Each of the different resolutions for CS:GO has its own benefits and downsides. Some just like the overall look and feel of the alternate resolutions, while others are looking to get any competitive advantage they can. We’ll explain them all as we discuss the best resolutions for CS:GO, as picked by the pros!
1024×768 or 1280×960 at 4:3
- Higher FPS,
- Focus better on the things in front of you
- Enemies look wider
- Cuts some extra details.
- Pixelated images
- Game can look a bit stretched.
This resolution and aspect ratio are among some of the most popular configurations used by the best CS:GO players. More often than not, it’s used by the veterans of the game and the older players who played earlier versions of Counter-Strike.
By default, choosing a 1024×768 or 1280×960 resolution at a 4:3 aspect ratio will result in black bars being displayed on the side of your monitor. This is the best resolution for CS:GO if you’re looking to get any advantage you can get.
However, you can also choose the stretched setting to force-fit the image onto your screen, removing the black bars.
Some notable pros who play at these resolutions at a 4:3 aspect ratio include s1mple, sh1ro, m0NESY, dev1ce, ZywOo, and Twistzz, among tons of others.
1280×800 or 1680×1050 at 16:10
- Models appear a bit bigger
- Increase your FPS by a bit.
- Images don’t look pixelated.
- FOV is still quite limited
- Not getting the full advantages of 4:3 or 16:9
The 1280×800 or 1680×1050 resolution at a 16:10 aspect ratio is the middle ground between 4:3 and 16:9 resolutions. This is the best resolution for CS:GO if you’re looking for the best of both worlds while limiting the disadvantages.
Since this isn’t the native resolution for most monitors, you can also choose between displaying black bars to fill the gap or stretching the image out. Surprisingly, this is the least popular configuration on our list today.
Some of the pros who play at these resolutions are Xyp9x, autimatic, Jonji, xfl0ud, and EliGE, among others.
1280×720, 1600×900, or 1920×1080 at 16:9
- Clear image quality.
- Highest field of view
- No black bars
- Lower average FPS
Finally, we have the native resolution of most gaming monitors at 1280×720, 1600×900, and 1920×1080 at a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is typically popular with the younger CS:GO professional players, but there are also a few older players who use it as well.
The display you get here is what the game normally looks like. This is the best resolution for CS:GO for casual players who are simply to enjoy their beautiful weapon skins. If you aren’t obsessed with climbing the CS:GO ranks by getting any advantage you can or becoming a pro, then the 16:9 is perfectly fine.
Technically higher resolutions like 1440p and 2160p (4K) are also at 16:9 resolutions. However, there are no known pros who play at these higher resolutions because of the massive performance disadvantages.
Some professional CS:GO players who use a 16:9 resolution are Buzz, tiziaN, Jeorge, YEKINDAR, ropz, and karrigan, among others.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best resolution for CS:GO is what you are comfortable with. There isn’t a “perfect resolution” that fits every player. You simply have to try each one out and decide for yourself.
