cs2

View documentation for the original command

$ tldr counter strike 2

cs2 [options] [arguments]

-fullscreen
    Launches the game in fullscreen display mode.

-windowed
    Launches the game in a windowed display mode.

-console
    Enables the in-game developer console immediately upon launch.

-novid
    Skips the Valve intro movie at startup.

+cvar value
    Sets a specific console variable (cvar) or executes a command, e.g.,
+cl_showfps 1.

-exec file
    Executes commands from the specified configuration file (e.g., autoexec.cfg) at startup.

The cs2 command on Linux typically refers to the executable or a wrapper script used to launch the popular first-person shooter game, Counter-Strike 2. While not a standard system utility found in most distributions, cs2 is the common identifier for the game's client executable. Users commonly interact with it indirectly through the Steam client, which manages game installation, updates, and provides a graphical interface for launch options. However, for advanced users or scripting purposes, cs2 can be invoked directly from the command line, often residing within Steam's game library directory. Direct execution allows for custom launch parameters, enabling specific configurations like resolution, refresh rate, console activation, or debugging modes without modifying in-game settings. This provides flexibility for competitive players or those troubleshooting issues.

The cs2 command is not a standard Linux system utility. Its presence and behavior depend entirely on the installation of the Counter-Strike 2 game, typically managed by the Steam client. Direct invocation may require navigating to the game's installation directory or ensuring the game's executable path is added to the system's PATH. Compatibility and performance on Linux are often influenced by Steam's Proton compatibility layer, which translates Windows API calls to Linux equivalents, and graphics drivers. Command-line options can vary with game updates.

Many game settings are stored in .cfg files (e.g., config.cfg, autoexec.cfg) within the game's directory. These can be edited manually or executed via the -exec launch option.

The developer console, enabled with the -console launch option or by pressing the tilde (~) key, allows for direct input of commands and console variables (cvars) during gameplay.

Counter-Strike 2 is the successor to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), which itself evolved from earlier versions like Counter-Strike 1.6 and Counter-Strike: Source. CS2 was officially released in September 2023, replacing CS:GO. It brought significant updates to the Source 2 engine, improving graphics, lighting, and gameplay mechanics, including "sub-tick" updates. The transition was controversial for some players due to changes in gameplay feel and the removal of certain CS:GO features. On Linux, CS2, like CS:GO, relies heavily on Valve's Steam client and the Proton compatibility layer for optimal performance and functionality, as native Linux client development is not prioritized for this game.

steam(1)