How to reduce input lag in CS2
Why CS2 can feel delayed and how to reduce it: NVIDIA Reflex, fps_max, display mode and mouse polling rate.
Input lag is the delay between moving your mouse and seeing it on screen. If your crosshair seems to "float" behind your mouse, the cause is almost always your settings.
🔧 In-game settings
NVIDIA Reflex: "Enabled" or "Enabled + Boost" (NVIDIA).
On AMD GPUs, enable AMD Anti-Lag 2 in the CS2 video settings if the option is available.
Wait for Vertical Sync: Disabled. V-Sync adds a lot of delay.
Display Mode: Fullscreen.
📌 FPS limit
fps_max 0
If your GPU sits at 99–100% usage, latency increases. In that case set a cap slightly below your average FPS, e.g. fps_max 300, for smoother frames.
🖱️ Mouse
Polling rate: 1000 Hz in your mouse software.
Disable "Enhance pointer precision" in Windows.
🖥️ System
Close overlays (Discord, screen recording, Xbox Game Bar).
Turn on Windows Game Mode.
Plug your monitor into the graphics card, not the motherboard.
⚠️ Check
After the changes, play a few rounds with bots. If it feels better, save the settings in autoexec.cfg.