How to Stream CS2 in 2025

Streaming your games in Counter-Strike 2 is a great way to show off your skills, meet like-minded players, and maybe even make some money. The CS.MONEY Blog explains in simple terms how to start streaming CS2.

Remember, during your stream, your viewers not only see your gameplay but also your skins. Update your inventory at great prices with CS.MONEY!

What Kind of Computer Do You Need to Stream CS2?

You can stream using the same computer you play on, or you can use additional hardware. Let’s break down a common situation — streaming and playing on one computer at 1080p and 60 FPS.

For a smooth stream, you’ll need a balanced setup, at least equivalent to the following:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X / Intel i7-12700K or better;
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD RX 6700 XT or better;
• RAM: 16–32 GB (preferably in dual-channel);
• Storage: SSD.

With this hardware, you won’t have to worry about performance drops, even during the most intense moments. Additionally, you should get some extra devices:

• Camera (e.g., Logitech C920).
• Microphone (e.g., Fifine, HyperX, or Blue Yeti).
• Wireless headphones with good sound isolation.

A good microphone and camera are crucial for a successful stream. Streams with webcams tend to attract more viewers, and streams with poor sound quality probably won’t even gather a dozen.

Does CS2 Have a Streaming Mode?

CS2 doesn’t have a special streaming mode, but there are settings that can help minimize stream issues. First, you can adjust some in-game settings. Under “Game,” you can hide avatars, conceal nicknames except for friends, and mute enemies in chat. Additionally, ensure your Steam account has the highest privacy settings.

You should also consider stream snipers. It’s best to set a small delay (around a minute) on your stream to avoid them.

Where Can You Stream CS2?

You can choose from platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Kick. While there are other platforms, these three are the most popular, each with its own strengths. Twitch offers a large audience and monetization tools but has high competition. Kick takes lower fees but has a smaller audience.

Pick any of the three major platforms or even others if they suit you. The key is to align your goals and expectations with the platform’s offerings. If you’re unsure, Twitch is an excellent place to start.

Internet Connection needed for streaming

Streaming requires a stable and fast Internet connection. How fast should your Internet be to stream safely? For streaming in 1080p, an upload speed of 10 Mbps is more than enough to cover. But if you want to stream in a 4K resolution, it would require at least 30 Mbps of upload.

What Programs Do You Need to Stream CS2?

To stream CS2, you’ll need just a few programs. First, OBS Studio. It has many advantages:

• Free and open-source;
• Plugin support;
• You can stream and record simultaneously.

Another great thing about OBS is its ease of setup. The first time you run it, it’ll ask a few questions, and based on your answers, it will automatically configure the program for streaming or recording.

Additionally, you can use other helpful utilities for streaming CS2:

• NVIDIA Broadcast: Noise cancellation, background removal for your webcam, automatic image tracking;
• Voicemeeter: Audio stream control, equalizer setup;
• Canva or StreamElements: Stream design tools.

The good news is that all the necessary programs for streaming CS2 are free and easy to use. If you have any questions, a large community is ready to help!бращении. В случае возникновения любых вопросов, большое сообщество готово дать на них ответ. 

How to Stream CS2 with the Best OBS Settings

What is OBS? It’s Open Broadcaster Software Studio, a popular and free streaming software that’s used by numerous streamers, including those who stream CS:GO. Here’s a guide on how to stream CS:GO with OBS.

1. If you haven’t already downloaded OBS Studio, you can do it from their official website. 
2. Install OBS Studio and launch it. During the first launch, you will be suggested to run an auto-configuration wizard. It is an easy way to have a basic setup for your stream. For more information, you can look at the OBS quickstart guide.

OBS Not Capturing CS2?

One of the most common problems is that OBS isn’t capturing the game’s image. This is usually because CS2 is running in trusted mode, and in OBS, the game capture source is selected. In this case, your viewers will only see a black screen.

You can fix this by switching to screen capture in OBS or by launching CS2 with a special launch parameter:

-allow_third_party_software

After that, the image should appear. But both options have their drawbacks. With screen capture, viewers will see everything on your screen. If you minimize the game, they’ll see your desktop, for example. The second option lowers your Trust Factor. It’s up to you to decide which is more important.