Introduction
Audio is crucial in CS2 - often you'll hear enemies before you see them. Proper audio settings can give you a significant competitive advantage.
Why Audio Matters:
Why Audio Matters:
•Positioning - Locate enemies through walls
•Timing - Know when to peek or rotate
•Information - Hear bomb plants, defuses, reloads
•Awareness - Track multiple enemies simultaneously
Best Audio Output Settings
In-Game Settings:
Audio Device: Your headphones/headset
Master Volume: 0.5-1.0
Sound Quality: High
Enable Voice: Yes (for competitive)
Pro Tip: Most pros use open-back headphones for better soundstage and comfort during long sessions.
Audio Device: Your headphones/headset
•Use dedicated gaming headphones
•Stereo headphones work best
•Avoid surround sound headphones
Master Volume: 0.5-1.0
•Comfortable listening level
•Should hear footsteps clearly
•Not so loud it causes fatigue
Sound Quality: High
•Minimal performance impact
•Better audio fidelity
Enable Voice: Yes (for competitive)
Pro Tip: Most pros use open-back headphones for better soundstage and comfort during long sessions.
HRTF vs Stereo
HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) - Recommended
Simulates 3D positional audio with stereo headphones.
Pros:
Cons:
Stereo (Classic)
Traditional left/right audio.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommendation: Use HRTF. Give it 2-3 days to adjust. The vertical positioning is invaluable on multi-level maps.
Console Command:
Simulates 3D positional audio with stereo headphones.
Pros:
•More accurate vertical positioning
•Easier to tell if enemy is above/below
•Better depth perception
•Used by majority of pros
Cons:
•Sounds slightly different (takes adjustment)
•Can sound "hollow" initially
Stereo (Classic)
Traditional left/right audio.
Pros:
•Familiar sound
•Simpler audio profile
•Lower processing
Cons:
•Harder to judge vertical position
•Less immersive
Recommendation: Use HRTF. Give it 2-3 days to adjust. The vertical positioning is invaluable on multi-level maps.
Console Command:
snd_use_hrtf 1 (1 = enabled, 0 = disabled)Volume Optimization
Finding the Right Volume:
1. Start at 50% master volume
2. Adjust up until footsteps are clear
3. Adjust down if gunfire is painful
4. Balance comfort with awareness
Volume Console Commands:
Pro Settings:
Important: Don't max out volume. This causes:
1. Start at 50% master volume
2. Adjust up until footsteps are clear
3. Adjust down if gunfire is painful
4. Balance comfort with awareness
Volume Console Commands:
volume 0.5 - Master volume (0-1)snd_musicvolume 0 - Music off (recommended)snd_menumusic_volume 0 - Menu music offsnd_mvp_volume 0.1 - MVP music (low)snd_tensecondwarning_volume 0.3 - Bomb timerPro Settings:
•Master: 0.4-0.7 (most common)
•Music: 0 (disable for focus)
•MVP: 0-0.2 (low or off)
Important: Don't max out volume. This causes:
•Ear fatigue
•Painful gunfire sounds
•Harder to focus
•Long-term hearing damage risk
Footstep Audio Tips
Understanding Footstep Sounds:
Normal Walk: Medium volume, regular pace
Running: Loud, fast paced
Shift-Walking: Very quiet
Ladder: Distinct metallic sound
Landing: Loud thump
Improving Footstep Awareness:
1. Play audio-focused maps (aim_botz with eyes closed)
2. Practice identifying directions in deathmatch
3. Learn map-specific sounds (different surfaces)
4. Minimize distractions (quiet environment)
5. Use good headphones (avoid cheap earbuds)
Pro Tip: In a 1vX situation, stop moving periodically to listen. Your own movement masks enemy sounds.
Normal Walk: Medium volume, regular pace
•Default movement sound
•Audible from ~20 meters
Running: Loud, fast paced
•Maximum sound
•Audible from 30+ meters
Shift-Walking: Very quiet
•Barely audible
•Only hear up close (~5-10 meters)
Ladder: Distinct metallic sound
•Very audible
•Easy to identify
Landing: Loud thump
•Falling from heights
•Jump landing sounds
Improving Footstep Awareness:
1. Play audio-focused maps (aim_botz with eyes closed)
2. Practice identifying directions in deathmatch
3. Learn map-specific sounds (different surfaces)
4. Minimize distractions (quiet environment)
5. Use good headphones (avoid cheap earbuds)
Pro Tip: In a 1vX situation, stop moving periodically to listen. Your own movement masks enemy sounds.
Pro Tips
- •HRTF is strongly recommended for competitive play
- •Disable all music volumes to focus on game sounds
- •Quality stereo headphones > surround sound headsets
- •Practice audio awareness in deathmatch and casual
- •Stop moving in clutch situations to hear better
- •Never play with volume too loud - protect your hearing
Put Your Knowledge to Practice
Use our interactive tools to apply what you've learned