Counter Strike 2 has introduced many changes to the game. The biggest changes so far were related to the in-game graphics, giving the old CS:GO a complete overhaul. Source 2 is a much more powerful engine, allowing gamers to use many different CS2 graphics settings and features unavailable to the old Source engine.
Sadly, with the graphics update came higher CS2 system requirements for the new version of the game. After the game was released, many players reported a number of issues with graphics, connection, and game performance. Thankfully, many of these issues can be fixed easily with a couple of clicks.
If you’re struggling with stuttering issues in Counter Strike 2 then this guide is for you! Here’s how to fix stuttering in CS2 and get a smoother experience in the new version of the game!
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What Causes CS2 Stuttering Issues?
There are many problems, which can result in stuttering issues in-game. Most of them are related to your graphics settings, although in some cases CS2 stuttering issues can be caused by issues with the internet connection. CS2 has also introduced many advanced features that were not available in Counter Strike: Global Offensive, but which can also cause FPS problems and stuttering issues on lower-end specs running the game.
Before you attempt any of the fixes on this list, make sure to check out CS2 system requirements. Chances are that with the graphics updates added in Counter Strike 2 your PC can no longer run the game on lower settings. If your PC is below the minimal requirements, you’ll most likely encounter stuttering in CS2 until you upgrade your hardware. You can still try any of the solutions on this list, but bear in mind that they might not help you with CS2 stuttering.
How To Fix Stuttering Issues In CS2?
As we have previously mentioned, there might be a couple of different reasons why your game is stuttering. If any of the fixes listed here doesn’t work, you can try out others, until you eventually get a smoother experience in CS2. Here are some things you can try to fix stuttering in Counter Strike 2:
Verify Game Files
If any online game on Steam is giving you issues, your first step should always be to verify the game files. The process shouldn’t take too long, and can help you reset graphic settings or fix some broken files which might have been causing the stuttering and ruining your in-game experience. Verifying your game files is very simple
- Open your Steam library and find Counter Strike 2
- Right click on CS2 and select ‘properties’
- Click on the ‘installed files’ tab
- Select ‘verify the integrity of game files’
The process can take a while depending on your internet connection, since the game client will have to re-download all the game files again. In some cases, this simple fix can help with CS2 stuttering issues without requiring a lot of effort on your side.
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Change The Graphics Settings
Everyone wants to play CS2 on the highest graphics settings possible and enjoy all of the new options introduced to the game. Sadly, Source 2 requires a much more powerful set up to run on high graphics settings, and even if you could run CS:GO at smooth 30 FPS, Counter Strike 2 might be a different story. If you’re experiencing stuttering and low FPS, you might have to play CS2 without the new graphical improvements introduced to the game.
When you start the game, CS2 should detect what hardware you’re using and automatically select the best graphical settings for the smoothest gameplay experience. However, sometimes even those graphics settings can be too much for your hardware. If you experience stuttering in CS2, try playing on lower video settings and see if this helps with your game.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
If your PC meets CS2 requirements but you still experience stuttering and low FPS count, outdated graphics card drivers are the most likely culprit in this scenario. If you haven’t updated your drivers in a long while, head over to your card’s producer website where you should find newer drivers for free.
However, in some cases, new drivers can actually cause bugs and technical issues while gaming. If you suspect that the newer version of your drivers could be causing these problems, try rolling back to a previous version and see if this fixes CS2 stuttering.
Disable Fullscreen Mode
If your computer is struggling with running CS2 with smooth performance, disabling fullscreen mode can help you improve game performance. In order to run the game smoothly in fullscreen mode, you’ll need a slightly stronger setup. If you’re experiencing stuttering and lag issues, go to video settings in-game and try running CS2 in borderless windowed mode. With this option enabled, you game should look virtually the same, but you might have better performance as well.
Check Your Internet Connection
Wired connections are definitely the way to go if you want to play an action-packed game like Counter Strike 2, but not everyone has that privilege. If you’re playing on a wireless connection, you might have high ping, which in turn can lead to lag issues and stuttering in-game. If this is the case, try resetting your internet connection and unplugging your router. Also, be sure to check out our guide on how to check ping in CS2.
In Conclusion
Here are some of the easiest fixes you can get for your CS2 stuttering issue. If none of these helped you, be sure to check if CS2 servers are down, or if there might be any connection issues on the games side. Also, be aware that CS2 is still in its early stages, and there can be many issues that will be fixed in the future, so if you’re struggling with choppy gameplay, you can expect Valve to release a fix in the nearest future. Also, if you liked this guide, be sure to check out the rest of our website, where you can find more tutorials, top lists and even score some free CS2 (CS:GO) skins!
A true gaming enthusiast, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rust. At SkinsMonkey, he is involved in creating game guides based on his own experience.