Best Resolution For CS:GO: Pro Picks

My New Year's resolution is 1920x1080.

Anwell Patdu
Anwell Patdu
4 Min Read

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

A photo showing the 1280x960 CS:GO resolution at 4:3 aspect ratio.

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.

Pros
  • It can help you get higher FPS, especially if playing on a lower-end PC.
  • It can help you focus better on your crosshair and the things in front of you because of the limited field of view (FOV).
  • 4:3 stretched will make the enemies look wider, which can make them easier to hit.
Cons
  • Cuts some extra details out because of the limited field of view (FOV).
  • It can result in pixelated images because of the low resolution.
  • Some proportions of the game can look a bit messed up when using 4:3 stretched.
  • It can mess with your CS:GO crosshair and your overall sensitivity if you’re coming from 16:9.

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

A photo showing how 1680x1050 at 16:10 looks.

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.

Pros
  • The black bars are significantly smaller than 4:3 resolutions.
  • Character models appear a bit bigger (at 16:10 stretched) than native 16:9 resolution.
  • Can still increase your FPS by a bit.
  • Images don’t look that out of proportion or pixelated.
Cons
  • Your field of view (FOV) is still quite limited compared to native.
  • You aren’t getting the full advantages of 4:3 or 16:9 resolutions.
  • It can mess with your CS:GO crosshair and your overall sensitivity if you’re coming from 16:9.

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

A photo showing how 1920x1080 at 16:9 looks.

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.

Pros
  • Clear image quality.
  • No crazy proportions or pixelation.
  • Offers the highest field of view (FOV).
  • No black bars are required.
Cons
  • CS:GO will run on lower average FPS, compared to the smaller resolutions.
  • The higher field of view (FOV) usually doesn’t matter that much, aside from specific situations.
  • It can cause issues if you’re using older hardware.

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.

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Huge gaming nerd and tech enthusiast. Spends countless hours playing shooter games, MOBAs, RPGs, and exploration games.
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