CS2 Console Commands: Full List & How to Use

Counter-Strike 2 console commands let you change crosshairs, bind keys, tweak practice settings, and fix performance issues by typing text commands instead of clicking menus. This article explains how to open the console, lists the most useful commands, and shows you exactly what each one does.

What Is the CS2 Console?

The developer console is a built-in text interface that accepts commands directly from the game engine. It has existed in every Source-engine game, and CS2 runs on a heavily modified version of Source 2. The console lets you do things the settings menu does not expose, such as setting your maximum acceptable ping, binding a key to jump-throw, or disabling the in-game music. It is also the only way to run practice commands like sv_infinite_ammo or bot_kick.

How to Enable and Open the Console

The console is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → Game → Enable Developer Console and choose Yes. Then press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard, usually located below the Esc key. If you use a non-US keyboard layout, the key might be different; you can bind it with bind F12 toggleconsole once the console is open.

Essential CS2 Console Commands

Here are the commands players actually use, grouped by purpose. All commands work in the main menu, in a match, or in a practice lobby unless noted.

Crosshair Commands

cl_crosshaircolor 1 – sets crosshair color (0=green, 1=yellow, 2=blue, 3=cyan, 4=pink).
cl_crosshairsize 2.5 – changes crosshair length.
cl_crosshairthickness 1 – changes crosshair line thickness.
cl_crosshairgap -2 – adjusts the gap between the center lines.
cl_crosshairstyle 4 – changes style (0=default, 1=classic static, 2=classic dynamic, 3=classic, 4=classic static).

Practice and Bot Commands

bot_add – adds a bot to the current game.
bot_kick – removes all bots.
bot_stop 1 – makes bots freeze in place (useful for aim practice).
sv_infinite_ammo 1 – gives infinite ammo (no reload).
sv_cheats 1 – enables cheat commands like noclip and god.
noclip – fly through the map (requires sv_cheats 1).

Performance and Network Commands

fps_max 400 – caps your frame rate (0 means uncapped).
cl_showfps 1 – displays FPS and other stats on screen.
net_graph 1 – shows network stats like ping, loss, and choke.
cl_updaterate 128 – sets how many updates per second you receive (server may override).
cl_interp 0 – sets interpolation amount (advanced, usually leave default).

Key Binding Commands

bind "MOUSE4" "+jumpthrow" – binds a jump-throw to mouse button 4 (requires alias).
bind "F" "+use" – binds the F key to use (default is E).
unbind "F" – removes a binding.
bind "KP_1" "buy awp" – binds the keypad 1 to buy an AWP.

How to Use the Console Correctly

Type a command and press Enter. If the command has a value, include it after a space (e.g., fps_max 300). Commands are not case-sensitive. To see a list of all commands or find one you forgot, type help followed by a keyword, like help crosshair. You can also use the Tab key to autocomplete commands.

Creating a Config File for Persistent Settings

Commands you type in the console only last for the current session. To make them permanent, create a autoexec.cfg file in your CS2 config folder (usually Steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike Global Offensive/game/csgo/cfg). Put each command on a new line. The game reads this file every time it starts. You can also create separate configs for different purposes (e.g., practice.cfg) and load them with exec practice.

Common Problems and Fixes

Console won’t open – Make sure you enabled it in settings and that the key is correct. Try binding a different key.
Command says “Unknown command” – You may have a typo, or the command requires sv_cheats 1 to be enabled (only in private matches).
Commands don’t work in matchmaking – Many commands are disabled by the server for fairness (e.g., noclip).
Config file not loading – Check the file name and location. It must be exactly autoexec.cfg in the correct folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the command to see FPS in CS2?

Use cl_showfps 1 to display FPS in the top-left corner. To hide it, use cl_showfps 0.

Can I use console commands in competitive matchmaking?

Most commands are blocked in official matchmaking to prevent cheating. You can use them in private lobbies with cheats enabled, or in offline practice with bots.

How do I make a jump-throw bind?

Create an alias in your config: alias +jumpthrow "+jump;-attack" and alias -jumpthrow "-jump;-attack", then bind a key to +jumpthrow. This throws grenades consistently.

What does sv_cheats 1 do?

It enables cheat commands like noclip, god, and sv_infinite_ammo. It only works in offline or private matches with cheats enabled.

Why does my crosshair command not work?

Make sure you are using the correct command name and that you have typed the value correctly. Some crosshair commands require you to be in a match, not the main menu.

How do I reset all console commands to default?

Type unbindall to remove all key bindings (be careful), or restart the game to reset most settings. For a full reset, delete your config.cfg file (back it up first).

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