Welcome to the CS2 Interpolation or Interp Settings Wiki Guide! If you’re a CS2 player, you’ve likely heard about the importance of certain settings, particularly those related to interpolation.

In this guide, we’ll delve into these settings and explain their significance in CS2 networking. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to optimize these settings for a smoother gaming experience. Let’s jump into it!

Understanding CS2 Interpolation

Interpolation Basics

Interpolation in CS2 is a fundamental mechanism that enhances the smoothness of player and object movements within the game world. It plays a crucial role in compensating for the delay between updates received from the server, ensuring seamless transitions between these updates.

Default Interpolation Settings

By default, CS2’s interpolation settings may not provide the optimal gaming experience. The default CL_Interp value is set at 0.1 (equivalent to 100ms), which can result in issues like players appearing to “run and gun” or experiencing scenarios where they are shot behind cover.

Additionally, the default CL_UpdateRate is set at 20, exacerbating these problems.

Identifying the Interpolation Issue

Three key commands

To understand the interpolation issue in CS2, it’s essential to grasp the significance of three key commands:

i. CL_Interp:

• This command determines the interpolation time in CS2.
• It introduces a time delay that your client applies to every player’s movements on your screen, creating smooth gameplay.
• It bridges the gaps between server updates to prevent choppiness.

ii. CL_UpdateRate:

• CL_UpdateRate specifies the frequency at which your client receives updates from the server.
• In CS2, it is a crucial factor because you only receive updates 64 or 128 times per second.
• Higher values provide more leeway for handling issues but introduce a slight delay in what you see.

iii. CL_Interp_Ratio:

• This setting also contributes to interpolation time, working in conjunction with CL_UpdateRate to define the delay.
• Interpolation time effectively acts as a “delay” in the game’s mechanics.

External Net Graph

• As players explore CS2’s Workshop Tools, they might come across an external net graph bundled with VConsole.
• This net graph displays various statistics, including FPS, latency, packet loss, and the interpolation value.
• Interestingly, regardless of the CL_Interp, CL_Interp_Ratio, and CL_UpdateRate settings, the interpolation value on this graph remains fixed at 15.6 ms.

Testing Different Interpolation Settings

To gain insights into the issue, tests were conducted using different combinations of interpolation settings. Each test involved restarting the game, and the results are as follows:

Default Settings:

• CL_Interp: 0.1
• CL_Interp_Ratio: 2
• CL_UpdateRate: 20

Community-Recommended Settings:

• CL_Interp: 0.015625
• CL_Interp_Ratio: 1
• CL_UpdateRate: 128

Low Settings:

• CL_Interp: 0.003906
• CL_Interp_Ratio: 1
• CL_UpdateRate: 256

The Role of cl_interp, cl_interp_ratio, and cl_updaterate

Exploring cl_interp

• In CS2, cl_interp plays a pivotal role in determining the interpolation time.
• This time delay is applied by your client to every player on the screen, ensuring smooth gameplay.
• It fills in the gaps between packets received from the server, preventing choppiness.

Understanding cl_updaterate and cl_interp_ratio

• Both cl_updaterate and cl_interp_ratio settings contribute to the interpolation time
• Interpolation time can be likened to a “delay” in the gameplay.
• As you only receive updates from the server 64 or 128 times per second, higher delay values provide more leeway for potential issues and packet dropouts.
• However, they result in a slight delay in what you see on your screen.

Solving the Interpolation Problem

Community-Recommended Settings

To effectively address the interpolation issue, consider adjusting your settings as follows:

• Set CL_Interp to 0.015625 (approximately 15 ms).
• Set CL_UpdateRate to 128 to prevent it from overriding the CL_Interp setting.

These settings aim to minimize delays for both you and other players, reducing the “run and gun” effect and instances of players getting shot behind cover. It’s important to note that these changes may not fully resolve the issue unless other players also adjust their settings accordingly.

Preventing Settings Reset on Restart

To ensure that your interpolation settings remain consistent even after restarting CS2, follow these steps:

• Locate the CS2 Config Folder (typically: C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonCounter-Strike Global Offensivegamecsgocfg).
• Create an autoexec.cfg file in this folder if it doesn’t already exist.
• Add the following commands to your autoexec.cfg file:

cl_updaterate 128
cl_interp_ratio 1
cl_interp "0.015625"

• Save the file.

Now, these settings will be automatically loaded each time you start CS2.

Optimizing Game Quality and Ticks

To enhance the overall quality and tick rate of your CS2 experience, consider using the following commands:

cl_updaterate 128
cl_interp_ratio 1
cl_interp "0.015625"

These settings aim to reduce issues related to interpolation, resulting in smoother gameplay.

Addressing FPS Issues

Some players have reported random FPS spikes and drops in CS2, even with capable gaming rigs. To potentially alleviate this problem, try setting a maximum FPS value with the following command:

fps_max 400

Implementing these commands can lead to a noticeable improvement in game quality.

Displaying FPS in CS2

Activating the Net Graph

By default, the net graph is turned off in CS2. To monitor your FPS, ping, and other settings, use the following commands in the console:

cl_showfps 2
cq_netgraph 1

This will display all relevant data at the bottom of your screen, including your current FPS. In summary, understanding and optimizing interpolation settings in CS2 can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

Whether you’re fine-tuning your cl_interp or addressing FPS issues, these commands and recommendations can help you achieve smoother and more enjoyable gameplay.

Remember to create an autoexec.cfg to ensure your settings persist between game sessions, and keep an eye on your net graph for real-time performance monitoring.