To do a 1v1 in CS2, start a Practice or Workshop game, have your friend join, choose opposite teams, and remove the bots. You can duel on a standard map or download a smaller arena from the Steam Workshop.

Valve supports joining friends in Practice and Workshop sessions through the friends menu when the host has Open Party enabled. That gives you a straightforward starting point for a custom match.

Below are the setup steps, useful console commands, map options, and fixes for common connection problems.

How to 1v1 a friend in CS2

For your first match, use a standard map so neither player needs to download Workshop content. Set up the session first, then adjust its rules.

1. Enable the developer console

The host needs the console to remove bots and change match settings.

• Open Settings in CS2.
• Select Game.
• Set Enable Developer Console (~) to Yes.
• Press ~ to open it.

If that key does not work on your keyboard layout, assign another key to Toggle Console in the keyboard settings.

2. Start a Practice match

From the main menu:

• Open Play.
• Select Practice.
• Choose Competitive and a map, such as Dust II or Mirage.
• Launch the session.
• Enable Open Party through your party controls so your friend can join.

Use a round-based mode for a traditional duel. Deathmatch uses a different scoring and respawn structure.

3. Have your friend join

Your friend should open the friends menu, select your profile, and choose the option to join your game.

Valve’s custom-game update supports joining locally hosted games through the friends list, provided the session allows it. Workshop sessions use the same general joining approach.

Once connected, one player should choose Terrorists and the other Counter-Terrorists. Then apply the settings below.

CS2 1v1 console commands

The host should enter these commands after loading the Practice map. This preset removes bots, disables automatic team balancing, shortens rounds, and provides money for repeated weapon purchases.

Paste the commands into the console and press Enter. The final command restarts the match after one second.

If warmup remains active after restarting, enter mp_warmup_end again once both players have joined their teams.

How to use a CS2 Workshop map for 1v1s

A small arena reduces the time spent searching for your opponent. Workshop maps can also provide their own weapon selectors, spawn arrangements, and scoring rules.

To load one:

1. Open the Counter-Strike 2 Steam Workshop.
2. Search for 1v1 or aim.
3. Open a map marked for CS2 and select Subscribe.
4. Wait for the download to finish.
5. Return to CS2 and open Play, then Workshop Maps.
6. Select the downloaded map and launch it.
7. Allow your friend to join through the friends menu.

One option is 1v1 Aim Map, whose creators describe a symmetrical layout designed for quick duels.

Follow the map’s instructions before applying a full command preset. Custom settings may already handle weapons and round resets, and overriding them can interfere with the intended rules.

What settings should you use for a fair CS2 1v1?

Agree on the rules before counting rounds. A simple starting format is:

• First to 10 round wins.
• Matching weapon categories, such as rifles only or pistols only.
• The same armor rules for both players.
• No grenades unless both players want utility practice.
• No bomb planting when the goal is strictly aim duels.
• Swap sides halfway through to reduce positional advantages.

On larger maps, choose a meeting area such as mid or one bombsite. Otherwise, much of the match can become a search rather than a useful duel.

Keep your normal sensitivity and crosshair while practicing so the session remains relevant to your regular matches.

Why can’t my friend join my CS2 1v1?

Check the session’s joining settings before changing network configurations.

For a connection problem, first test a standard Practice map. If that works, focus on the Workshop map or its download rather than changing your entire setup.

Avoid disabling your firewall as a general fix. Check whether CS2 is allowed through it instead.