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How to Control Replay in CS2? Replay Commands

xplay.gg

• 4 min read
How to Control Replay in CS2? Replay Commands

Would you like to watch your CS2 matches from the sidelines but have no idea how to control the demo recording? The xplay.gg team gives you a guide with everything you need to know about CS2 replay control.

Highlights

  • Mastering controls in the CS2 demo version
  • All the necessary commands to control replay in CS2

We have prepared the most important commands for playback control and some tips to help you master working with demos in CS2. We have a great article on a related topic: Best CS2 Tools for Recording Clips. It may be helpful.  

What is CS2 Replay?

A CS2 replay is a recorded file of a Counter-Strike match. This feature allows us to revisit the match frame by frame from any player's perspective. Moreover, you can analyze the gameplay with the help of the replay.

Here, you can see your strengths and weaknesses. Reviewing your matches can help you improve your gameplay, strategy, and skills. You can notice what your allies and opponents saw during the game and how they reacted.

You need a high FPS so that your gameplay does not interfere. For tips on this topic, read our article "7 Settings for Max FPS in CS2: Performance Guide."

Types of Replays and Demos in CS2

In CS2, there are two types of match recordings. 

  • Self-recorded demos

As the name implies, these are demos that the player recorded himself using the "record" command in the console. Another way is to enable replay recording in CS2 settings. You can switch between perspectives using console commands while watching a replay.

  • Loaded demos

These are matches recorded from the server's perspective. Every CS2 player is encouraged to download these replays through their Steam Profile or from third-party websites. 

This type is different because you have complete control over how you view the match: switching between all players, changing the camera view, or using the free camera mode.

For better practice, go practice on the xplay.gg servers. Our team provides many servers with low ping, different modes, and even personalized matches that are easy to customize. 

How to Download CS2 Replays

Follow our small instructions so you can download the demos you need:

  • Open Steam
  • Hover over your profile name in the top menu and click "Activity."
  • Select Games in the right column and click on the "My Game Stats" tab under Counter-Strike 2
  • Click on Personal Game Data and find the replay you want in Premier Matches here.
  • Click the "Download GOTV replay" button and open the content in a new window.
  • Open the game files by browsing the local game files from your Steam library. Right-click on CS2 and select that option under "Manage". The downloaded demo should be copied and unzipped to .../game/csgo.
  • Copy and use the file name in CS2 using the playdemo FILE_NAME command.

How to Control CS2 Replays

Analyzing your gameplay is like looking in a mirror. It shows you your strengths and weaknesses and everything in between. So, use the commands that will help you adjust your match review process to get the most out of it.

CS2 Demo Control Commands

Here are all the commands you might need:

  • demoui - Record your current game.
  • playdemo FILE_NAME - plays your selected demo file
  • csgo_download_match ID - If you know the ID of a match, you can use this command to download it.
  • demo_gototick - Skips to your desired moment.
  • demo_pause - Pauses the replay.
  • demo_resume - Resumes the replay.
  • demo_timescale SPEED - Controls how quickly the demo is played.
  • record FILE_NAME - Record your current game.
  • demo_info - Gives you information about the replay you are watching.

We have also created guides on console commands for other purposes, such as the CS2 Grenade Practice Commands Guide.

Key Combinations for Playing CS2 Demo

It makes no sense for you to rewatch a match from start to finish. That's why it's worth switching to the game's key moments at once to get some benefit from watching replays. To do this, you can use a keyboard shortcut:

  • Press Shift + F2 or type demoui in the console to open the demo interface, where you can jump to any round.
  • Use the spacebar to pause and resume play.
  • Use the numeric keypad keys to control the playback speed (e.g., 1 for normal speed, 2 for double speed, etc.)

This will help you spend less time but get more out of revisiting your match recordings.

Surveillance via Free Camera Mode

This mode lets you fly around the map and watch from all angles, giving you a complete view of your gameplay. With a single press of the Q key, you can move around freely, capturing every epic moment of your gameplay.

Fast Forward Function

With fast-forward buttons, you can skip rounds and empties and focus on essential nuances without missing anything. Whether you go through the game at 2x or 4x speed, every fast forward brings you closer to perfection in CS2.

FAQ

Where are my recorded demos saved?

Demos are typically saved in your CS2 installation folder under "maps" or "csgo" (depending on the version).

Can I switch perspectives in a downloaded demo?

No, you cannot directly control individual players in downloaded demos. However, you can use the command with a player's name to spectate them or use the free camera mode (Q key) for a broader view.

How to hide CS2 Replay HUD?

You need to use the console command "cl_drawhud 0" to hide the HUD (Heads Up Display) in CS2.