to making modifications directly in the config files, and so should you. This way, any commands that you enter will remain in effect, regardless of how many times you re-launch the game. You can even store the config files on a drive and safely install them on any other device you are playing from.

Let us help you figure out the CS:GO config location on your PC and effectively optimize your gameplay to your likings.

2

What Are CS:GO Config Files?

Config is referred to as one or multiple files containing all playable CS:GO parameters such as crosshair settings, video parameters, grenade binds, and so on. They are used to store a number of commands and variables that ultimately affect the way the game appears and runs, offering a tailored experience. 

In fact, every serious CS:GO player maintains their own custom configuration, which is then used in a personal and public environment, such as training sessions and tournaments. Imagine how tedious the process would be if pro players were to edit the config files or run dozens of commands through the console every time they’re introduced to a new machine.

That said, you might be wondering where are CS:GO settings saved and how you can add your own configurations.

CS:GO Config Files Location

A config usually takes shape as an autoexec.cfg file, although can be accessed using a basic text editor such as Notepad, for editing and custom configurations. Considering that CS:GO is now CS2 and depending on which operating system you’re using, these are the locations where you can find your config files: 

 

    • Windows: C:\\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg\
    • Linux: ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike Global Offensive/csgo/cfg/
  • macOS: Unfortunately CS:GO is not playable on any macOS devices. 

 

3

Creating & Setting Up Your Own CS:GO Config Files

If you managed to make your way around the locations but there seems to be no autoexec.cfg file in there, it’s back to googling terms such as ‘CS:GO where is config file’ or ‘CS:GO where to find config.’ Unfortunately, searches like that will just make you spin in circles. 

 

If you can’t locate the file, it probably means that one hasn’t been created, and the game is running under the default configurations set by Valve. In that case, you would need to create a new one from scratch or find one suitable for you online. Let’s have a look at the steps necessary to create your own config files. 

Creating an Autoexec.cfg File 

Once you’ve successfully figured out where is CS:GO config file, the process of creating a brand new .cfg file should be a walk in the park. All you need to do is create a new text file within the folder and name it autoexec.cfg. 

 

You can then open the text file with the Notepad or any other editable text app and add your various configuration commands. Given that your file name ends with .cfg, your PC will interpret it as a configuration file and make the changes live as soon as you save them and launch the game. 

Adding Your Configuration Commands 

Now that you have created your own autoexec.cfg file, you can go ahead and start adding some of your own configuration commands to personalize your gameplay. Keep in mind that each command you write should be placed in a separate line, and followed by two slashes and a comment, explaining what the command does. 

 

For example, after writing a command for configuring your mouse sensitivity, it should be followed by – // This command sets the mouse sensitivity to 2. 

Popular Commands

The sheer amount of commands that are available in CS:GO is nearly limitless. Your configurations can be customized exactly how you want them to the dot. While it would be impossible to cover all of them, here are some player favorites that you might want to consider inserting into your newly created autoexec.cfg file: 

  • cl_crosshaircolor: Allowing you to set the color of your crosshair. The command cl_crosshaircolor 1 will make it green and cl_crosshaircolor “255 0 0” will make it red. 
  • cl_crosshairsize: Want a bigger or a smaller crosshair size? This command will make it happen. For instance, insert the command cl_crosshair size 3 and launch the game to see it in action. After that, you can tweak it to your liking. 
  • cl_radar_scale: Setting the scale of your radar. In order to boost your map awareness, a popular choice is the command cl_radar_scale 0.8. 
  • cl_showfps: Entering this command in your autoexec.cfg file will enable a live overview of your FPS (Frames Per Second) in the right corner of your screen. Use the command cl_showfps 1 for a simple, but effective display. 
  • volume: Used to adjust the in-game volume, ranging from 0 to 1. The command volume 0 will mute your game, and the command volume 1 will make it as loud as it can get. 

Saving Your Configuration Settings

The process of saving your configurations is simple. Just click save and exit and the newly-created autoexec.cfg file will be processed. CS:GO will automatically execute all of your configuration commands every time you launch the game. 

If you want to ensure that your custom configurations are indeed live, open up the console by tapping the tilde (~) key and run the autoexec.cfg command to reload the config.

4

Downloading CS:GO Config Files

If you want to have your game configured the same way the pros do, the process is even simpler than creating an autoexec.cfg file of your own. Just do a quick search of your favorite CS:GO player followed by the term – cfg file, and you should find one to install on your machine immediately. 

Extract the downloaded autoexec.cfg file to your configuration folder and voila, you’re playing with your favorite player’s configurations now. May the pro player configs bestow numerous one-taps to your competitive matches.