FPS (frames per second) is the measurement of how many frames a game renders in a second. A low frame rate causes jerky and unresponsive gameplay in Counter-Strike 2 and other Windows PC games. Optimizing CS2 for a higher frame rate will enhance its overall gameplay performance. You can see what your CS2 FPS rate is by running a benchmark test that shows an average frame-per-second figure. This is how you can run a CS2 FPS benchmark test with two tools available in Counter-Strike 2’s Maps Workshop.
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Run the FPS Heaven Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark
The FPS Heaven Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark tool tests the frame rate by running an action sequence from the Dust 2 map for a few minutes. It then shows you FPS results within the CS2’s developer console. This is how you can run a CS2 FPS benchmark test with that map tool:
- First, note that the developer console must be enabled for you to view FPS benchmark results. Our CS2 commands guide tells you how players can enable the developer console in Counter-Strike 2.
The Enable Developer Console option
- Open this Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark page.
- Click Subscribe to add the Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark tool to your CS2 game.
- Start Counter-Strike 2, and click Play > Workshop Maps.
The Workshop Maps tab
- Select the Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark map tool and click Go to run the frame rate test.
The Counter-Strike 2 Benchmark FPS test
Now you’ll be treated to an explosive Dust 2 action sequence that includes terrorist vs counter-terrorist blasting action, grenade smokes, and explosions galore. Wait a few minutes for this action sequence to finish. When the action sequence is over, the developer console will automatically open and show the CS2 FPS benchmark test results, as in the snapshot below.
The results for the FPS Heaven Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark test
The important figure in the CS2 FPS benchmark test is FPS: Avg=. That figure is the average frames per second figure recorded during the entire graphical test. For example, my Counter-Strike 2 game had an average frame rate of FPS: Avg=109.7.
You’ll notice a P1= value alongside the FPS: Avg figure. This figure tells you what the lowest FPS point was during the benchmark test. The P1 figure for my Counter-Strike 2 game with this benchmark test tool was P1=60.6.
The author of this tool says its results should only be compared against itself because the benchmark test is limited to a short action sequence rather than a full-length match. You can compare your FPS benchmark results with those posted in the comments on the Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark workshop page. One player who needs to optimize his CS2 frame rate reported average FPS and P1 values as low as 24.5 and 4.2.
The comments on the Counter-Strike 2 FPS Benchmark workshop page
Run the CS2 FPS Benchmark Map
The CS2 FPS Benchmark map is an alternative tool for more rigorous testing of frame rate performance in Counter-Strike 2. This tool gives you more testing control since you can move and shoot throughout match rounds. However, it does not simulate actual competitive matches.
You can add that benchmark utility to Counter-Strike 2 by clicking Subscribe on its workshop page. To run the CS2 FPS Benchmark map tool, select it within the Play > Workshop Map tab and select Go. Select Competitive and wait for the map to start.
Running the CS2 FPS Benchmark map places you in a room filled with water and what appears to be a large pile of suitcases, some stacked on top of each other. To test your CS2 FPS, buy a pistol as you would for a standard Counter-Strike 2 match. Then, start moving and shooting at the suitcases around the map to generate some action until the round timer expires.
The CS2 FPS Benchmark Test map room
When the round is over, select to exit the map. Press the ` key to view the CS2 FPS Benchmark test results within the developer console. Scroll down the console until you see the results (with white text) shown in the screenshot below.
The results for the CS2 FPS Benchmark test
The CS2 FPS Benchmark tool’s results include the same FPS: Avg and P1 frame rate measurements. However, those will likely be lower figures for this more rigorous benchmark testing. For example, my Counter-Strike 2 game had an FPS: Avg=44.6 figure for this benchmark test, which was somewhat lower than the 109.7 average recorded by the FPS Heaven map tool.
Tips for Increasing Your Average FPS
Counter-Strike 2’s gameplay performance will probably be poor on your PC if your game has an average FPS lower than 30 for one of the above benchmark tests. The most surefire way to increase your average CS2 FPS rate is to lower Counter-Strike 2’s general graphical settings. Select a lower Current Video Values Preset option in the Video > Advanced Video tab and run one of the frame rate benchmark tests again to see the difference.
The Enable Developer Console setting
Try closing background apps and programs before playing Counter-Strike 2 to free up system resources for the game. Right-click any empty part of the Windows taskbar to select Task Manager. You can close programs by selecting them on the Processes tab and clicking End task.
Alternatively, utilize game booster software that automatically disables background apps and services. For example, the Razer Cortex program includes a Boost Now gaming optimization option that disables services and processes and applies other special optimizations. Our Game Booster article tells you about some of the best gaming optimization software for Windows PCs.
A higher average frame rate is of the utmost importance for smoother, more responsive Counter-Strike 2 gameplay. Running the CS2 FPS benchmark tests as outlined above will give you invaluable insight into your Counter-Strike 2 game’s average frame rate performance. You can then try applying gaming optimization methods on your PC to see what difference they make with the benchmark tools.
