How To Play CS2/CS:GO On Your Phone

Let us officially open the theme of how to play CS:GO on a phone and guide you to enjoying the maps wherever you are. We will show you all the advantages and possibilities of gaming on your phone, even though many surveys may tell us this is a typical desktop game.

Let’s walk these steps together to prepare you for another memorable adventure, entering into another world of CS:GO.

What Things You Need to Play CS:GO on Your Mobile

First, you need a stable internet connection using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Yes, you’ll still need your PC. You also need a streaming app like Steam Link or Moonlight. For a more straightforward setup, the recommendation is most often to use an Android phone.

If you are new to mobile gaming, we assume you now have the question: why do I still need my PC if I play on mobile? So, think of your PC as the heavy lifter in this setup. It’s the one doing all the hard work of running CS:GO, handling all the graphics, processing, and whatnot. 

Your phone, on the other hand, is like a window to all that action. This way, you can enjoy the full CS:GO experience without your phone struggling to keep up.

Initial Preparations

Never skip the order. It’s crucial to learn how to play CS:GO on your Android phone following the appropriate hierarchy. Here’s how to get the things you need and begin the process:

Steam Link

Head to the Google Play Store and download Steam Link. Open the Steam Link and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your PC. For a better experience, connect a Bluetooth controller to your phone.

Moonlight

You can also download the Moonlight application from the Google Play Store and follow the setup guide to connect it to your PC. You must install GeForce Experience on your PC if you’re using an NVIDIA GPU.

Think of GeForce Experience as your gaming buddy for NVIDIA graphics cards. It’s fantastic software that optimizes your game settings, keeps your drivers up-to-date, and lets you grab and share gameplay.

You are one step closer to knowing how to play CS:GO on your Android phone. So, let’s prepare your PC for streaming. Remember the heavy lifter example? Your PC will perform the leading operations while your phone is the display and controller. Do the following:

1. Run the Steam on your PC
2. Navigate to Steam, Settings, and Remote Play
3. Checkmark the box to enable Remote Play
4. Install GeForce and run it on your computer
5. Click on the Settings icon
6. Turn on the GameStream option

If everything is ok until this moment, you should already feel excited because you’re launching the game on your phone. Regardless of whether you use a Steam Link or Moonlight, here’s how easy it should go:

• Via Steam Link: Open the Steam Link on your phone. On the other hand, keep your PC running and Steam open. Select your PC from the list of available devices to connect.  Click “Start Playing” to play your Steam library on your phone. Go to Steam Library and launch CS:GO.
• Via Moonlight: Open the Moonlight app on your phone and confirm that GeForce is running on your PC. Again, choose your PC from the list of available devices. Click on CS:GO to start streaming the game. 

Now, you know how to play CS:GO on a phone setting up the environment. Steam Link is easier to set up and use, especially if you are familiar with the Steam functions. With Moonlight, you’ll have better streaming quality and lower latency, making it a better choice for competitive gaming.

There are many arguments about whether playing CS:GO on your mobile phone is good or not. We can go to infinity and beyond measuring the pros and the cons, but the things we are sure that bring you benefits are these:

• Flexibility: You can play on the go, during breaks, or whenever you have free time.
• Convenience: Playing on mobile has easy access. With just a few navigations, you are right into the game.
• Quick Gaming: Your mobile phone is a gate to short, casual gaming sessions. Whenever you wish to fire some bullets, touch your pockets.
• Less Space: Mobile gaming is an excellent solution, especially if you don’t have enough space or want to isolate yourself from others

Take CS:GO Everywhere

Now that you know how to play CS:GO on a phone, you can enjoy your favorite map anywhere you go. Because mobile gaming has some downsides, consider using outside help to compensate for the shortcomings.

Use a controller for more accuracy, and optimize your network for the best streaming quality. Ensure that your phone and PC share the same Wi-Fi network. To escape lag problems, we recommend connecting to a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection.

Read our other article: Can you play CS2/CSGO in VR?