Aspect ratio is one of the most important characteristics when selecting the best screen resolution for our favourite video games.
Nowadays, professional gamers of every esports know the importance of screen resolution, refresh rate, and even response time. However, casual gamers tend to leave the aspect ratio aside in many opportunities.
Similarly, for many, the aspect ratio is a fundamental issue in the gaming world, especially in CS2, where we can find 4:3, 16:10, and 16:9.
In CS2, we can modify different configuration options until we get our "ideal" game in every way. In addition, there are configurations we don't even know exist but offer many opportunities, and they can make the game much better for the individual.
One of the most important features, visually speaking, is the screen resolution and aspect ratio. This setting can be one of the most severe in terms of the game's frame rate per second (FPS) in general.
Nowadays, games are designed with a native resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels (Full HD), i.e., it has a 16:9 aspect ratio, and CS2 is no exception. However, you will be surprised to learn that many professional CS players play with a 4:3 aspect ratio. In addition, you can also select two scaling modes when using 4:3, with black sidebars stretched to fit the full screen.
According to different calculations that have been made in recent years, 80% of professional players use the 4:3 aspect ratio, 12% use 16:10, and finally, only 8% use 16:9.
The main reason for this selection by professional gamers may be that they have been accustomed to this aspect ratio since the old days. However, many claim that, with the 4:3 aspect ratio stretched, it becomes much easier to hit shots on the models of rival players, as they look a bit "wider".
A wider aspect ratio can have a huge impact on your gaming experience because the models, whether T or CT, will look much larger or "fatter", which could make it much easier for you to hit your shots.
The 16:9 aspect ratio has become very popular in recent years due to the power of the new gaming PCs, which allow gamers to have much higher FPS rates no matter what aspect ratio they use. Also, at 16:9, the whole screen will be filled, and you will be able to see more of the battlefield, while 4:3 aspect ratio cuts the edges of the footage to help the image fit the screen and be displayed perfectly.
The two aspect ratios most commonly used by professionals today are 16:9 and 4:3. Finally, everything will depend on your comfort when playing and the FPS you have in the game.
Finally, the truth is that there is no correct aspect ratio; that is, everything will be based on the comfort of the players and, very importantly, the quality of the PC they have.
If you have reached this point, you should know how aspect ratio can influence your ideal CS2 setup.
It is recommended to all gamers that if your Gaming PC can reach and exceed 240 FPS, you can use the 16:9 aspect ratio and its different resolutions that best suit your needs and, above all, comfort. However, if a Gaming PC does not have a constant FPS rate or a gamer likes to have the game footage a little more stretched on the screen, which could help to visualize the models of rival players perfectly, the ideal is 4:3 ratio.
Remember that, for many years, many configurations have been shared where the 4:3 aspect ratio considerably increases the FPS of CS2. This type of aspect ratio has been used since the days of Counter-Strike 1.6 when computers were not as powerful as they are now.
The players' comfort is what really matters in selecting the best aspect ratio in CS2. Everyone should try both 4:3 (either stretched or with black bars) and 16:9, as this directly influences the level of play of each player.
Many gamers use exactly the video settings (resolution and aspect ratio) of their favourite professional gamers. However, let's remember that they spend hours and hours testing the one that best suits their play style and needs. That is why it is best to try different aspect ratios before playing competitive CS2 for casual gamers to have a better quality of life in CS2.
It should be noted that the aspect ratio in CS2 can be a key factor in making a difference in a game. Remember that all this is to make players feel as comfortable as possible to increase their level of play.
Also, using an incorrect aspect ratio will significantly affect gameplay, sometimes the game is not as smooth if you compare one aspect ratio to another.
How you change your aspect ratio in CS2
First of all, players must be clear about which of the resolutions they want to use. Then, remember that CS2, depending on your monitor, will display a resolution and aspect ratio that suits your computer's configuration. In many cases, the default aspect ratio of CS is 16:9.
However, you should also remember that not all computer monitors can use all aspect ratios effectively. That is why, before making any changes, consider the characteristics of your monitor.
However, if players want to change it, they should follow the steps below:
If gamers want to select the 4:3 option, they should know that most professional gamers use 1280 × 960, 1024 × 768, and 1280 × 1024 resolutions. However, in many cases, when setting the 4:3 resolution, the screen will be displayed with two black bars on the sides.
To remove these black bars, you must enter the settings of your video card (GPU), either NVIDIA or AMD. Then look for the Screen Scaling Mode and select the "Full-Screen" (NVIDIA) or "Full Panel" (AMD) option.
With the right aspect ratio, you're sure to have a plus point when it comes to elevating your gaming experience. Now you can test the settings to find out which suits you best and improves your gameplay.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Register your BLAST.tv account and join the BLAST community for Spring Groups and beyond
Play Counter-Strikle
Test your CS knowledge daily with the Counter-Strikle Quiz. See how well you really know the pro scene!
BLAST ApS., Hauser Plads 1, 3., 1127 Copenhagen