Can I Run Counter-Strike 2?
2023 · Shooter · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
Counter-Strike 2 system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | 4 hardware CPU threads - Intel Core i5 750 or higher | Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or better |
| Graphics (GPU) | Video card must be 1 GB or more and should be a DirectX 11-compatible (GTX 660) | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB / AMD RX 580 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Video memory | 1 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 85 GB | 85 GB |
Source: published system requirements
Counter-Strike 2 FPS benchmarks (estimated)
Estimated frame rates
| GPU tier | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| EntryGTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT | 55-70 | 40-50 | 25-30 |
| MainstreamRTX 4060 / RX 7600 | 130-165 | 90-115 | 55-70 |
| High-endRTX 4070 Super / RX 7800 XT | 220-285 | 150-190 | 95-120 |
| EnthusiastRTX 4080 Super / RX 7900 XTX | 300+ | 205-260 | 125-160 |
FPS figures are estimates derived from the published minimum and recommended requirements at high settings, not measured benchmarks. Real-world results vary with CPU, RAM, drivers and in-game options.
Steam Deck & laptop compatibility
Counter-Strike 2 ships a native Linux build and launches without Proton on the Deck. Casual play is smooth, but competitive players will notice the frame rate cannot match a desktop's high refresh output.
For Counter-Strike 2, a gaming laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop GPU should achieve 60 frames per second at 1080p. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop GPU represents the minimum for playable settings. Laptop GPUs typically perform slower than their desktop equivalents.
Counter-Strike 2 carries famously light official requirements, listed by Valve as four hardware CPU threads, an Intel Core i5 750 or higher, 8 GB of RAM, and a DirectX 11 graphics card with at least 1 GB of VRAM such as a GTX 660. Those figures let almost any modern machine launch the game and reach playable frame rates at lower settings and 1080p. The Source 2 engine, sub-tick networking, and reworked smoke effects do add overhead compared with the old CS:GO, so older integrated graphics may struggle to stay consistently above 60 fps.
There is a clear difference between simply running Counter-Strike 2 and competing in it. The game is built around fast reactions, and serious players target 144, 240, or even 360 fps to match high-refresh monitors. Reaching those numbers reliably calls for a modern six-core CPU like a Ryzen 5 3600 or Core i5-9600K paired with a GTX 1060-class GPU or better, with stronger cards needed for 240 fps and above. CPU single-thread speed matters most for frame rate, so a faster processor often helps competitive play more than a bigger graphics card.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run Counter-Strike 2 on a low-end PC?
Yes. The official minimum is just 8 GB of RAM, a 4-thread CPU like an Intel Core i5 750, and a 1 GB DirectX 11 card such as a GTX 660, so most machines from the last decade can launch and play it at lower settings.
What do I need for 144 fps in Counter-Strike 2?
For steady high-refresh competitive play, a modern six-core CPU such as a Ryzen 5 3600 or Core i5-9600K with a GTX 1060 6GB or RX 580 class GPU is a sensible target. Even faster CPUs and GPUs help push toward 240 fps and beyond.
How much storage does Counter-Strike 2 need?
Counter-Strike 2 requires roughly 85 GB of available drive space. An SSD is strongly recommended for faster map loading and smoother texture streaming.