Your CS2 crosshair is one of the most personal settings in the game. It directly affects how you aim, track targets, and place headshots. CS2 offers multiple ways to change, share, and import crosshair configurations -- from the in-game menu to console commands to share codes. This guide covers all of them so you can find and apply the perfect crosshair for your play style.
How to Change Your Crosshair in CS2
The simplest way to change your crosshair is through the in-game settings:
- Step 1: Open CS2 and go to Settings, then Game.
- Step 2: Scroll to the Crosshair section. Here you will find visual sliders and options for every crosshair parameter.
- Step 3: Adjust the settings using the live preview. CS2 shows your crosshair changes in real-time so you can see exactly what you are building.
- Step 4: Your changes save automatically. The crosshair you design will persist across sessions.
The in-game editor is intuitive and covers all parameters: style, size, gap, thickness, color, outline, dot, and dynamic behaviour. For more advanced customisation, use the console commands described below. You can also use our crosshair generator tool to build and preview crosshairs with full control.
Importing Crosshair Codes
To import a crosshair share code you have received:
- Step 1: Open CS2 and go to Settings, then Game, then the Crosshair section.
- Step 2: Find the "Share or Import" option and click it.
- Step 3: Paste the share code into the input field.
- Step 4: Click "Apply" and the crosshair will update immediately in the preview and in-game.
If the code does not work, make sure you copied it completely including the "CSGO-" prefix. Codes from CS:GO may not work in CS2 depending on when they were generated. For the latest compatible codes, check counter-strike.net or our crosshair tools.
Console Commands for Crosshair Customization
For players who prefer precise control, console commands let you set exact values for every crosshair parameter:
- cl_crosshairsize [value]: Controls the length of the crosshair lines. Common values range from 1 to 5.
- cl_crosshairgap [value]: Sets the gap between the centre and the crosshair lines. Negative values pull lines closer to centre.
- cl_crosshairthickness [value]: Controls line thickness. Values of 0 to 1.5 are most common.
- cl_crosshaircolor [0-5]: Sets the crosshair color. Use value 5 for custom RGB colours set with cl_crosshaircolor_R, _G, _B commands.
- cl_crosshairstyle [0-5]: Determines crosshair behaviour. Style 4 is the classic static crosshair used by most competitive players.
- cl_crosshairdot [0/1]: Toggles the centre dot on or off.
- cl_crosshair_outlinethickness [value]: Adds a dark outline for visibility against bright surfaces.
Save your preferred commands in your autoexec.cfg file to load them automatically. Our detailed crosshair guide covers every parameter and explains the visual impact of each setting.
Best Crosshair Settings for Visibility
A competitive crosshair should be visible against all backgrounds without being distracting. Here are proven guidelines:
- Color: Green (color 1) is the most popular because it contrasts well against most map textures. Cyan and yellow are also common choices.
- Size and gap: Small crosshairs (size 1-3, gap -2 to 0) are preferred by most competitive players. They allow precise placement without obscuring the target.
- Outline: Adding a thin outline (0.5-1) ensures visibility against bright surfaces like skyboxes and white walls.
- Style: Static crosshairs (style 4 or 5) are the competitive standard. Dynamic crosshairs that expand when moving can be distracting and provide little useful feedback in competitive play.
- Thickness: Keep thickness at 0 to 1. Thicker crosshairs can obscure headshot angles at long range.
The most important thing is that your crosshair feels comfortable to you. Try several configurations in deathmatch before committing to one for competitive play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I copy someone else's crosshair in CS2?
You can copy a crosshair by using a share code. Ask the player for their crosshair share code, then apply it in the CS2 crosshair settings menu by pasting it into the share code field. You can also copy crosshairs from spectating a player during a match.
What is the best crosshair for CS2?
There is no single best crosshair -- it depends on personal preference. Most competitive players use a small static crosshair (size 1-3, gap -2 to 0, thickness 0-1) with a visible color like green or cyan. Experiment to find what works best for your eyes.
Can I use a dot crosshair in CS2?
Yes. Set crosshair size to 0 and enable the center dot. This creates a dot-only crosshair. Some players prefer this for precise aiming, though most competitive players use a small cross for better target acquisition.
Do crosshair share codes work across all accounts?
Yes. Crosshair share codes are universal in CS2. Any valid share code can be applied on any account, making it easy to share crosshair configurations with friends or copy pro player setups.