Is resolution just a detail in CS2?

We are discussing a very sensitive topic - we warn you right away! We will discuss the issue of resolution, which is very important in CS2. It is also a matter of getting used to it, but for many beginners, the key issue is how the players play on the Pro-Scene. In a sense, they are trend-setters, because a good tournament for a given player is an immediate popularization of the resolution at which that player plays. Is it worth adapting? Let's take a look at this!

 

 

Native, stretched or with black bars?

 

First, it's worth understanding the differences between available screen aspect ratios. Custom settings aside, players can choose from four main formats:

16:9
16:10
4:3

 

Most modern monitors do 16:9 aspect ratio, therefore choosing a different proportion means having to make a decision:

✅ Do you want stretch image to fill the screen?
✅ Do you prefer to play with black stripes on the sides?

 

The differences between the native, stretched, and black striped versions are best illustrated by the comparisons below:

 

 

Pros and cons of different resolution modes

 

Native (16:9)

✅ Advantages:
Widest viewing angle

 

❌ Defects:
Character models are narrower, which may make hitting more difficult.

 

Stretched (4:3)

✅ Advantages:
Models are wider, making them easier to hit.

 

❌ Defects:
Limited field of vision - you see less of your surroundings.
Unnatural aspect ratio may take some getting used to.

 

Black bars (4:3, 5:4 maintaining proportions)

✅ Advantages:
Models move slower which can improve aiming.

 

❌ Defects:
Very limited field of view.
Models remain narrow, which may make them harder to hit.

 

What resolutions do professional players choose?

 

If you want to find out what settings help professionals achieve professional levels, it's worth taking a look at their preferences. Here is a list of the resolutions used by top CS2 players: