CS2 autoexec.cfg: file location, syntax, and starter binds

autoexec.cfg is a plain text file CS2 reads at launch that runs console commands before you load into a match. It is the cleanest way to keep crosshair, viewmodel, network rate, and bind settings portable across PCs. CS2 still supports the file, but unlike CS:GO it does not load it automatically; you must add a launch option.

File location

Required launch option

1. In Steam, right click Counter-Strike 2 and choose Properties.
2. Under General, set Launch Options.
3. Add +exec autoexec.cfg (and any other launch flags you use, separated by spaces).

$-novid -tickrate 128 +exec autoexec.cfg

Syntax

• One command per line. No semicolons required at end of line.
• Comments use //. Anything after // on a line is ignored.
• String values that contain spaces go in double quotes:bind "kp_end" "buy ak47".
• echo prints to the developer console. Useful as a sanity check that the file loaded.

Starter autoexec.cfg

A practical baseline. Crosshair is left alone (use the in game editor and copy the resulting code into autoexec). Network rates target a stable 64 tick connection.

$// Sanity check
$echo "autoexec.cfg loaded"
$
$// Network
$rate 786432
$cl_interp_ratio 1
$cl_interp 0
$cl_predict 1
$
$// Viewmodel
$viewmodel_offset_x 2
$viewmodel_offset_y 2
$viewmodel_offset_z -2
$viewmodel_fov 68
$
$// HUD
$cl_hud_color 2
$cl_radar_scale 0.4
$cl_radar_always_centered 0
$
$// Mouse
$sensitivity 1.4
$zoom_sensitivity_ratio_mouse 1
$m_rawinput 1
$
$// Practical binds
$bind "f" "+lookatweapon"
$bind "v" "+voicerecord"
$bind "mouse4" "+jump"
$bind "kp_end" "buy ak47; buy m4a1"
$bind "kp_downarrow" "buy awp"
$bind "kp_pgdn" "buy deagle"
$bind "kp_leftarrow" "buy vest"
$bind "kp_5" "buy vesthelm"
$bind "kp_rightarrow" "buy defuser"
$bind "kp_home" "buy flashbang"
$bind "kp_uparrow" "buy smokegrenade"
$bind "kp_pgup" "buy hegrenade"
$
$// Prevent CS2 from rewriting binds on quit
$host_writeconfig_ss 0

Troubleshooting

File saved as autoexec.cfg.txt

Windows hides known extensions. Enable File Explorer Options → View → uncheck Hide extensions for known file types, then rename to drop the trailing .txt.

Binds reset after every session

CS2 writes config.cfg on clean shutdown. If you bind through the in game UI after autoexec runs, the UI value wins and gets saved. Set host_writeconfig_ss 0 at the end of autoexec.cfg to suppress the rewrite.

Launch option missing

Open the console (Shift + tilde with Developer Console enabled) and look for autoexec.cfg loaded. If you never see the line, the launch option is missing or the file is in the wrong folder.