How to Fix Stuttering & FPS Drops in CS2

With the launch of Counter-Strike 2, many players have been experiencing low performance (FPS), lag issues, in-game stutters, and other issues. In this guide, we show you how to fix low FPS and stuttering issues in CS2. We have also discussed a few fixes for high ping and lag in CS2. So without further delay, here are some solutions to fix low FPS, lag, stuttering, and optimize your Counter-Strike 2 experience on Windows.

Use the Right Graphics Settings

First, you need to locate the CS2.exe file. You can easily find it by going to your Steam library, right-clicking on Counter-Strike 2, and then going to properties. Here, go to Installed Files and then click on Browse. You will find yourself in the CS2 installation folder, so note down where it exists.

Click on the Windows Start menu. Then, search for ‘Display Settings‘ and open it when the suggested result shows up.
Inside the Display Settings, scroll down to find the ‘Graphics‘ section and click on it.
Under “Custom options for apps,” click the Browse button to add the CS2 executable.
Navigate to the Counter-Strike 2 installation directory shown in the first step.
When you are in the CS2 game’s files, navigate to “game\bin\win64” here. Under this folder, you will find CS2.exe so click on it and then click on Add.
Click on Options next to CS2.exe and then set the GPU (graphics card) to High Performance. Remember to click ‘Save’ when you are done.

Set CS2.exe to High Priority in Task Manager

Launch Counter-Strike 2 from Steam. Once CS2.exe is running, go to the desktop.
Right-click on the taskbar and click on Task Manager to open it.
Next, go to the Details tab and look for CS2.exe in the list.
When you find CS2.exe, right-click on the app. Then, click on Priority and set CS2.exe to High priority.

Set Maximum Matchmaking Ping

Launch the game and click the cog icon at the top left to open CS2 settings.
Go to the Game settings and adjust the slider for ‘Max Acceptable Matchmaking Ping‘ to 100. If you can’t find CS2 matches under 100 ping, adjust the slider in increments of 50.
Ensure you are playing on a good network and consider wired internet if you still have ping spikes in Counter-Strike 2.

Close Background Apps & Minimize Startup Apps

Open the Task Manager and go to Startup apps. Here, disable the ones you don’t need while playing CS2. Restart your PC when done.
In the Task Manager, close all unnecessary processes and apps that can interfere with the game.

Turn off Nvidia Reflex in CS2

Nvidia Reflex is a good input-lag reducing technology available in CS2’s graphics settings. However, many have had issues using Nvidia Reflex, so try disabling it in the CS2 graphics settings to extract more FPS.

Turn on AMD FSR in CS2

AMD FidelityFX (FSR) Super Resolution can be used to boost FPS and extract better performance in Counter-Strike 2. Head to Video settings and set “FidelityFX Super Resolution” to Ultra Quality. To further increase FPS, you can try using other presets such as Performance or Balanced.

Use the Best CS2 Graphics Settings

Using the right Counter-Strike 2 graphics settings is important to get the maximum FPS in-game. Optimize it accordingly with the best settings guide for CS2. Remember to change AMD FSR to Ultra Quality or Balanced, based on your FPS numbers in CS2.

Use Custom Nvidia Control Panel Settings

Right-click on your desktop and click on Show more options. Then, select Nvidia Control Panel.
Navigate to Manage 3D Settings. Then, click on Program Settings.
Click on Add and then click on Browse. Then, navigate to the CS2.exe to add it to the Nvidia Control Panel.
Use the suggested Nvidia Control Panel settings for Counter-Strike 2 to potentially get higher frames.

Check CPU/GPU Temperatures & Fix If Needed

Download HWInfo and then open the app. Open Counter-Strike 2 and play the game for 15+ minutes. Press Alt+Tab to switch to the desktop and look at the temperature info for your CPU & GPU in HWInfo. If this is around 90-95 degrees Celsius, you might be experiencing throttling.

If so, clean your PC’s internals (cooling fans) and consider replacing the thermal paste if needed. Once your temperatures are back to normal, your CPU and GPU will perform at their potential again. Counter-Strike 2 will run with fewer stutters and higher FPS.

Check Gaming Laptop MUX Switch

Many gaming laptops come with a MUX switch. Using this, you can switch your laptop display to run either on the integrated graphics or the dedicated GPU. Ensure you are running on the dedicated graphics when playing CS2 for the best FPS.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your Counter-Strike 2 experience by reducing stuttering, increasing FPS, and optimizing overall game performance. Enjoy your smoother and more responsive gameplay!