Counter-Strike Keyboard Shortcuts & Controls (CS2 + Legacy)
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) the free Valve shooter that replaced CS:GO in September 2023 runs on a combination of keyboard keys and mouse buttons. Knowing the default shortcuts (and how to rebind them) is the fastest way to react quicker in a round. Below is the complete, current list for CS2, followed by the classic Counter-Strike 1.6 / Source keys for anyone playing the older versions. You can also download the free PDF cheat sheet.
What Are Counter-Strike 2 Controls?
In Counter-Strike 2, controls (also called keybinds) are the keyboard and mouse inputs mapped to in-game actions such as moving, shooting, buying, and communicating. Every default key can be reassigned under Settings → Keyboard/Mouse, and advanced actions like jump-throw can be set up through the developer console.
CS2 Movement Controls
Movement in CS2 uses the standard WASD layout. Holding Shift makes you walk silently essential for sneaking up without your footsteps giving you away.
| Action | Default Key |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | W |
| Move Back | S |
| Strafe Left | A |
| Strafe Right | D |
| Walk (silent) | Shift |
| Jump | Space |
| Crouch / Duck | Ctrl |
Pro tip: Many players rebind jump to the mouse wheel for smoother movement and bunny-hopping. It’s the single most common CS2 bind instructions are in the rebinding section below.
CS2 Combat & Weapon Controls
| Action | Default Key |
|---|---|
| Fire | Left Mouse (Mouse1) |
| Secondary Fire / Scope | Right Mouse (Mouse2) |
| Reload | R |
| Previous Weapon | Mouse Wheel Up |
| Next Weapon | Mouse Wheel Down |
| Last Weapon Used | Q |
| Drop Weapon | G |
| Inspect Weapon | F |
| Primary Weapon | 1 |
| Secondary (Pistol) | 2 |
| Knife | 3 |
| Grenades (cycle) | 4 |
| Bomb (C4) | 5 |
CS2 Buy Menu & Equipment
| Action | Default Key |
|---|---|
| Open Buy Menu | B |
| Select Team | M |
| Use Item / Plant / Defuse | E |
| Toggle Inventory Display | I |
| Scoreboard | Tab |
Note: Older Counter-Strike versions used F1/F2 for auto-buy and rebuy. CS2 handles purchasing through the B buy menu; many players create custom one-key “buy binds” via the console (see below).
CS2 Communication Controls
| Action | Default Key |
|---|---|
| Use Microphone (voice) | K |
| Command Radio Message | Z |
| Standard Radio Message | X |
| Report Radio Message | C |
| Team Message (text) | U |
| All Chat (text) | Y |
Advanced CS2 Keybinds (Console)
These actions have no default key and must be set up in the developer console (enable it under Settings → Game → Enable Developer Console, then open with ~). These are standard, VAC-safe console commands shipped with the game.
Mouse-wheel jump (smoother bunny-hops):
bind mwheelup “+jump”
bind mwheeldown “+jump”
Jump-throw bind (consistent grenade throws):
alias “+jumpthrow” “+jump;-attack;-attack2”
alias “-jumpthrow” “-jump”
bind “v” “+jumpthrow”
Quick smoke grenade buy (example buy bind):
bind “f1” “buy smokegrenade”
Replace the keys (v, f1, etc.) with whatever feels natural for your hand position. Binds are personal.
How to Rebind Controls in CS2
- Launch Counter-Strike 2 and open Settings (gear icon).
- Go to the Keyboard/Mouse tab.
- Find the action you want to change in the list.
- Click the current key next to it.
- Press the new key (or mouse button) you want to assign.
- Your change saves automatically close Settings and test it in a practice match.
For console-only actions (jump-throw, mouse-wheel jump, buy binds), use the developer console commands shown in the section above.
Best Keybinds Used by Many Players
These aren’t required, but they’re popular defaults to improve over the stock layout:
- Mouse Wheel = Jump – smoother movement and bunny-hopping.
- Q = Last Weapon – already default; great for fast rifle/pistol swaps.
- Dedicated grenade keys (e.g. Z = smoke, X = molotov, C = HE) – throw the right nade without cycling.
- Jump-throw on one key – consistent long smokes and flashes.
The exact keys matter less than keeping them within reach of your left hand without moving off WASD.
Legacy Counter-Strike 1.6 / Source Shortcuts
If you’re playing the classic Counter-Strike (1.6) or Counter-Strike: Source, these older defaults still apply. They differ from CS2 note the F1/F2 auto-buy and N night vision, which are not CS2 defaults.
Menu Shortcut Keys (Legacy)
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Buy Menu | B |
| Buy Equipment | O |
| Select Team | M |
| Automatically Buy Equipment | F1 |
| Re-buy Previous Equipment | F2 |
| Display Multiplayer Scores | Tab |
Movement (Legacy)
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Forward / Left / Back / Right | W / A / S / D |
| Walk | Shift |
| Jump | Spacebar |
| Duck | Ctrl |
Communication (Legacy)
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Voice Communication | K |
| Radio Message Talk | Z |
| Group Radio Message | X |
| Report Radio Message | C |
| Team Message | U |
| Chat Message | Y |
Combat & Other (Legacy)
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Fire / Special | Mouse Left / Mouse Right |
| Reload | R |
| Drop Weapon | G |
| Night Vision On/Off | N |
| Flashlight | F |
| Spray Logo | T |
| Screenshot | F5 |
Download the Counter-Strike Shortcuts PDF
Download the Counter-Strike Shortcuts PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the default controls in Counter-Strike 2?
CS2 uses WASD to move, Left Mouse to fire, R to reload, B for the buy menu, Space to jump, and Ctrl to crouch. All keys are rebindable in Settings → Keyboard/Mouse.
How do I change my controls in CS2?
Open Settings → Keyboard/Mouse, click the action you want to remap, then press the new key. Changes save automatically.
How do I bind jump to the mouse wheel in CS2?
Open the developer console and enter bind mwheelup “+jump” and bind mwheeldown “+jump”. This is a standard, VAC-safe command.
What is a jump-throw bind in CS2?
It’s a console bind that jumps and throws a grenade at the same instant for consistent line-ups. Set it with an alias and bind it to a spare key (example shown above).
Are CS2 binds and console commands bannable?
No. Standard bind and alias commands shipped with the game are VAC-safe. VAC bans target external software that modifies game memory, not console commands or config files.
Do CS2 and CS:GO have the same controls?
The core layout (WASD, mouse fire, B buy menu) is the same. CS2 refined some menus and removed legacy bindings like F1/F2 auto-buy.
Is Counter-Strike 2 free?
Yes. CS2 is free-to-play on Steam and replaced CS:GO in September 2023.
READ NEXT:
