CS2 will not launch: what to do
Step-by-step fixes if CS2 does not start, closes immediately or hangs while loading: file check, drivers, launch options and settings reset.
If CS2 does not open, closes without an error or hangs on a black screen, go through the steps below in order.
🔧 1. Verify game files
Steam → right-click CS2 → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files. This fixes files damaged during updates.
📌 2. Remove launch options
Steam → right-click CS2 → Properties → General → Launch Options. Delete everything and try starting the game. Old CS:GO options can prevent it from launching.
🖥️ 3. Graphics driver
Install the latest driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. If problems continue, do a clean install.
🎨 4. Reset graphics settings
Delete cs2_video.txt from:
Steam\userdata\YOUR_ID\730\local\cfg
The game will recreate it with default settings on the next launch.
🧩 5. System components
Install all Windows updates.
Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x64) from Microsoft's website.
🛡️ 6. Third-party software
Close overlays (Discord, MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner) and overclocking tools.
Add the CS2 folder to your antivirus exclusions.
🎯 7. Vulkan
If the game crashes on DirectX, try this launch option:
-vulkan
⚠️ If nothing helped
Uninstall the game, delete the leftover Counter-Strike Global Offensive folder and reinstall CS2. Back up your config first.