Prior to the release of the highly-awaited CSsuccessor, Valve had to up the ante and bring improvements on all fronts. This includes enhanced graphics, refined gunplay, improved sound, and numerous other major and minor changes. Switching to the Source 2 engine takes a toll on the computing requirements, and CS2 has disappointed many players with how poorly it ran on older systems. While it's not as demanding as Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, the game still requires a decent setup to run CS2 smoothly. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information regarding CS2 system requirements.
READ MORE: Why CS2 Skins Are So Expensive
CS2 Minimum System Requirements
Unfortunately, for many players with older setups, the minimum CS2 requirements are no longer as forgiving as they used to be for CS. All the visual effects, the new smoke particle system, and a plethora of other eye candy implementations make CS2 more demanding on your computer. The minimum specs are only applicable when playing at low settings and low resolution. One can hardly get the full CS2 experience playing on a minimum specs system, but it is still better than nothing. Here are the minimum CS2 system requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-750 / AMD FX-6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / Radeon RX 580
- Storage: 60 GB free space
CS2 Recommended System Requirements
The CS2 recommended specs indicate what system is needed to run the game properly without having to sacrifice too many graphics and resolution settings. This metric does not indicate the best computer you could possibly have, as you can have a CERN supercomputer running CS2 for all we care. The CS2 recommended system requirements are:
- OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / Radeon 5700 XT
- Storage: 60 GB free space
CS2 Linux system requirements (minimum)
- Memory:8 GB
- Graphics Card:NVIDIA GeForce GT 630
- CPU:Intel Core i5-750
- File Size:85 GB
- OS:Ubuntu 20.04
CS2 Download Size - How Many GB is Counter-Strike 2?
While Steam states that the necessary free disk space for CS2 is 85 GB, the actual game size is around 60 GB as of July 2024. Obviously, the necessary disk space will increase once new maps and content start rolling out, so it is recommended to have some spare storage space just in case.
Good PC for CS2 - Can My PC Run CS2?
To ensure smooth gameplay, you might want to invest in a good graphics card and a RAM kit if your PC is still running a single 8 GB stick. If you’re looking for a decent laptop, try something in the realm of the two to three latest gen Intel i7 CPUs and at least a 6 GB graphics card. Many laptops sold with a 3050 graphics card, a deceitfully good name, have only 4 GB memory, which is not enough for the most current games. Most recent Ryzen processors are also great for gaming, so getting a laptop with a recent Ryzen 7 might be a good idea.
Make sure that you optimize your PC by installing the latest firmware, upgrading RAM and SSD, disabling unnecessary applications and processes, removing bloatware, and performing overclocking if there’s an option.
READ MORE: How to Fix Stuttering & FPS Drops in CS2
Additional Tips
- Monitor Refresh Rate: Use your monitor's highest refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
- Graphics Settings: Adjust in-game graphics settings for optimal performance.
- Background Apps: Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources.
- Driver Updates: Keep your graphics drivers updated for the best performance.
Conclusion
In summary, CS2 requires a more modern setup compared to its predecessor, CS:GO. While it may be disappointing for players with older systems, the enhanced graphics and new features justify the higher system requirements. By ensuring your system meets or exceeds the recommended specifications, you can enjoy a smooth and immersive gaming experience in Counter-Strike 2.
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