To quickly navigate to a section of the contents, press ctrl+F and type the reference number (#.#)

Windows Configuration:

• 1.1 MSConfig
  
• 1.2 Standard Windows mouse settings
  
• 1.3 Windows Mouse Optimization

-----------
*It has been brought to my attention that 1.2 and 1.3 are now redundant (source).

• If you have Raw Input in the Game Settings ON it will bypass these 2 sections. Inputs made by the mouse will ignore Windows Settings (these steps will be unecessary).
  
• If you have made adjustments to DPI, Polling Rate, or anything else with the Mouse Configuration Software they will not be affected by having Raw Input ON (The changes will still apply)
  
• In short, set Raw Input to on, and you can ignore 1.2, and 1.3
  
• I am leaving the steps there, in the event this guide is put to use later, with a game that does not have a Raw Input feature

-----------

• 1.4 Reference to a comprehensive mouse optimization guide
  
• 1.5 Windows Services Tweaks
  
• 1.6 Reference to a comprehensive Windows Services tweak guide

Gaming Mouse Configuration:

• 2.1 Adjusting your mouse DPI and Polling Rate

GPU Control Panel:

• 3.1 Nvidia settings
  
• 3.2 ATI settings

Autoexec.cfg and Config.cfg:

• 4.1 Reference to existing CFG files
  
• 4.2 Quick notes on how (and what) to edit these files
  
• 4.3 Launch Options

In-game Settings:

• 5.1 Keyboard/Mouse
  
• 5.2 Game Settings
  
• 5.3 Video Settings
  
• 5.4 Advanced Video Settings

Finding the in-game sensitivity for you:

• 6.1 Reference to a great workshop map
  
• 6.2 Mouse surfaces
  
• 6.3 Reference to what the end result should look like

Developing your individual skill through gameplay

• 7.1 FFA DeathMatch community servers (HS only/non-HS/Pistol)
  
• 7.2 Community KZ maps
  
• 7.3 Community Surfing maps

Credits

• 8.1 Links to websites and hubs of content referenced earlier in this guide

Community Links

• 9.1 Communication
  
• 9.2 Current events
  
• 9.3 eSports
  
• 9.4 Leagues with open enrollment
  
• 9.5 Watch
  
• 9.6 Learning resources

MSConfig

Disable background applications on Windows Startup

1. Open the Start Menu, and type msconfig in the search box at the bottom left
2. Click msconfig.exe at the top
3. At the top of this window go to the Services tab
4. Click to uncheck the box at the bottom left corner, to Hide all Microsoft services
5. Click the Disable all button towards the lower right
6. Investigate the list, and select anything you would like to start when you turn on your computer. If there are special application driven settings or features, you will need these services to run (Shadowplay, Antivirus, etc.).


7. Next, at the top of the same window go to the Startup tab
8. Click Disable all
9. Investigate the list, and select anything you would like to start when you turn on your computer. If there are special applications you prefer to start when you turn on your computer, check the appropriate boxes beside them on the list


10. Click on Apply, and then OK
11. You can Exit without restarting if there are other things you need to do, but the changes will not apply until you do

Standard Windows mouse settings

Enhance pointer precision, and Motion settings

1. Open the Start Menu, and type Mouse in the search box at the bottom left
2. Click on the object at the top that says Mouse by itself
3. At the top of this window, go to the Pointer Options tab
4. Uncheck the box that says Enhance pointer precision
*Enhance pointer precision; This is basically the on/off switch for acceleration provided with the Windows Operating System. It does not manage acceleration caused by applications opened in Windows. If software offers acceleration or smoothing, it should also be turned off via game setting or configuration files.
5. Set the slider to the 6th notch, counting the first notch. This should put the slider exactly in the middle of the 11 notches

6. Click Apply, and then OK

Set up Mouse Keys

1. Open the Start Menu, and type Mouse in the search box at the bottom left
2. Click on the 2nd object from the top that says Change how your mouse works
3. In the center section, click on the text link Set up Mouse Keys

4. In the Pointer Speed section change Top Speed to High, and Acceleration all the way to the left, Slow

Windows Mouse Optimization

When older games are run with newer Operating Systems, they have been known to force acceleration on. Even with proper Windows Settings, and in-game settings. The usefulness of the fix is probably nullified with Raw Input ON, however it doesn't hurt to use it.

MouseFix will accomplish the following:

• Completely removes mouse acceleration, and negative acceleration within Windows
  
• Provide 1:1 ratio of mouse movement, and pointer movement (assuming the above steps have been followed)
  
• The contents of the .zip file provides a monitor tool that will be used later in this guide.
  
• It will not hurt anything to perform the MouseFix registry entries, even though with the correct settings they may not provide any benefits

To run the MouseFix and acquire the monitoring software:

• Get the http://donewmouseaccel.blogspot.com/2010/04/markc-mouse-acceleration-fix-builder.html. The download link is at the end of the first paragraph, if it doesn't work, immediately below it is an alternative download.
  
• The above file contains fixes for Windows 7, 8.1, XP, and Vista
  
• For a detailed break down of what exactly it does, and how it works, read the article.

Here is a quick guide for Windows 7:

1. Right click in an unoccupied location on the Desktop, and click Personalize

2. In the lower left hand corner of this screen below "See also:" click on "Display"

3. Note the percentage chosen (100%, 125%, or 150%)

4. In the contents of the .zip you have downloaded above, will be a directory named Windows 7 Fixes.. Open this directory.

5.In this directory locate the file with the percentage that matches the one you saw on the Display screen.

6. Double click the file, and press Yes
7. Restart your computer

*Note: There is a Default file here, to restore Windows defaults if you decide to revert back. If you would like to try 2000, 95, or 98 read the article carefully and follow the appropriate instructions.

A comprehensive Mouse Optimization Guide

Here is a re-print of the original CS:S Mouse Optimization Guide[www.overclock.net] which was originally posted on the CALeague forums. Some of the content is obsolete, however it was completed using the Source engine which CS:GO uses as well. Be sure to thank Antigen for his generous work towards making this write-up which a lot of us still use pieces of, today. A lot of current write-ups are modifications of this article, and a lot of tools were created to modernize some of the routines such as the MSPaint tests.

Windows Service Tweaks

These changes may be most significant with those feeling like their system may be outdated, or those who do anything for general performance boosts.

1. Open the Start Menu and type Services in the search box at the bottom left
2. Click Services towards the top, it should have an icon of gears to the left of it
3. Locate each of the services listed below, right click on the service, go to Properties, click Stop, and then open the drop-down menu and select Disabled. Then click Apply and OK.


Disable following services to increase general performance:

• Themes
  
• Windows Firewall
  
• Windows Update (may interfere with games that use Windows Live ID login)
  
• Security Center
  
• Windows Defender

*Disclaimer:
If you don't like the idea of leaving your computer vulnerable, try the free version of Malwarebytes[www.malwarebytes.org]. It is infinitely less process heavy as the Windows Services, more protective, and was created with a modern version of the Spybot engine.

Windows Firewall, and Windows Defender are meant to protect your computer to some degree. Although;
Disabling Windows Firewall has been the first step for applications and games when there's communication problems for 10+ years.

Most people didn't even know Windows Defender is included with their Operating System since Vista came out, because it has never been a relevant factor in virus protection.

Security Center simply live checks your computer at all times and reports whether or not Windows detects these services are turned on, or if you have anti-virus protection installed. Additionally, it doesn't even detect or consider Windows Defender as anti-virus protection, unless you manually tell it to.

Windows Update you can just enable manually now and again and check if it has anything of value for you (important updates only). This service also performs live checks and by default will download and install updates as it finds them regardless of what you are doing. It should also be mentioned that if these updates are interrupted, like end tasking while you're playing a game or hard shut down during configuration process, it can harm your Operating System.

Comprehensive Windows Services Guide

For a comprehensive guide to which services are necessary and which ones are not, for further performance enhancements click here[www.blackviper.com]. BlackViper has created a table that displays defaults, recommended tweaks, and bare bones (absolutely no bells and whistles). It also links to descriptions of what each one does, the dependencies, and anything else you could want to know. He has service guides for every Windows O/S since XP.

Adjusting your Gaming Mouse DPI and Polling Rate

This section of the guide requires you to know how to open the control panel software for your mouse. If you do not know, a quick google search including terms of brand, model, and configuration software should lead you to the manufacturers website where you can download it if not present. If you think you have it installed, but aren't sure what the software is named, this should reveal the answer for you as well. If you know what it's called, but not sure where to open it on your computer; typing it into the Start Menu search box at the bottom left of this menu, should bring it up.

Some brands do not include software, and work primarily through the firmware. Their features are adjustable through buttons on the mouse itself so there is less processing between inputs being registered (Zowie eVo EC2 for example).

1. Open the mouse software
2. Within the software will be DPI settings, and polling rate (may be marked as report rate)
3. Try different settings to find what you like

Both DPI and Polling Rate will vary depending on the mouse, specifically the lens type (optical/laser, and whether it is of good manufacture), and the surface you are using.

DPI:

• There are too many combinations of mouses and surfaces to make a practical listing of what to set your DPI at, for every one of them. This section of the guide aims to advise you on how to determine the right settings for you through testing, and monitoring tools provided in the MarkC MouseFix .zip linked above.
  
• Preferences for players range from 450-1600 in most cases
  
• The benefit to lower DPI is the subtle differences between tenths of the sensitivity setting (X.Y and X.Z do not have large jumps in speed). Also, when pre-aim is done well, there needs to be more movement on the mouse for the crosshair to move. So for example, a long horizontal swipe will not be punished with slight vertical movements of the mouse. High DPI of course, has an adverse effect.
  
• The benefit of higher DPI is detection of movement, with a requirement of steady hands. In the same distance of mouse coverage, greater DPI has a greater number of inputs. This means there are more noticeable differences between tenths of sensitivity settings. Higher DPI's will also require a well kempt surface, older mats with divits or ashes on them may cause skipping. If there is stability in your polling rate, I would suggest as high of a DPI as you can find comfortable capped at 1600, and lower the in-game sensitivity settings.

Polling Rate:
500 or 1000? This has changed for me from a dozen and a half mouses I've used in the past. 1000Hz has a faster response time, but can sometimes lead to spikes and stuttering when using the monitoring tool.

In the MarkC MouseFix .zip linked above, open the monitoring tool.
1. Open the MouseMovementRecorder .zip

2. Open the MouseMovementRecorder.exe


To perform the test:
1. Make circles near the bottom of the scrollbar for several seconds, as quickly as you can
2. Scroll up, disregard the last lines and find the lines that were being created while making your circles
3. Examine the FREQUENCY column


The polling rate should not fluctuate too much. somewhere between 900-1,000 is ok. If you notice instability, or too much fluctuation, you may want to turn your polling rate down to 500.

Nvidia Control Panel Settings

1. On the left column, select Manage 3D Settings. Then scroll down on the right, and change the Vertical Sync dropdown menu to off, then click Apply.


2. Select Change Resolution and be sure your Refresh rate is as high as your monitor supports, and press Apply.


3. Select Adjust desktop size and position and change the scaling mode to Full-screen
[/previewicon]

4. Select Adjust desktop color settings and select Use NVIDIA settings, slide the Gamma to 1.80, and click Apply. Note: This will appear differently, on different monitors and their according settings. I prefer very bright, as models tend to stand out a bit more when in front of textures they might otherwise blend in with. Adjust this until you find something comfortable that doesn't strain your eyes.


ATI / AMD Catalyst Control Center Settings

1. Select Gaming from the left column, and the sub-category 3D Application Settings, then set Wait for Vertical Refresh to Always Off


2. Select Desktop Management, and the sub-category Desktop Properties, make sure the Refresh Rate is as high as it can go.


3. Select My Digital Flat-Panel and the sub-category Properties (Digital Flat-Panel), under Image Scaling check the box for Enable GPU Scaling and make sure Scale image to full panel size is selected.

Config.cfg, Autoexec.cfg, and Launch Options

Located on the ESEA forums, the author of post #7 (click here to see original source[play.esea.net]) "ninja" provides a compressed file full of goodies. It is a .rar and you will need WinRAR (click here)[download.cnet.com] which has a free version.

*Whenever visiting a site that uses ads as a form of revenue it is important to be extremely selective on what you choose to click on. If unsure of what is safe or not, I would highly recommend using the Adblock+[adblockplus.org] browser plugin.

There are 2 files within, that this guide will be focusing on.

First you will want to back up your original config.cfg, and autoexec.cfg if you have one. Both of these files are in the same directory.

1. Navigate to Steam\SteamApps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\csgo\cfg
2. Create a New Folder, and name it Backup
3. Drag the existing config.cfg and autoexec.cfg (may not have one) to the Backup directory you just created

Next you will move both config.cfg and autoexec.cfg, to the \cfg directory you just moved the 2 files you backed up from. Just drag them from the compressed file ninja provided, to the \cfg directory.

How to make adjustments in the .cfg's

Now you will want to right click on the config.cfg, and go to properties, uncheck the Read-Only box, click Apply and OK. This will make it so if you make adjustments in-game, through the options or console, they will stay. One you will notice right away is this cfg makes your gun appear left handed, if you want it back to the right hand open the console (~) and type cl_righthand 1.


Next you will want to temporarily do the same action as described above, with the autoexec.cfg, so that we can make a couple of adjustments. You can keep this file as-is, but may want to take a look at the reassignment of keys and decide if you want to keep them. It will not allow you to save the changes if it is set to Read-only.

To open it and make changes, right click on the autoexec.cfg. If you have Notepad++ click Edit with Notepad++, if not, highlight Open with and select WordPad or NotePad, either will work.

The // syntax at the beginning of a line acts as a note, and is disregarded as a function. So if you want to change it without deleting anything, you can just put // in front of the line.

Anything that starts with "bind" or "alias" is not necessary. It is just preference whether to leave it there or take it out. If you take out the bind to mouse3 be sure to put // in front of the alias lines as well to avoid conflicts (or it showing you a long list of new weapons every time you load the game).

Viewmodel_fov is field of view. Some prefer 68. This is going to depend on your monitor size, and resolution, to how it will appear. You may want to adjust this several ways to find something that suits you.

The autoexec.cfg needs to be set back to Read-only, reversing the above process, before launching the game. You risk lines being overwritten randomly or on updates at times.

Launch Options

• In the Steam Library, find CSGO and right click it, then go to properties.
  
• There you will see the button for Launch Options.

Suggested Launch Options:
-console -novid -noborder -high -threads X -freq Y -tickrate 128
*X = number of cores your CPU has (and hyperthreads), CSGO supports up to 8
*Y = The refresh rate of your monitor (ex: 60, 75, 120, 144, 240)


What the Launch Options do:

• -Console will automatically open the console when the game opens, here you can see that your Subscribed Workshop Maps are correctly loaded with blue lines of text, and no Error messages appear in red. Additionally, if your autoexec.cfg has a "loaded" message, it will display here. There is no real *need* for this launch option, as you can just press the toggle key.
  
• -Novid removes the Valve intro cinematic that plays when the game is opened
  
• -Noborder removes the border Windows puts around the game screen. This ensures the window will be exactly centered in your monitor, rather than pushing it down due to the title bar at the top. This is only productive when not playing Fullscreen, or Fullscreen Windowed.
  
• -High sets the priority of the csgo.exe process to high. You can confirm this is working by opening the Task Manager, navigating to the processes tab, right click the csgo.exe, and highlight Set Priority.
  
• -Threads is related to how many cores your CPU has. If you have an i7 4x w/ hyperthreading, you want to put 8 rather than 4. There are a couple AMD CPU's to my understanding, that support this and people say putting it at 8 works for them as well, although I can't say it works from my own experience.
  
• -Freq is the Refresh Rate of your monitor. To set the proper -Freq you will need to check the refresh rate you have your monitor set to. See the above section about GPU settings if you don't know what yours is at, or need to change it.
  
• -Tickrate will make offline games (with bots, or ones you load from console with map de_mapnamehere) 128 rather than the default 64.

***SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING +exec autoexec***
This launch option is no longer needed.
If you have problems with your autoexec loading automatically;

• Be sure your config.cfg is NOT READ-ONLY
  
• Add host_writeconfig at the very bottom/end of your autoexec

This will ensure that your autoexec is performed every time you open the game.

Keyboard / Mouse

After you put your new config.cfg in the appropriate directory, and change it so that it is not Read-only you may want to restore defaults in this section. Some of the keys will have been remapped. After doing this, your settings should appear as the below screenshot.

Sensitivity will be at your discression and discussed later in this guide.

--------
UPDATED
*It has been brought to my attention that 1.2 and 1.3 are now redundant (source).

• If you have Raw Input in the Game Settings ON it will bypass these 2 sections. Inputs made by the mouse will ignore Windows Settings (these steps will be unecessary)
  
• If you have made adjustments to DPI, Polling Rate, or anything else with the Mouse Configuration Software they will not be affected by having Raw Input ON (The changes will still apply)
  
• If your mouse haradware is creating acceleration, there is no way to overcome it through Windows Settings. Thus, there is no reason to not have Raw Input - ON
  
• If you have 2 monitors, the MarkC MouseFix above includes a monitor in which you can see whether or not there is acceleration, or negative accel, while you play

Game Settings

*Note: This is a personal preference section

• Radar Scale for me is set to .25 so that I can see the entire map at all times, it greatly helps with bomb drops and seeing where the enemy is and how many.
  
• Rotate the Radar is set to no, because when something shows up on a static map it takes less time to comprehend where they are (at a very brief glance), rather than a general direction from where I'm currently facing.

Video Settings
If you have an exceptional computer (i7 4770k or equal/better) some of these options are preference. These seem to be preferred settings among players who are revisiting the franchise from 1.6 and earlier versions of CS.


Advanced Video Settings

*Notes:

• People with exceptional computers will want to determine settings best for them with the following in mind, at the sacrifice of some to a lot of FPS.
  
• Higher Global Shadow Quality = further draw distance (this includes shadows of grenades). There is a large difference between Low and Medium, and not much of a difference between Medium and High.
  
• Model/Texture Detail doesn't have much of a performance impact for exceptional computers, but does make skins look better.
  
• Effect Detail has only reported to cause visual obstructions the higher you go.
  
• Shader Detail benefit: can cause player model "highlighting", sacrifice: noticeable performance/FPS drop.
  
• Texture Filtering too low will cause "double vision", and blur when viewing textures from an angle.
  
• MultiSampling AA if your GPU is too stressed having this too high can cause frame drops, or a general performance hit.
  
• FXAA is basically a post process blur filter, avoid this regardless of computer build.
  
• Vsync should be off for everyone.
  
• Motion Blur is visually obstructive and should be off for everyone.

Workshop training map

http://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=241148414

To use the map;
1. Click on the above link, and then click on Subscribe.
2. The next time you load up CS:GO, it will download the map automatically for you.
3. There are 2 ways you can open this map to get started.

• One is to type map training_aim_csgo2_dark in the console (open with ~). Once the game starts just type bot_kick in the console (~).
  
• The other is to go to Play > Offline With Bots > Workshop tab > Find this map > No bots.

Adjust your sensitivity until moving from target to target from the different settings available, is comfortable, at any of the 4 distances.

Mouse Surfaces

Surface preference will vary between laser and optical mouse. Mesh, Textured Hard, and Smooth Hard are the 3 different surface types. The size of your surface mat may dictate your sensitivity as well. These are all factors that will land on sensitivity being preference and there not being a perfect universal one to tell someone to set theirs to. Some people like a 180 to be from the center of their mousepad, to the edge regardless of size. Some (experienced Quake and even CS pre-1.3) prefer just a few inches to make a 180.

End result

This is a good video that displays how fluid pre-aiming should look when you find your sensitivity, as well as explains an old commonly used equation to make adjustments until you find it. If you find this video useful, show the author EternalZombie support by clicking the like button.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhdT_yVdVgs

Suggested FFA DeathMatch community servers

FFA DM (North America)
[DEATHMATCH] Netcode Dust2 FFA - Crates EOReality.net
173.234.139.110:27015

Headshot only DM can develop some bad habits, if you are using DM as a way to hone your skills. Some people primarily only DM in CS and that's fine. What you may discover is people will use techniques that are only effective in HS only DM (such as jumping and moving awkwardly).

FFA DM HS only (North America)
[DEATHMATCH] Netcode HEADSHOTS ONLY FFA DM Crates EOReality.net
23.19.172.136:27015

Headshot only DM does have its place, and if you can avoid developing bad habits can greatly increase your accuracy while tapping, or working on spray control.

FFA DM Pistol only (North America)
[DEATHMATCH] PISTOLS ONLY FFA // Crates EOReality.net
23.19.134.18:27016

Refine your pistol round

Suggested KZ community server

KZ maps (North America)
House Of Climb 24/7 #1 |FastDL|Chicago|Custom Timer|100 Tick|
74.91.119.123:27015

Admins here are active and very helpful if you get stuck on something. Figuring out a KZ map will help you understand the movement mechanics of CS:GO even with the stamina adjustments made on this server, allowing you to bunnyhop. You can still bunnyhop without these changes, it is however much more difficult.

Suggested Surfing maps tier 1-6

Surf maps tiers 1-3 (North America)
[KSFClan.com] #1 24/7 SurfTimer! EasySurf (Tiers 1-3)
23.229.84.45:27015

Surf maps tiers 3-6 (North America)
[KSFClan.com] #1 24/7 SurfTimer! HardSurf (Tiers 3-6)
23.229.84.46:27015

Surfing is another way to get an idea of movement mechanics in CS:GO. KZ and Surfing maps share a commonality, as something casual and relaxing you can do, if you are waiting for friends or just want to kill some time.

Icon used for this guide:
Author: Aroche[www.iconarchive.com]

MarkC MouseFix[donewmouseaccel.blogspot.com]:
Author: Mark Cranness[www.blogger.com]

CS:S Comprehensive Mouse Optimization Guide[www.overclock.net]:
Author: Antigen[www.overclock.net]

Comprehensive Windows Services Guide[www.blackviper.com]:
Author: Black Viper[www.blackviper.com]

Config and Autoexec referenced:
Author: ninja[play.esea.net]

Training Aim CSGO 2 dark:
Remastered by: cardboardtheory
Original content author: kataS[gamebanana.com]

Finding sensitivity video tutorial:
Author: EternalZombie

Suggested Death Match maps
Provided by: Netcode Illuminati[www.netcodeguides.com]

Suggested KZ maps
Provided by: SinFuL Climbing
*Actual map authors may vary, although a lot of porting and reworking is thanks to SinFuL

Suggested Surf maps
Provided by: KSF Clan[www.KSFClan.com]

Communication:

http://www.gamerpeer.com
http://www.reddit.com/r/globaloffensive
http://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/730/discussions/

Current events:

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CSGO&src=typd

128 tick PUG hosting:

http://www.altpug.com/
http://www.leetway.com/
http://play.faceit.com/

eSports:

http://fragbite.se/cs
http://www.esl.eu/eu/csgo/
http://www.dreamhack.se/splash/
http://csgo.starladder.tv/

Leagues with open enrollment:

http://cevo.com/
http://play.esea.net/

Watch:

http://www.hltv.org/
http://www.twitch.tv/directory/game/Counter-Strike%3A%20Global%20Offensive
http://www.twitch.tv/nipgamingtv

Learning resources:

http://www.hattongames.com/
http://twowordbird.com/articles/csgo-recoil-mechanics/
http://thegoshow.tv/
http://www.netcodeguides.com/
http://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=157442340