Back to Guides
Crosshairs

Complete Crosshair Setup Guide

Learn how to create, customize, and optimize your CS2 crosshair for maximum visibility and precision.

5 min read
Updated Jan 14, 2026

Introduction

Your crosshair is one of the most important elements of your CS2 setup. It's the focal point of your screen and directly impacts your aim and performance. This guide will help you understand crosshair mechanics and find the perfect crosshair for your playstyle.

A good crosshair should be:
Visible - Easy to see on all backgrounds and surfaces

Precise - Accurately shows where your bullets will land

Comfortable - Doesn't strain your eyes during long sessions

Consistent - Matches your muscle memory and preferences

Understanding Crosshair Styles

CS2 offers several crosshair styles, each with unique characteristics:

Style 0 - Default

The standard CS2 crosshair. Lines expand when moving and shooting. Good for beginners as it provides visual feedback about accuracy.

Style 1 - Static

The most popular choice among pros. The crosshair stays the same size at all times, allowing for consistent muscle memory and no visual distractions.

Style 2 - Classic Dynamic

Similar to CS:GO's classic crosshair. Lines expand when moving but not when shooting. A middle ground between feedback and consistency.

Style 3 - Classic Static

Classic crosshair that never moves. Some players prefer this for its simplicity and clean look.

Style 4 - Classic

Fully dynamic crosshair that expands with both movement and recoil. Provides maximum feedback but can be distracting.

Using Share Codes

CS2 uses share codes to quickly apply crosshair settings. Here's how to use them:

Importing a Share Code:
1. Copy the share code (format: CSGO-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx)
2. Open CS2 console (~key)
3. Type: crosshair [paste code]
4. Press Enter

Exporting Your Crosshair:
1. Open console
2. Type: cl_crosshair_sharelink
3. Copy the generated code
4. Share it or save it for later

Pro Tip: Use our Crosshair Generator to create and test crosshairs visually before applying them in-game!

Customizing Your Crosshair

Key crosshair settings to customize:

Size & Thickness

Size (cl_crosshairsize): Controls the length of crosshair lines. Most pros use 1-4.
Thickness (cl_crosshairthickness): Controls line width. Range: 0-5. Common: 0.5-1.5.

Smaller, thinner crosshairs offer more precision for long-range shots. Larger crosshairs are easier to see but may obscure targets.

Gap

Gap (cl_crosshairgap): Space between lines and center. Range: -5 to 5.

Negative gap = Lines overlap in the center

Zero gap = Lines meet at the center

Positive gap = Space between lines


Most pros use -3 to 2. Experiment to find what feels comfortable for tracking and tapping.

Color

Color (cl_crosshaircolor): Choose from 5 presets or custom RGB.

Presets:
0 = Red

1 = Green

2 = Yellow

3 = Blue

4 = Cyan

5 = Custom RGB


Cyan (4) is most popular as it contrasts well with most CS2 environments. Green works well on Dust2 but can blend into foliage on Ancient.

For maximum visibility, enable outline (cl_crosshair_outlinethickness 1) with black outline.

Outline

Outline (cl_crosshair_outlinethickness): Adds a black border around your crosshair.

Values: 0-3 (0 = off, 1 = thin, 2 = medium, 3 = thick)

Most pros use outline thickness of 1. This makes the crosshair visible on any background without being too thick.

Dot

Center Dot (cl_crosshairdot): Adds a dot in the center.

0 = No dot

1 = Small dot


Many players prefer no dot for a cleaner look, but a dot can help with precise aiming and spray control. Try both!

Finding Your Perfect Crosshair

Follow these steps to find your ideal crosshair:

Step 1: Start with a Pro Crosshair
Browse our Pro Crosshairs Database and try crosshairs from top players. This gives you a proven baseline.

Step 2: Test in Different Scenarios
Practice range: Test tap accuracy

Deathmatch: Test in fast-paced action

Competitive: Test in real situations

Different maps: Ensure visibility on all surfaces


Step 3: Make Small Adjustments
Don't change everything at once. Adjust one parameter at a time:
Too hard to see? Increase size or add outline

Feeling imprecise? Reduce size or add center dot

Straining eyes? Try different color


Step 4: Commit and Build Muscle Memory
Once you find a crosshair you like, stick with it for at least 2 weeks. Constant changes prevent muscle memory development.

Testing Tips:
Use aim training maps (aim_botz, aim_training_csgo2)

Practice spray control and taps

Get feedback from teammates

Record your gameplay to see if you're more accurate

Browse Pro Crosshairs

Ready to try crosshairs used by professional CS2 players?

Browse our complete database of pro crosshairs with live previews, copy codes instantly, and find the perfect crosshair for your playstyle.

Browse Pro CrosshairsTry Our Generator

Put Your Knowledge to Practice

Use our interactive tools to apply what you've learned

    Complete Crosshair Setup Guide | FPSToolkits | FPS Toolkits