How to 1v1 in CS2 Complete Guide, Workshop Maps 2025

Because Counter-Strike 2 is a team game, it can be very challenging to improve your skills while playing online matches with other players. Going offline with AI opponents is also useless since they lack the intelligence to test you to your limits and challenge you to improve your skills. Therefore, your best bet is to create a 1v1 private match with a friend who is better than you.

This will let you dive into some intense duels, which will help you focus and refine your Counter-Strike 2 skills and rank higher. Admittedly, this would require much grinding. Therefore, consider getting some CS2 boosting service to get a head start in your grind to improve.

But how do you 1v1 in CS2? That's precisely what I will show you in this in-depth guide. Read until the end to learn how to 1v1 in CS2 properly.

How To Do 1v1 in CS2

This section will briefly overview the steps to start a 1v1 in CS2.

First, log in to your game and make sure the Developer Console (a tool that lets you customize your gameplay experience) is turned on. Just go to Settings > Game and enable it. Once that’s done, press the ~ (tilde) key, which you can find to the left of the 1 key on your keyboard, to open the console.

Now, load a map by typing map map_name. For example, type in "map aim_botz" (a workshop map) or "map de_mirage" (a standard CS2 map). After that, remove the bots by typing bot_kick and then invite friends.

To invite your friend, type status in the console and copy your server IP. Make sure to share this with your friend, as he'll need it to join your 1v1 map.

Your friend has to open the console on their CS2 and type the command connect [your_IP_address].

And that’s it! You’re now in a private match and ready for 1v1 action to improve your skills.

Setting Up a 1v1 Private Server in CS2

When setting up a 1v1 match in Counter-Strike 2, there are two main ways to do it with the developer console: a private server or the game’s built-in Private Matchmaking feature. Earlier, I gave you a quick overview of the private server method as it is more popular, but now it’s time to break things down properly, and I'll walk you through each method in detail.

Method 1: Set Up a Private Server Using Console Commands

This is the more “manual” way to play 1v1 in CS2. This allows you to navigate through the game's settings menu, and it is well-suited for players who want full control over the match settings.

Step 1: Enable the Developer Console

• Go to Settings > Game
• Set "Enable Developer Console" to "Yes."
• Press the ~ (tilde) key on your keyboard to open the console anytime

Step 2: Choose and Load a Map

Type the command map map_name in the console.

For example, use "map de_mirage" for the standard Mirage map.

If you want a different map, replace “de_mirage” with the name of the map you want to play. If you’ve subscribed to Workshop maps from Steam, enter their name, and you can play them.

Step 3: Remove Bots

Type the command bot_kick. This will clear out all the bots, just you and your opponent.

Step 4: Share Your Server IP with Your Friend

Now type the command status. This will give you your IP address. Copy the IP address from the output and send it to your friend.

Step 5: Friend Joins Your Server

Your friend needs to open their console and type the command: connect [your_IP_address]

You’ll now be on a private server together — switch to opposite teams, and you’re good to go!

Method 2: Use CS2's Private 1v1 Match-Making Feature

If you’d rather skip the console commands and want something easier, CS2’s built-in Private Matchmaking system is perfect for 1v1 matches.

Step 1: Create a Private Match

• Click “Play” on the top game tab menu
• Go to Matchmaking > Private Matchmaking
• Press the “Share Code” button to copy your lobby invite code

Step 2: Invite Your Friend

• Send your code to your friend
• They should also go to Private Matchmaking
• Press “Manually Enter a Code” and paste your code there

Step 3: Start the Match

Once you're both in the private 1v1 match lobby, click “Go” to launch the match.

Step 4: Remove Bots

Like before, once the match begins, type the command: bot_kick — now you’ve got a clean 1v1 match setup.

Both work great, so it depends on your preference. As seen above, the private server gives you more control, while the private matchmaking option is easier and faster to focus on casual duels.

Essential Developer Console Commands for 1v1 Matches

Once you and your opponent (friend) are inside your 1v1 match, it’s time to adjust a few gameplay settings using the developer console. These settings help you create the perfect environment for fair and fun duels.

Basic Setup Commands:

• bot_kick – Removes all bots from the match
• mp_roundtime: Adjusts how long each round time is in your private game.
• mp_roundtime 5 – Sets each round time to last 5 minutes
• mp_startmoney 16000 – Gives both players the max starting money
• mp_freezetime 2 – Short 2-second freeze time at the start of each round
• mp_maxrounds 30 – Sets the match to a maximum of 30 rounds
• mp_win_condition 16 – First player to reach 16 rounds wins
• mp_restartgame 1 – Restarts the match to apply all settings

Optional Commands for Custom Matches:

• sv_infinite_ammo 1 – Gives unlimited ammo (optional for fun matches)
• mp_buy_anywhere 1 – Lets you buy weapons anywhere on the map
• mp_autoteambalance 0 – Turns off automatic team balancing
• mp_limitteams 0 – Let's both players join any team freely
• give weapon_ak47 – Spawns an AK-47 weapon
• give weapon_awp – Use for sniper-only 1v1 matches
• give weapon_deagle – Use for pistol-only matches

Bonus Tip:

To save time in the future, you can copy all these commands into a text file and save it as a 1v1.cfg file inside your CS2 config folder. Then type exec 1v1 in the console to load everything instantly.

These simple commands will give you full control of your custom 1v1 matches and help make each duel feel serious and skill-based.

Workshop Maps Are The Best Maps for 1v1 Matches

If you’re serious about improving your gameplay and aim by playing 1v1 in CS2, then Workshop maps are the way to go. Unlike default maps like Mirage or Dust II, Workshop maps are some of the best maps for 1v1 gameplay as they're created by the CS2 community solely for this.

These game maps are usually created smaller, well-balanced, and designed to keep the action non-stop. You won’t waste time searching for your opponent across a big game map.

Head to the CS2 Steam Workshop through your browser or Steam client to download these maps. Type “1v1” in the search bar and browse the top-rated game maps. Once you find one that looks good, click on it and hit the “Subscribe” button — this will automatically download it to your game.

After that, launch CS2, go to Play > Workshop Maps, select your downloaded map, and hit Go. If bots appear, open the console and type bot_kick to remove them.

Some great 1v1 Workshop maps to try out include:

• 1v1 Metro
• Aim_Redline
• Aim_Nevermore

These maps help you improve your aim, movement, and reflexes — all while keeping things fresh and fun. New Workshop maps are added all the time, so keep exploring and find the ones that suit your style!

Community Servers Are Also Good For 1v1 Matches

If you don’t feel like setting up your private server or waiting for a friend to join, community servers are a great way to enjoy 1v1 matches in CS2. These servers are already set up and ready to go — join one and start playing instantly against other real players.

To find a 1v1 community server, launch CS2 and press the ‘Play’ button. Then, click the globe icon at the top to open the Community Server Browser. Press ‘Change Filters’ at the bottom and type “1v1” or “duel” in the Server Name box. You’ll now see a list of servers that support 1v1 matches.

Pick one with good ping and low player count, and you’re in.

Popular websites like Karma Gaming, Froid Gaming, and GhostCap offer dedicated 1v1 servers with clean gameplay maps, automatic rounds, and ranking systems. Some servers let you customize your weapons, vote for maps, or even show off your skins.

Community servers are perfect when you want quick, stress-free matches or want to meet new players and test your aim in random duels.

Remember — each game server may have its own rules and preferences, so give them a quick read before jumping in.