Official Counter-Strike 2 PC Requirements (2025 Edition)

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is Valve’s next-generation tactical shooter, officially launched on September 27, 2023 as the successor to CS:GO. Even in 2025, players still ask: how old is Counter-Strike 2? because the game keeps evolving with Source 2 engine upgrades, new maps, improved tick-rate architecture, and constant balance updates.

But what is Counter-Strike 2 exactly? It’s a competitive, team-based FPS where two sides  Terrorists and Counter Terrorists clash in high-stakes rounds of bomb defusal, hostage rescue, and objective-based combat. Known for its skill ceiling, lightning fast reflexes, and esports legacy, CS2 has quickly become the most-played competitive shooter on Steam.

With high refresh rate monitors, advanced graphics options like Source 2 dynamic lighting and smoke physics, and community-made mods, the system requirements for CS2 in 2025 are more demanding than CS:GO ever was, especially if you’re wondering, can my PC run Counter-Strike 2 at 240 FPS?

🎮 How to Download and Play Counter-Strike 2 on PC

1. Download and install Steam from store.steampowered.com.
   
   
2. Search for Counter-Strike 2 and install the game (it’s free to play).
   
   
3. Launch CS2 and configure your video and performance settings (resolution, refresh rate, shadows, anti aliasing).
   
   
4. For competitive play, set your FPS cap above your monitor refresh rate (144Hz, 240Hz, or even 360Hz).

Is Counter-Strike 2 Still Being Updated?

Yes. Valve is constantly updating CS2 with:

• Source 2 engine optimizations for smoother frame pacing
  
  
• New maps and reworks (Dust II, Mirage, Inferno with Source 2 physics)
  
  
• Subtick system improvements for server accuracy
  
  
• Ongoing anti-cheat updates to keep the ranked ladder competitive
  
  

So is Counter-Strike 2 worth playing in 2025? Absolutely especially if you have a PC that can keep up with high refresh rates. CS2 is built to take advantage of modern CPUs and GPUs for buttery-smooth gameplay.

Counter-Strike 2 PC Requirements (2025)

Below are the realistic updated specs for playing CS2 in 2025, whether you’re a casual gamer or an aspiring esports competitor.

👉 If you want to dominate ranked play at max FPS, a current-gen CPU + GPU build like the VRLA Tech Helios Gaming PC (RTX 5080) or Phoenix RTX 5090 PC is recommended.

Can My PC Run Counter-Strike 2 (2025)?

To check:

• Compare your CPU, GPU, and RAM to the specs above
  
  
• For high refresh rate monitors (144Hz+), prioritize CPU single-core performance + GPU power
  
  
• Use FPS benchmarking tools or in-game console commands like cl_showfps 1
  
  

Examples:

• At 1080p / 144Hz, an RTX 5060 Ti or RX 9060 XT is plenty
  
  
• At 1440p / 240Hz, aim for an RTX 5070 Ti or RX 9070 XT
  
  
• At 4K Ultra, an RTX 5080 / 5090 is your best bet
  
  

Tips to Boost FPS in Counter-Strike 2

• Lower shadow quality and anti-aliasing
  
  
• Disable motion blur and ambient occlusion
  
  
• Use fullscreen exclusive mode
  
  
• Keep drivers + Windows updated
  
  
• Use a fast 144Hz+ G-SYNC/FreeSync monitor
  
  

Counter-Strike 2 PC FAQ (2025)

Q: Can CS2 run on older PCs?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to lower settings expect lower FPS below 100Hz.

Q: Does CS2 support ray tracing?
A: No, CS2 prioritizes FPS and latency. But the Source 2 engine supports advanced lighting and physics.

Q: Should I get a high refresh rate monitor for CS2?
A: Yes. If you’re competitive, 144Hz is the bare minimum. Many pros use 240Hz or 360Hz monitors.

Q: How big is Counter-Strike 2 on PC?
A: As of 2025, the install size is around 85 GB on SSD.

Ready to Upgrade for Counter-Strike 2?

If you want the ultimate CS2 performance:

• Build your own custom PC with Intel or AMD CPUs + NVIDIA / AMD GPUs
  
  
• Choose prebuilt performance rigs like:
  
  
  • Apollo Gaming PC RTX 5060 budget friendly
    
    
  • Centaur RTX 5070 TI Gaming PC esports performance
    
    
  • Premium RTX 5090 PC max FPS for pro players
    
    

All VRLA Tech PCs come with a 2-Year Warranty + Lifetime Support, built and shipped from Los Angeles.