Counter-Strike 2: How to Watch Your Demos

The Demos feature in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) serves as a potent tool for players eager to elevate their gaming skills. Whether it’s dissecting your gameplay, refining strategies, or gleaning insights from other players, the Demos feature provides a wealth of opportunities for improvement. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of this feature:

How Demos Work in CS2: Recording and Viewing

1. Recording a Demo:
   • Open the developer console in CS2.
   • Type “record” followed by the desired demo file name.
   • Begin playing the game as usual.
   • To stop recording, type “stop” in the console.
2. Accessing Demos:
   • After recording, demos can be downloaded or viewed directly.

Analyzing Gameplay with Demos: A Step-by-Step Guide

Through Steam:

1. Log in to Steam via a web browser.
2. Navigate to your profile and select “Games.”
3. Find Counter-Strike 2 and click on it.
4. Under “Personal Game Data,” choose “Premier Matches.”
5. Locate the desired match and click “Download GOTV Replay.”

In-Game:

1. Open CS2 and type “playdemo” followed by the demo file name in the console.
2. If the demo is not in the CS2 folder, specify the path to the file.
3. The demo will load, and you can use the demoui command to access the new demo UI.

Mastering Demo Controls in CS2

1. Playback Controls:
   • Utilize the controls at the bottom of the screen for playback (pause, play, rewind, fast-forward, skip to rounds).
2. Free Camera Mode:
   • Fly around the map and view action from different angles.
3. Key Commands:
   • Use “playdemo” followed by the demo file name to play demos.
   • Adjust playback speed with the “speed” command.
   • Open the demo UI with the “demoui” command.
   • Spectate a specific player using the “follow” command.
   • Freeze the action at a specific point with “freezecam.”
   • Display only death notices in the demo with “cl_draw_only_deathnotices 1.”

Maximizing Your Learning Experience

• Review Strategically:
  • Focus on critical moments, strategic decisions, and engagements.
  • Pay attention to positioning, crosshair placement, and utility usage.
• Utilize Slow Motion:
  • Adjust playback speed using the “speed” command to analyze intricate details.
• Learn from Others:
  • Download and study demos of skilled players to glean insights.
• Experiment with Free Camera:
  • Explore the map from different perspectives to uncover tactical nuances.

By mastering the Demos feature, players can unlock a treasure trove of knowledge, refining their skills and staying ahead in the competitive realm of Counter-Strike 2.