The best CS2 crosshair is small, static, and high-contrast — one that stays locked on your aim point whether you are sprinting, jumping, or mid-burst, so you always know exactly where your first bullet will land. Crosshair setup is one of the fastest zero-cost improvements you can make. This guide walks through every setting, explains what each one actually does, and gives you a concrete starter config you can copy in under two minutes.
Why Crosshair Settings Matter in CS2
In CS2 the crosshair is not just cosmetic — it reflects the game's spread model. A poorly configured (dynamic) crosshair blooms outward when you move or fire, visually suggesting better accuracy than you have. A well-configured one sits still, stays small, and keeps your focus on the target rather than the reticle.
CS2 gives granular control through two routes: the in-game menu (Settings → Game → Crosshair) and console commands — both change the same underlying values. If you find a config you like (or copy one from a pro), you can share it via a crosshair share code (the CSGO-xxxxx format you paste into the Import field). Getting your crosshair right pairs well with your CS2 fundamentals and ranked prep whether you grind FACEIT or Premier.
Use a Static Crosshair (Style 4)
CS2 offers crosshair styles 0–5. The single most impactful choice is style 4 — Classic Static. Dynamic styles (especially style 2) expand when you move, jump, or shoot, mimicking the spread cone in real time — which sounds helpful but trains you to wait for the crosshair to shrink before firing, adding a mental delay, and obscures the exact pixel your shot will hit while blooming. Style 4 does none of that: fixed size, no movement, a constant aim reference. Style 5 (static + center dot) is equally valid if you want a dot anchor. Styles 0/1 are legacy carry-overs; style 3 shares the bloom problem. Set cl_crosshairstyle 4 as your first change.
The Key Settings — What Each Command Controls
| Command | What it does | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
cl_crosshairstyle | Crosshair style. 4 = Classic Static (lines don't move); 5 = static + center dot. | 4 |
cl_crosshairsize | Length of each line in pixels. Smaller = tighter, less obstructive. Most pros use 1–2.5. | 2 |
cl_crosshairthickness | Line width. Thicker is easier to see but covers more target. 0.5–1.0 stays clean. | 0.8 |
cl_crosshairgap | Gap between center and where lines start. Negative brings lines closer; positive pushes them out. | -2 |
cl_crosshairdot | Single center dot. 1 = on, 0 = off. A fixed aim anchor without lines. | 0 |
cl_crosshair_drawoutline | Thin dark border around lines — improves visibility on light surfaces. | 1 |
cl_crosshaircolor | Color preset. 1 = green (easiest on most maps), 2 = yellow, 4 = cyan, 5 = custom. | 1 (green) |
Green (1) is the most popular competitive choice — it contrasts well with the grey/brown/stone palettes of Dust II, Inferno, and Mirage. Cyan (4) is popular on foliage-heavy maps. Avoid white (blends into muzzle flash) and red (blends into hit-markers).
A Solid Starter Crosshair
Rather than a famous pro's exact crosshair — which may be tuned to their playstyle, monitor, and resolution — here is a neutral, beginner-friendly config that works across all maps. Open the console (~ by default) and paste these, or match the values in Settings → Game → Crosshair:
cl_crosshairstyle 4
cl_crosshairsize 2
cl_crosshairthickness 0.8
cl_crosshairgap -2
cl_crosshairdot 0
cl_crosshair_drawoutline 1
cl_crosshairoutlinethickness 1
cl_crosshaircolor 1
cl_crosshairalpha 255This produces a small, tight green cross with an outline, no center dot, no movement — intentionally unobtrusive, so the crosshair almost disappears from your conscious attention and your eyes stay on the enemy's head. Spend a few minutes in an aim map or Deathmatch and adjust cl_crosshairsize by 0.5 increments until it feels right at your resolution (1920×1080 players often prefer 1.5–2.5).
How to Set It Up & Import Share Codes
CS2 supports shareable crosshair codes in the format CSGO-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX, encoding every setting in one string. To import one:
- Open CS2 → Settings → Game → Crosshair.
- Click Share or Import (upper-right of the crosshair tab).
- Paste the share code into the Import field and press Enter.
- It previews instantly — click Apply to confirm.
You can also generate a code for your current crosshair to back it up or share with a teammate. If you prefer console, save your commands in ...\CS2\game\csgo\cfg\autoexec.cfg so they load every session.
Dot vs Cross — Which Is Better?
Both have merit. A traditional cross (no dot) is better for tracking moving targets at medium range — the four lines frame the opponent and are easier to see against cluttered backgrounds. A center dot only reduces clutter to a single pixel and many players find it faster for flicks, but it can be hard to spot on light surfaces. A cross with a dot (style 5) gives a precise anchor plus the tracking frame — a good middle ground. Try each in a bot match for ten minutes, then commit for at least a week before judging, since switching mid-grind causes an adjustment period.
Final note — crosshair placement beats crosshair settings. The most perfectly configured crosshair won't compensate for aiming at chest level. Keep your crosshair pre-aimed at head height as you move; that habit, plus a clean static crosshair, does more for your aim than any other single change. If you want to start on a ready-levelled account, browse the options on our CS2 accounts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crosshair do CS2 pros use?
Most use small static crosshairs (style 4), size 1–3, thin lines (0.5–1.0), and a negative gap to keep lines close. Green and cyan are most common. Specifics vary — some prefer a small dot, many a tiny cross — but the unifying theme is small, static, outlined. Copy a pro's share code as a starting point, then adjust to your feel.
Is a dot or cross crosshair better in CS2?
Neither is objectively better — it is playstyle and preference. A cross gives more reference for centering targets (better at medium range); a dot minimises clutter and suits flick-shooters. Many players settle on a small cross without a dot (style 4, size ~1.5–2) as a balanced middle ground. Try both for a few sessions before deciding.
What is cl_crosshairstyle 4 in CS2?
cl_crosshairstyle 4 sets Classic Static mode: the crosshair does not move when you walk, jump, or fire — it stays fixed at its configured size at all times. The large majority of competitive and pro players use it because it gives an honest, consistent aim reference rather than one that blooms with movement.
How do I import a crosshair code in CS2?
Go to Settings → Game → Crosshair and click Share or Import in the upper-right. Paste the CSGO-format code into the import field and press Enter — it loads into the preview, then click Apply. You can also export your current crosshair to generate a code others can import. If a friend sends a code over Discord or in-game chat, this is the fastest way to apply it without entering every console command.
Looking to jump into CS2 with a fresh start or a pre-ranked account? Check our CS2 account listings for verified options at every level. If you play Valorant too, our best Valorant crosshair settings guide applies the same logic to that game's reticle. And if you have accounts to sell, you can apply as a seller on BuyAccount.