CS 1.6 Cvar List: Complete Console Variables & Commands
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Counter-Strike 1.6 and Half-Life utilize console variables (cvars) to manage engine behavior, graphics, network settings, and server rules.
A properly configured CS 1.6 cvar list allows players to optimize shooting quality, increase FPS, and gain a competitive edge using precise adjustments.
You will learn what each cvar command means because there are a lot of cvar settings for the Counter-Strike 1.6 game. We will introduce and help you understand what each command does to your client or server.
These CS 1.6 cvar settings lists can help you improve the quality of your shooting and the game itself. Well-chosen settings will help you have an advantage over your opponents as well.
Table of Contents
What are CS 1.6 cvar commands?
Console variables (cvars) are specific commands used in Counter-Strike 1.6 to configure technical game settings via the developer console or .cfg files. These variables are divided into client settings, which affect only your local game environment, and server settings, which dictate the rules for all players connected to a specific server.
Essential Client Cvar Settings
Most Non-Steam players utilize these specific variables to improve visual clarity, model rendering, and mouse precision. If your game client runs poorly or crashes frequently, we strongly recommend checking the Counter-Strike 1.6 download page to install a clean, unmodified version before tweaking advanced variables.
| Cvar Name | Purpose & Recommended Value |
| cl_dynamiccrosshair | Determines if the crosshair expands while running or jumping. Set to 0 for a static crosshair, or 1 for dynamic. |
| cl_righthand | Selects the weapon hand. Use 1 for right-handed weapon models, and 0 for left-handed models. |
| sensitivity | The primary mouse sensitivity setting. Lower values generally provide better aiming precision. |
| fps_max | Maximum frames per second. The optimal and engine-limited standard is typically 99.5 or 100. |
Network Optimization Commands
To prevent lag, rubber-banding, and ensure bullets register exactly where you aim, configuring your network variables is mandatory. This becomes extremely crucial when connecting to servers with specific rules or competitive environments.
| Cvar Name | Recommended Value | Description |
| rate | 25000 or 100000 | Maximum data transfer rate in bytes per second. 100000 is standard for modern connections. |
| cl_cmdrate | 101 | The number of command packets sent to the server per second. |
| cl_updaterate | 101 | The number of update packets received from the server per second. |
| ex_interp | 0.01 | Interpolation value that ensures smooth player models. 0.01 provides the most accurate hitboxes. |
Server Management Console Variables
If you are managing a dedicated server or a local LAN match, these specific cvars define the fundamental gameplay loop and match rules.
| Cvar Name | Description |
| mp_freezetime | The duration in seconds of the freeze period at the start of each round. Set to 0 to disable. |
| mp_roundtime | The maximum length of a round in minutes (minimum 1, maximum 9). |
| mp_buytime | The amount of time in minutes that players are allowed to purchase weapons at spawn. |
| mp_c4timer | The duration in seconds before the C4 explosive detonates after being planted. Standard match value is 35. |
Complete CS 1.6 Cvar List
Below is the comprehensive, unfiltered list of all available Counter-Strike 1.6 and Half-Life game cvars. Use this as your ultimate reference guide.
| CVar Name | Description |
| allow_spectators | Allows players to join as spectators. |
| ati_npatch | Enables ATI TRUform technology, which will result in higher quality models but lower performance. |
| ati_subdiv | This is ATI TRUform level, the higher you go (with ati_npatch set to 1), the more polygons are added to the models to smooth them out. |
| bgmbuffer | Sets the allocated memory for CD/MP3 music in kilobytes. |
| bgmvolume | When disabled, it pauses the current audio that is being played with the “mp3” or “cd” command. To unpause, simply re-enable. |
| bottomcolor | Sets the bottom color of your Half-Life model that others see. |
| brightness | Sets the brightness value. |
| cam_command | Enable third person view. This is the same as the “third person” command. HL does not require sv_cheats 1 to work. |
| cam_contain | Contains the camera within the current room boundaries. |
| cam_idealdist | Third person camera distance. See cam_command. |
| cam_idealpitch | Third person camera step. See cam_command. |
| cam_idealyaw | Third-person camera yaw. See cam_command. |
| cam_snapto | If enabled, your viewpoints will move at the same speed as your movements, not faster than your movements. Third person only. See cam_command. |
| chase_active | This is a 3rd person view just like cam_command 1, except that it only works in single player, and when you move your mouse, it’s like zooming in on your player model. |
| chase_back | Sets how far the camera is behind you when chase_active is 1. |
| chase_right | It sets how far the camera is to your right when chase_active is set to 1. If you want to make the camera to your left, use negative values. |
| chase_up | Sets how far the camera is above you when chase_active is 1. |
| clientport | Sets the port through which the client connects to the server. |
| clockwindow | It is designed to combat the speedhacks used in the game. The default value for this cvar is “0.5”. As the value decreases, modem client games should feel twitchy. The clock window setting does not affect the server. Now this doesn’t block speedhacks, it just makes the speedhacker fall far behind when speedhacking. |
| cl_allowdownload | Allow loading maps, models, sounds, sprites, textures when connecting to the server. |
| cl_allowupload | Allow your custom spray to be loaded when connected to the server. |
| cl_anglespeedkey | Determines the ratio of turn speed to +left/+right when walking (+speed). cl_yawspeed * cl_anglespeedkey = turn speed when walking. |
| cl_backspeed | Sets the speed with the back (+back) key. This is limited to the sv_maxspeed backend. And in CS it’s limited by weapon speed. This must be equal to cl_forwardspeed and cl_sidespeed. |
| cl_bob | Sets the amount by which the view wobbles when the player is running. |
| cl_bobcycle | Sets how often the player’s gaze swings while running. I would recommend leaving this as the default. Has no effect when cl_bob is 0. |
| cl_bobup | Sets the amount of time the player bounces while running. Has no effect when cl_bob is 0. |
| cl_chasedist | It changes how much the camera zooms out while you are dead. |
| cl_clockreset | If the client’s clock deviates from the server by more than cl_clockreset, we simply reset it to use the server and reset the delta to 0 – usually happens when there is packet loss. |
| cl_cmdbackup | With each batch of commands (cl_cmdrate), we resend the last few previous move commands (in case of packet loss) so that we can continue to run smoothly. Default is 2. |
| cl_cmdrate | This is the maximum number of command packets you send to the server per second. By default, up to 30 command packets per second are sent to the server. |
| cl_corpsestay | Time in seconds before dead bodies disappear from the ground. |
| cl_crosshair_color | Specifies the color of the crosshair in RGB, the value must be enclosed in double quotes. |
| cl_crosshair_size | Specifies the size of the crosshair. Possible values are: 0 or auto / 1 or small / 2 or medium / 3 or large. |
| cl_crosshair_translucent | Includes a translucent crosshair. |
| cl_dlmax | cl_dlmax defines the “chunk” size for pieces of player decals, etc. that are loaded during the game. Clamped up to 16 to 1024 bytes. |
| cl_download_ingame | Allows you to load custom player sprays during the game. |
| cl_dynamiccrosshair | Enables dynamic crosshair when crouching/jumping. |
| cl_fixtimerate | cl_fixtimerate is the number of ms per frame to fix clock drift. |
| cl_fog_b | It sets the value of the blue color of the fog. Fog can be enabled with gl_fog 1. |
| cl_fog_density | Sets the fog density. Fog can be enabled with gl_fog 1. A good value is 0.0003. |
| cl_fog_g | It sets the green color value of the fog. |
| cl_fog_r | It sets the value of the red color of the fog. |
| cl_forwardspeed | Sets the speed using the “forward” key (+forward). This is limited to the sv_maxspeed backend. |
| cl_gaitestimation | cl_gaitestimation uses an alternative way to calculate the speed of other players to control the animation of their lower body (legs). |
| cl_gg | If enabled, when viewing a demo with playdemo or viewdemo, it will run the demo in benchmarking mode, exit the game, and save the results in the fps.txt file. |
| cl_himodels | Includes high quality models. This only works in Half-Life. |
| cl_idealpitchscale | Used to adjust the angle of the eyes when walking up / down inclines. |
| cl_lc | This is called “server-side hit calculation and lag compensation”. This only works if the server allows lag compensation (sv_unlag 1). |
| cl_logocolor | It defines the color of your spray: #Valve_Blue, #Valve_Brown, #Valve_Dkgray, #Valve_Ltblue, #Valve_Ltgray, #Valve_Green, #Valve_Orange, #Valve_Red, #Valve_Yellow |
| cl_logofile | It determines which spray you want to use among the default spray logos. |
| cl_lw | This is called “client-side weapon firing prediction”. Effects include triggering a weapon firing animation immediately. |
| cl_minmodels | Enable displaying only minimal models: leet.mdl, gign.mdl and vip.mdl, enabling it may improve performance. |
| cl_movespeedkey | The speed at which you move when +speed is active. |
| cl_needinstanced | Enabling this option will display some information about loaded models (weapon models) in the console. You need developer 1. |
| cl_nosmooth | It determines whether prediction errors will be smoothly corrected during cl_smoothtime. If set to 1, prediction error smoothing is disabled. |
| cl_observercrosshair | This turns on the crosshairs in the Free Look viewer mode. |
| cl_pitchdown | Sets the maximum viewing angle to look down. This is locked and cannot be changed in CS. |
| cl_pitchspeed | This is how fast your up/down loop is with the +lookup/+lookdown commands. |
| cl_pitchup | Sets the maximum viewing angle to look up. This is locked and cannot be changed in CS. |
| cl_pmanstats | It displays particle information on your screen (smoke grenades, etc.). |
| cl_radartype | Enables an opaque (solid) radar when set to 1. |
| rate | This is the number of bytes per second that the client can request from the server. |
| cl_resend | The delay, in seconds, before the client resends a connection attempt. |
| cl_righthand | If set to -1, your weapon will be in your left hand and your knife in your right. If it is set to 0, all weapons are left-handed. If 1, all weapons are right-handed. |
| cl_shadows | Enable player shadows (small black circle), disable for better performance. |
| cl_showerror | Show the prediction errors on the screen. |
| cl_showevents | Enables the display of events such as firing a weapon, all events are listed in cstrike/events/. |
| cl_showfps | Shows your current FPS in the top left corner of the screen. |
| cl_showmessages | Drop network traffic to the console. Need developer 1 to work. |
| cl_shownet | 0 = Do not display any information. 1 = Print the size of the current incoming packet in bytes. 2 = Display info about current incoming packet. |
| cl_sidespeed | Sets the speed using the left and right movement keys (+moveleft and +moveright). |
| cl_slist | This is the maximum number of seconds to wait for responses when pinging the LAN “slist”. |
| cl_smoothtime | It specifies the amount of time that the representation will be smoothly corrected after a prediction error. |
| cl_solid_players | Whether the motion prediction mechanism should consider other players as solid objects. |
| cl_timeout | When you are inactive, after how many seconds the server will disconnect you. |
| cl_updaterate | This is the number of updates per second you are requesting from the server. |
| cl_upspeed | Sets the speed with the up/down navigation keys (+moveup/+movedown). |
| cl_vsmoothing | This is called View Smoothing, and involves interpolation between view vectors. It smoothes/interpolates the origin and viewing angles when riding on trains/platforms. |
| cl_waterdist | Compensates for the view along the water surface. |
| cl_weaponlistfix | Fixes a bug in the HL1 source code related to the WeaponList custom message. |
| cl_weather | Enables rain on de_aztec, 1 will cause a few drops of rain, 2 will increase their amount, 3 will cause a downpour. Disables it (0) to improve performance. |
| cl_yawspeed | Specifies the rate of turn with +left and +right. |
| com_filewarning | Toggles missing file warnings. |
| console | If you have this CVar set to “0” you cannot open the console. |
| con_color | Sets the color of chat messages in RGB. |
| con_fastmode | Toggles faster console drawing. |
| con_notifytime | The amount of time, in seconds, that developer messages remain in the top left corner of the screen. |
| coop | Enables co-op mode. Doesn’t work in CS as it is a multiplayer game. |
| crosshair | Enables the red dot in the center of the awp/scout/g3sg1/sg550 scope. |
| c_maxdistance | This is the maximum 3rd person camera distance (see cam_command) using +camdistance. |
| c_maxpitch | This is the maximum 3rd person camera pitch (see cam_command). |
| c_maxyaw | This is the maximum 3rd person camera tilt (see cam_command). |
| c_mindistance | This is the minimum 3rd person camera distance (see cam_command). |
| c_minyaw | This is the minimum third person camera deviation (see cam_command). |
| deathmatch | It determines whether the server is multi-user (1) or single-user (0). |
| decalfrequency | Sets the frequency at which players can spray their logos. The amount is in seconds, 0 means no delay. |
| default_fov | Sets the field of view in Half-Life. In CS, the change only takes effect when you zoom out your body in spectator mode. |
| developer | Enables developer mode. Developer mode can be used to display info on the screen and output extended information to the console. Developer 2 provides more detailed info. |
| dev_overview | It shows an overview map created by the game. Used for cartographers to get an overview image. |
| direct | Specifies the ambient/direct lighting scaling on studio models. |
| displaysoundlist | If set, this shows the list of AI sounds on the console (only with developer 2). |
| d_mipcap | Sets the maximum quality for all textures, near or far. 0 = High texture detail, 3 = Minimum texture detail. |
| d_mipscale | It sets the maximum scalable quality of remote textures. |
| d_spriteskip | It provides fast rendering of sprites. It will skip rendering every N scan lines. |
| edgefriction | This is used to add slowdown when jumping off the edge. When set higher, the force pulling you down is greater. |
| ex_interp | ex_interp sets the amount of time (in seconds) to interpolate between each successive update (cl_updaterate). |
| fakelag | Simulates a delay when the value is greater than 0. The higher the value, the greater the delay (requires sv_cheats). |
| fakeloss | Simulates packet loss when the value is above 0 (requires sv_cheats). |
| fastsprites | Determines the quality of smoke puffs, 0 is the worst, 2 is the best (or vice-versa depending on interpretation, 0 is usually highest detail). |
| fps_max | Set the maximum number of frames per second. You can only have more than 100 if developer is 1. |
| fps_modem | This is the old CVar fps_max for the web. Leave this value at 0. |
| fs_lazy_precache | If this switch is enabled, the game will not preload sound files during map startup. |
| fs_perf_warnings | Controls whether texture resampling warnings are printed. Requires developer 1. |
| fs_precache_timings | Perf printouts about sound and model loading. Requires developer 1. |
| fs_startup_timings | Manages console timings when starting the engine. Requires developer 1. |
| gamma | Sets the gamma value. |
| gl_affinemodels | Applies opengl perspective correction hints. |
| gl_alphamin | Determines how texture filtering with alpha masking (lattices, fences, screen doors) affects edges. |
| gl_clear | If you enable gl_clear it will clear the color buffer. Used mostly by mappers to find leaks. |
| gl_cull | Enables the opengl GL_CULL_FACE setting. |
| gl_d3dflip | This CVar is only valid in D3D mode. This includes reverse rendering order. |
| gl_dither | 16-bit OpenGL rendering can use a form of anti-aliasing depending on the pixel being rendered. |
| gl_flipmatrix | This is a fix for your crosshair if you are using old 3dfx drivers. |
| gl_fog | Turn on/off the fog effect. Works predominantly on de_inferno_cz. |
| gl_keeptjunctions | Keep the collinear points added by QCSG/QBSP to fix T-junctions. |
| gl_lightholes | Controls whether to apply lighting to surfaces with holes. |
| gl_max_size | The maximum size in pixels in which textures are loaded. The value must be a multiple of 16. |
| gl_monolights | Create an even source of light, without shadows. (FullBright). |
| gl_nobind | Toggles replacing textures with alphanumeric characters. Deprecated. |
| gl_nocolors | Do not bind separately colored textures for players. Deprecated. |
| gl_overbright | Saturated lighting. Makes lighting more natural and realistic. |
| gl_palette_tex | Enable/disable support for paletted textures. |
| gl_picmip | Sets the rendering quality – higher number is faster but lower quality. Do not set more than 3. |
| gl_playermip | Sets the rendering quality for models. Not supported in modern builds. |
| gl_polyoffset | The amount of offset to apply to polygon labels (like decals). |
| gl_reportjunctions | This cvar has no effect. |
| gl_round_down | This is texture accuracy or texture rounding. Setting it low makes textures more accurate. |
| gl_spriteblend | Turns on alpha blending of sprites. (gl_spriteblend 0 = thick blood/crosshair). |
| gl_wateramp | It enhances water waves. |
| gl_wireframe | Draws outlines on surfaces to see rendering layers and map geometry. Requires sv_cheats 1. |
| gl_zmax | Sets the maximum size of zbuffer. This is the maximum visible distance. Controlled by sv_zmax. |
| gl_ztrick | Half of the Z-buffer range. Enabling this setting may cause distant objects to flicker but increases FPS. |
| graphheight | Sets the height of net_graph. |
| hisound | Switches high quality sound (1 for high quality). |
| hostmap | When a map is modified, this parameter is automatically set to the name of the map. |
| hostname | Sets the server name. |
| hostport | Sets the port to be used for your server. Overrides the “port” cvar if not 0. |
| host_framerate | Scales the clock in singleplayer or demo playback (used to fast forward). |
| host_killtime | Sets the delay before killing the server. |
| host_profile | Displays the number of connected clients and their network latency. |
| host_speeds | Displays host FPS, network latency, transfer rate, render rate, and object count. |
| hpk_maxsize | Specifies the maximum size of the custom.hpk file in your cstrike folder (in megabytes). |
| hud_capturemouse | If disabled, there is no mouse cursor in the command menu. |
| hud_centerid | Toggles the display of player names in the lower left corner or in the middle of the screen. |
| hud_classautokill | If enabled, automatically kill yourself after selecting a new player class in TFC. |
| hud_deathnotice_time | Sets the number of seconds for which death notifications are displayed. |
| hud_draw | Enables HUD rendering. |
| hud_drawhistory_time | Sets the number of seconds that the HUD icons are displayed (e.g., buy icons). |
| hud_fastswitch | Toggles quick weapon switching via keyboard numbers. |
| hud_saytext | Includes in-game chat messages. |
| hud_saytext_internal | Includes in-game chat internally. |
| hud_saytext_time | Sets the number of seconds that chat messages are displayed. |
| hud_takesshots | Allows you to take pictures (screenshots) at the end of maps. |
| humans_join_team | Used for command restrictions. Set to “any”, “ct”, or “t” to restrict humans to certain teams. |
| ip | If a connection to the steam server cannot be established, specify the server IP via command line. |
| joyadvanced | Allows extended joystick axis variables to be used. |
| joyadvaxisr | Controls the DirectInput R axis mapping (usually joystick-rudder). |
| joyadvaxisu | Controls mapping of the DirectInput U axis (custom axis). |
| joyadvaxisv | Controls mapping of the DirectInput V axis (custom axis). |
| joyadvaxisx | Controls the display of the DirectInput X axis (usually joystick left and right). |
| joyadvaxisy | Controls the display of the Y-axis DirectInput (usually joystick forward and backward). |
| joyadvaxisz | Controls the mapping of the Z-axis DirectInput (usually a throttle stick). |
| joyforwardsensitivity | Controls how much joystick movement is required to drive forward/backward. |
| joyforwardthreshold | Controls the dead zone for forward and backward movement. |
| joypitchsensitivity | Controls the speed or ratio used when you look up and down with joystick. |
| joypitchthreshold | Controls the dead zone for looking up and down. |
| joysidesensitivity | Controls how much joystick movement is required to move from side to side. |
| joysidethreshold | Controls the dead zone for moving from side to side. |
| joystick | Allows you to use the joystick (1 = enabled, 0 = disabled). |
| joyhack1 | Variable that includes custom response curves configured for Logitech Wingman Warrior joystick. |
| joyhack2 | Variable that fixes uncontrolled rotation when using Wingman Warrior joystick. |
| joyyawsensitivity | Controls the speed or ratio used when you look from left to right. |
| joyyawthreshold | Controls the dead zone for looking left and right. |
| lambert | Sets the Lambert level (lighting the player models). |
| lightgamma | Sets the game lighting gamma. |
| loadas8bit | Toggles the use of the lowest quality 8-bit audio. |
| logsdir | Specifies the directory where server logs will be created. |
| lookspring | Enables automatic view centering when mouse browsing is disabled. |
| lookstrafe | When enabled, left/right mouse movements cause you to move sideways instead of turning. |
| lservercfgfile | Sets the configuration file that is loaded when the listen server starts. |
| mapchangecfgfile | This sets up a config file that is loaded whenever the map is changed. |
| mapcyclefile | This sets the file to be used for the map cycle. |
| max_queries_sec | Part of the rate-limiting code for out-of-band requests. Defines max requests per second per user. |
| max_queries_sec_global | Defines the maximum number of requests per second for all requests globally. |
| max_queries_window | Defines the time window for averaging the request rate. |
| max_shells | The maximum number of bullet shells drawn at the same time. |
| max_smokepuffs | The maximum number of puffs of smoke drawn at a time. |
| model | Sets your model to Half-Life (barney, gina, gman, gordon, etc.). |
| motdfile | Sets the file to be used as the message of the day (MOTD welcome screen). |
| mp3fadetime | This is the number of seconds it takes for the mp3 to fade out completely. |
| mp3volume | Sets the MP3 volume level. |
| mp_allowmonsters | Allow or disable the appearance of monsters in multiplayer (Half-Life only). |
| mp_autocrosshair | If sv_aim is 1, this turns on the red crosshair in multiplayer. |
| mp_autokick | Enable automatic kicking of teamkillers and idle clients. |
| mp_autoteambalance | Enables team auto-balancing. |
| mp_buytime | Assign the desired amount of buying time for each round. |
| mp_c4timer | Timer duration for C4 (15 to 90 seconds). |
| mp_chattime | The amount of time in seconds that players can chat after the game ends. |
| mp_consistency | Checks if connecting client has modified models to gain an unfair advantage. |
| mp_decals | Sets the maximum number of decals (sprays, bullet holes, blood) visible on the map. |
| mp_defaultteam | If set to 1, players are forced to join the first team when joining. |
| mp_fadetoblack | If set to 1, the player’s screen turns black upon death. |
| mp_falldamage | Enables realistic fall damage in Half-Life. |
| mp_flashlight | Set to 1 to enable the use of flashlights, 0 to disable. |
| mp_footsteps | Set to 1 to enable footsteps, 0 to disable. |
| mp_forcecamera | Forces spectator camera views (restricts ghosting). |
| mp_forcechasecam | Identical to mp_forcecamera in later updates. |
| mp_forcerespawn | If enabled, players will automatically respawn upon death. |
| mp_fraglimit | When someone’s score reaches mp_fraglimit, the server changes the map. |
| mp_fragsleft | Shows the number of frags left based on the mp_fraglimit. |
| mp_freezetime | The duration in seconds of the freeze period at the start of rounds. |
| mp_friendlyfire | Set to 1 to enable friendly fire, 0 to disable. |
| mp_ghostfrequency | Ghost update period. Deprecated. |
| mp_hostagepenalty | Maximum number of hostages a player can kill before the server kicks them. |
| mp_kickpercent | Sets the percentage of teammates required to kick a player. |
| mp_limitteams | The maximum number of players one team can have over another. |
| mp_logdetail | Bit variable to set the level of detail for logging attacks (0, 1, 2, or 3). |
| mp_logecho | If enabled, server log messages are displayed in the server console. |
| mp_logfile | Enables server console logging to a file in the logs/ folder. |
| mp_logmessages | Used for server admins to log chat messages. |
| mp_mapvoteratio | Ratio of players required to vote on the same map before the map changes. |
| mp_maxrounds | Maximum number of rounds that can be played on the map. |
| mp_mirrordamage | Deprecated feature meant to reflect friendly fire damage. |
| mp_playerid | Toggles the information players see on the status bar when aiming at others. |
| mp_roundtime | Round time duration (1.5 to 9 minutes). |
| mp_startmoney | Sets the amount of money players start the game with. |
| mp_teamlist | Determines the names of the commands in HLDM depending on the models. |
| mp_teamoverride | Allows maps to override server mp_teamlist. |
| mp_timeleft | Shows the amount of time left before changing the map. |
| mp_timelimit | Period in minutes between map rotations. |
| mp_tkpunish | If set to 1, TKers will be automatically killed on the next round. |
| mp_weaponstay | Causes weapons to immediately respawn after one player has picked it up. |
| mp_windifference | Used to determine the difference between T and CT payoffs to apply win logic. |
| mp_winlimit | Will rotate the map after one team reaches this number of wins. |
| m_filter | Toggles the mouse filter to smooth out mouse movements. |
| m_forward | Determines how fast you move forward/back when you move your mouse. |
| m_pitch | Sets the sensitivity ratio of mouse movements up and down. |
| m_side | Determines how fast you move sideways when you move your mouse. |
| m_yaw | Sets the sensitivity ratio between left and right mouse movements. |
| name | Sets your in-game name. |
| net_graph | Displays information about your connection, ping, frame rate, etc. (1, 2, or 3). |
| net_graphpos | Sets the position of the net_graph. 0 = right, 1 = center, 2 = left. |
| net_graphwidth | Sets the width of net_graph. |
| net_scale | Sets the number of bytes displayed per pixel in net_graph. |
| net_showdrop | Shows a message in the console when a packet is dropped. |
| net_showpackets | Shows incoming/outgoing packets in the console. |
| nosound | Turns off all sounds except certain hardcoded event sounds. |
| password | Sets the password required for joining a protected server. |
| pause | Allow or prevent players from pausing the game using the pause command. |
| port | Sets the port to be used for your server. |
| rcon_address | Allows clients to remotely connect to a server to use rcon commands. |
| rcon_password | Sets the rcon password on the server so admins can manage it. |
| rcon_port | The port through which the client can remotely connect to the server via rcon. |
| room_type | Used by cartographers to set environmental audio echoes (reverb types). |
| r_aliastransadj | Adjusts alias transformation rendering. |
| r_aliastransbase | Base adjustment for alias transformations. |
| r_ambient_b | Artificially shifts the lighting of the current world by a blue value. |
| r_ambient_g | Artificially shifts the lighting of the current world to green. |
| r_ambient_r | Artificially shifts the lighting of the current world to a red value. |
| r_bmodelhighfrac | Adjusts brush model fractions. |
| r_bmodelinterp | Determines whether moving brush models will interpolate their position. |
| r_cachestudio | Caches studio model hulls for faster rendering and testing. |
| r_cullsequencebox | In multiplayer, checks the entire truncated pyramid for the current animation extents. |
| r_decals | Sets the limit for decals drawn by the renderer client-side. |
| r_detailtextures | Enable/disable detailed textures (like Cobblestone details). |
| r_drawentities | Controls how objects/models are drawn (0 = None, 1 = Normal, 2 = Skeleton, etc.). |
| r_drawflat | Shows how the engine breaks up surfaces to draw them. |
| r_draworder | WallHack command used by mappers to improve map performance. Needs sv_cheats. |
| r_drawviewmodel | Toggles the weapon model visibility. |
| r_dspeeds | Displays renderer speed statistics (Requires developer 1). |
| r_dynamic | Dynamic lighting from explosive objects and flashlights. |
| r_fullright | Renders textures without dynamic shading/lighting (requires developer). |
| r_glowshellfreq | Sets the glow frequency of player models (e.g., spawn protection). |
| r_graphheight | Adjusts the height of the r_timegraph chart. |
| r_lightmap | Affects lightmaps in D3D/Software modes. |
| r_lightstyle | Removes all lights on maps. |
| r_luminance | Makes the whole map blue-green when set to 1. |
| r_maxedges | Sets the maximum number of flat surface edges to render. |
| r_maxsurfs | Sets the maximum number of flat surfaces to render. |
| r_mirroralpha | Mirror effect. Deprecated and not supported. |
| r_mmx | Enables MMX CPU instruction optimization. |
| r_norefresh | Disables world and HUD updates entirely. |
| r_novis | Disables the Visible Information Set (VIS) for debugging rendering issues. |
| r_numedges | Shows the number of edges displayed at one time. |
| r_numsurfs | Shows the number of brush planes displayed at one time. |
| r_polymodelstats | Displays the number of polygon models shown. |
| r_reportedgeout | Toggles the display of how many edges are culled. |
| r_reportsurfout | Toggles the display of how many surfaces are culled. |
| r_speeds | Used by mappers to view epoly and wpoly rendering stats. |
| r_timegraph | Toggles the display of a graph showing screen rendering time. |
| r_traceglow | Enables occlusion calculation for light halos and explosion sprites. |
| r_wadtextures | Used to enable or disable included WAD textures. |
| r_wateralpha | Enables alpha water blending (translucent water). |
| r_waterwarp | Toggles underwater wave distortion effects. |
| scr_centertime | Time in seconds that central screen messages remain active. |
| scr_connectmsg | The first line of a small message in white text drawn on a black box during connect. |
| scr_connectmsg1 | The second line of the Connect-Message window. |
| scr_connectmsg2 | The third line of the Connect-Message window. |
| scr_conspeed | Sets the speed at which the console comes into view. |
| scr_ofsx | Sets the X offset of the view’s origin. |
| scr_ofsy | Sets the Y offset of the view’s origin. |
| scr_ofsz | Sets the Z offset of the view origin. |
| sensitivity | Sets the overall mouse sensitivity. |
| servercfgfile | Sets the configuration file that is loaded when a dedicated server starts. |
| skill | Sets the difficulty level in Half-Life single player mode (1: Easy, 2: Medium, 3: Hard). |
| sk_* | Variables starting with sk_ control monster health and weapon damage per skill level. |
| snd_noextraupdate | Disables excessive audio updates to maintain framerate. |
| spec_autodirector | Enables Auto Director spectator mode to automatically follow action. |
| spec_autodirector_internal | Internal tracker for spec_autodirector. |
| spec_drawcone | Toggles the 90-degree orange vision cone showing where players look on the minimap. |
| spec_drawcone_internal | Internal tracker for spec_drawcone. |
| spec_drawnames | Toggles drawing player names in map overview spectator mode. |
| spec_drawnames_internal | Internal tracker for spec_drawnames. |
| spec_drawstatus | Toggles game information in the upper right corner in spectator mode. |
| spec_drawstatus_internal | Internal tracker for spec_drawstatus. |
| spec_mode_internal | Sets the default observer mode you enter when joining spectators. |
| spec_pip | Sets the PIP (Picture-In-Picture) spectator mode. |
| spec_scoreboard | Turns on/off the spectator scoreboard overlay. |
| suitvolume | Sets the volume of the HEV suit sounds in Half-Life. |
| sv_accelerate | Sets the acceleration speed on the server. |
| sv_aim | Enables auto-aim for singleplayer/servers that permit it. |
| sv_airaccelerate | Sets how fast players accelerate in the air (important for surf maps). |
| sv_airmove | Controls mid-air movement handling. |
| sv_allowdownload | Allows the server to upload any content to the client (maps, sprays). |
| sv_allowupload | Allows clients to send custom sprays to the server. |
| sv_alltalk | Allow dead players to communicate via voice chat with living players/both teams. |
| sv_bounce | Controls the collision response of flying projectiles hitting slopes. |
| sv_cheats | Allows the use of cheat codes (impulse 101, noclip). |
| sv_clienttrace | Sets the player’s bounding box for world collisions. |
| sv_clipmode | Controls clipping physics behavior. |
| sv_contact | Sets the server owner email/contact info. |
| sv_downloadurl | Allows clients to load custom content via fast HTTP links rather than the game server. |
| sv_enableoldqueries | Allows old-style queries to the server engine. |
| sv_filetransfercompression | Allows the server to compress content sent to the client. |
| sv_filterban | Sets packet filtering by IP mode. |
| sv_friction | Controls player friction against the ground. Locked to 4 in CS. |
| sv_gravity | Sets gravity limit (Default 800). |
| sv_instancedbaseline | Allows the server to create instance baselines for entities. |
| sv_lan | Enables LAN server mode (no online authentication required). |
| sv_lan_rate | Defines the connection rate for all clients on a LAN server. |
| sv_logbans | Turns logging of player bans on/off. |
| sv_logblocks | Logs IP addresses blocked by rate limiting. |
| sv_log_onefile | Determines whether one single log file is created or one per map. |
| sv_log_singleplayer | Generates log files for single-player games. |
| sv_maxrate | Sets the maximum bytes per second the server can send to a client. |
| sv_maxspeed | Sets the absolute maximum movement speed for clients. |
| sv_maxunlag | Maximum amount of time the server compensates for ping differences. |
| sv_maxupdaterate | Maximum number of updates per second the server sends to the client. |
| sv_maxvelocity | Sets the maximum speed of any moving object. |
| sv_minrate | Sets the minimum bytes per second the server can send to the client. |
| sv_minupdaterate | Minimum number of updates per second the server sends. |
| sv_newunit | Clears saved game data from previous levels to save memory. |
| sv_password | Sets the global password for joining the server. |
| sv_proxy | Sets how many HLTV proxies will be able to connect to the server. |
| sv_rcon_banpenalty | The number of minutes to block users who fail RCON auth. |
| sv_rcon_maxfailures | Maximum fails allowed before an RCON user is banned. |
| sv_rcon_minfailures | Number of RCON fails within minfailuretime before ban. |
| sv_rcon_minfailuretime | Time window for RCON fail counting. |
| sv_region | Server browser filter to specify the physical region. |
| sv_restart | Sets the number of seconds before the server restarts the game fully. |
| sv_restartround | Alternative command to restart the game. |
| sv_send_logos | Allows the server to distribute custom sprays to clients. |
| sv_send_resources | Determines whether custom resources are passed to clients. |
| sv_skycolor_b | Sets the sky blue color value. |
| sv_skycolor_g | Sets the sky green color value. |
| sv_skycolor_r | Sets the sky red color value. |
| sv_skyname | Sets the specific sky texture used for the current map. |
| sv_skyvec_x | Sets the sky orientation on the x-axis. |
| sv_skyvec_y | Sets the sky orientation on the y-axis. |
| sv_skyvec_z | Sets the sky’s Z orientation. |
| sv_spectatormaxspeed | Maximum speed at which spectators can fly around. |
| sv_stats | Collects server CPU usage statistics. |
| sv_stepsize | Determines the maximum height you can climb over without jumping. |
| sv_stopspeed | Sets the minimum stopping speed friction on the ground. |
| sv_timeout | Controls how long the server waits before disconnecting unresponsive clients. |
| sv_unlag | Allows clients to use lag compensation. |
| sv_unlagsamples | Sets the number of packets averaged to find the compensation ping. |
| sv_uploadmax | Limits the maximum file size clients can upload to the server. |
| sv_version | Displays current game build and protocol version data. |
| sv_visiblemaxplayers | Limits how many server slots are visible to external players on the browser. |
| sv_voicecodec | Specifies the voice codec DLL (voice_miles or voice_speex). |
| sv_voiceenable | Allows overall voice communication on the server. |
| sv_voicequality | Sets the server-side voice quality configuration for the speex codec. |
| sv_wateraccelerate | Sets player acceleration when submerged in water. |
| sv_wateramp | Enhances water wave amplitude on the server. |
| sv_waterfriction | Controls friction scaling while in water. |
| sv_zmax | Server-enforced Z-buffer draw distance (prevents visual hacks). |
| sys_ticrate | Sets the maximum tick rate calculation frames per second for the server. |
| s_a3d | Turns on A3D sound technology for supported audio cards. |
| s_eax | Enables EAX environmental audio technology. |
| s_show | Prints currently playing sound names on the screen. |
| texgamma | Sets the texture gamma values. |
| tfc_newmodels | Includes new high-poly player models in Team Fortress Classic. |
| topcolor | Sets the top color of your Half-Life player model. |
| traceralpha | Sets the transparency of bullet tracers (HL only). |
| tracerblue | Sets the blue RGB tint of tracers. |
| tracergreen | Sets the green RGB tint of tracers. |
| tracerlength | Sets how long bullet tracers remain visible. |
| traceroffset | Sets how far from the weapon the tracer spawns. |
| tracerred | Sets the red RGB tint of tracers. |
| tracerspeed | Sets the visible speed of the bullet tracer. |
| vgui_emulatemouse | Forces an emulated mouse cursor for older graphics cards that glitch. |
| vid_d3d | Switches between OpenGL and D3D rendering modes via prompt. |
| viewsize | Programmatically sets the visible playing area of the game window. |
| violence_agibs | Toggles rendering of alien gib pieces. |
| violence_blood | Toggles rendering of alien blood particles. |
| violence_hblood | Toggles rendering of human blood particles. |
| violence_hgibs | Toggles rendering of human gib pieces. |
| voice_enable | Provides voice communication through local microphones. |
| voice_fadeouttime | Number of seconds the player’s voice smoothly fades out after they stop talking. |
| voice_forcemicrecord | Forces recording mix routing (helps fix Audigy card mic issues). |
| voice_inputfromfile | If enabled, plays the voice_input.wav file instead of recording real mic input. |
| voice_loopback | Loops your own voice back to you to check mic quality/levels. |
| voice_recordtofile | Records local mic input to a continuous .wav file. |
| voice_scale | Sets how loud other players’ voices are scaled locally. |
| volume | Sets the master sound volume level. |
| v_centermove | Distance required to trigger look-spring centering. |
| v_centerspeed | How quickly the crosshair snaps back to center when using lookspring. |
| v_dark | Fades the screen to black during initial level loads. |
| water_type | Sets the environmental audio echo preset underwater. |
| zoom_sensitivity_ratio | Specifies the mouse sensitivity scaling factor while using sniper scopes. |
| _cl_autowepswitch | Automatically switches to a stronger weapon immediately upon picking it up. |
| _snd_mixahead | Sets the audio mixing buffer ahead time. Only adjust for serious crackling issues. |
To test these console commands in-game without complications, you can grab a fresh CS 1.6 download from our homepage. All adjustments can be permanently saved in your config.cfg or userconfig.cfg file within the cstrike directory.
To grab the original download Counter-Strike 1.6 build here plus you can visit our main project page, feel free to use our links. If you enjoyed reading this.