Exploring Bots: CS2 Player's Guide
The presence of bots in Counter-Strike 2 offers players a valuable opportunity to refine their shooting skills. Even seasoned professionals occasionally utilize local servers to hone their aim against multiple opponents simultaneously. This practice not only strengthens reflexes but also deepens one’s understanding of the game. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while bot matches contribute to specific aspects of training, the unparalleled experience of facing real human adversaries remains unmatched.
Understanding Bots in CS2
A bot, in Counter-Strike 2, AI-controlled player that operates through predetermined algorithms, executing behavior patterns based on scripted instructions. Unlike true artificial intelligence, bots cannot learn, remember mistakes, or alter their strategies dynamically. Their primary function is to substitute for real players, adding an element of challenge while providing moments of excitement curated by developers.
Bot Difficulty in CS2
Engaging with bots at different difficulty settings exposes players to diverse tactics and strategies, enhancing their overall game sense. The utilization of varying bot difficulty levels proves advantageous for training purposes. Facing bots with hard difficulty levels challenges players to enhance their aiming precision and reflexes, fostering improved shooting skills. Higher difficulty levels simulate the pressure of competitive scenarios, allowing players to build resilience and composure during intense moments.
Tuning Difficulty of Bots
In Counter-Strike 2, the “bot_difficulty” command regulates the difficulty level of bots within the game. The values range from 0 to 3, each representing a distinct difficulty level. The default values for Casual and Competitive matches are 1 (Normal) and 2 (Hard), respectively. Understanding the characteristics associated with each difficulty level, such as aggression, reaction time, teamwork, and movement efficiency, allows players to tailor the bot experience to their liking.
Here’s a breakdown of the values:
bot_difficulty 0: Easy difficulty. Bots have reduced accuracy, slower reaction times, and are generally easier to defeat.
bot_difficulty 1: Normal difficulty. Bots have average accuracy and reaction times.
bot_difficulty 2: Hard difficulty. Bots have improved accuracy and faster reaction times, providing a more challenging experience for players.
bot_difficulty 3: Expert difficulty. Bots have very high accuracy and almost instant reaction times, making them formidable opponents.
Commands like “bot_autodifficulty_threshold_low” and “bot_autodifficulty_threshold_high” offer further customization for bot difficulty adjustment. Setting appropriate values ensures that bots dynamically adapt to a player’s skill level. By adjusting these thresholds, players can influence when bots increase or decrease their difficulty levels, adding an extra layer of challenge.
Optimizing for Maximum Challenge
For those seeking the utmost challenge, specific command values can be set:
Set “bot_autodifficulty_threshold_low” to -20 for aggressive difficulty increases.
Set “bot_autodifficulty_threshold_high” to 0 to prevent difficulty decreases even during bot dominance.
Set “bot_difficulty” to 3 for an expert bot skill level.
Adjust “bot_quota” to the desired maximum number of bots.
Fine-tune team balance using “mp_autoteambalance” and “mp_limitteams” commands.
|
Command
|
Value
|
Effect
|
|---|---|---|
|
bot_difficulty
|
3
|
Initial bot skill level
|
|
bot_autodifficulty_threshold_low
|
-20
|
Bots aggressively increase difficulty when underperforming
|
|
bot_autodifficulty_threshold_high
|
0
|
Bots never decrease difficulty, even if dominating
|
|
bot_quota
|
20
|
The desired number of bots
|
|
mp_autoteambalance
|
0
|
Auto team balancing is disabled
|
|
mp_limitteams
|
0
|
Team player limit is disabled
|
Utilize the “bot_kick” command to kick all bots, and then add a specific number of proficient or easy bots to the desired team. Implement the “bot_add,” “bot_add_t,” or “bot_add_ct” command, specifying the difficulty level of the bots or the name of the bot if it exists.
However, a more optimal approach is to create a configuration file for bots and execute it as needed. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, please refer to my previous guides:
Optimizing COUNTER-STRIKE 2 Player Configuration Files
Optimizing COUNTER-STRIKE 2 Server Configuration Files
Let’s create a configuration file for an example game on the CT side:
- Configure the server
- Kick existing bots
- Add four easy bots for the Counter-Terrorist side
- Add ten expert bots for the Terrorist side
//Configure the server
mp_buytime 60
mp_buy_anywhere 0
mp_freezetime 2
mp_friendlyfire 0
mp_maxmoney 15000
mp_maxrounds 20
mp_roundtime 1.6
mp_roundtime_hostage 2
mp_roundtime_defuse 2.25
mp_autoteambalance 0
mp_limitteams 0
// Set the difficulty
bot_autodifficulty_threshold_low -20
bot_autodifficulty_threshold_high 0
bot_difficulty 3
//Kick bots
bot_kick
//Add bots
bot_add_ct easy
bot_add_ct easy
bot_add_ct easy
bot_add_ct easy
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_t expert
//Confirmation for just in case
echo The bot config has been loaded
Load the file from the console using the “exec” command.
Now you can engage in the game, experience victories or defeats, and perhaps even express frustration or accuse the bots of cheating, as these skilled opponents will provide a formidable challenge during gameplay.
Bots Templates in CS2
Counter-Strike 2 employs two types of templates: difficulty templates and weapon templates. Difficulty templates encompass the four difficulty levels, while weapon templates determine the arsenal of weapons some of the bots use. Essentially, a difficulty template is a set of bot characteristics. Each template includes two characteristics, main and additional.
Easy difficulty templates
bot_add easy
bot_add_t easy
bot_add_ct easy
Template EASY
Skill = 5
Rank = 600
Aggression = 10
ReactionTime = 0.60
AttackDelay = .70
Cost = 1
Difficulty = EASY
VoicePitch = 110
AimFocusInitial = 20
AimFocusDecay = 0.7
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.6
AimfocusInterval = 0.70
Template FAIR
Skill = 25
Rank = 850
Aggression = 15
ReactionTime = 0.60
AttackDelay = .90
Cost = 1
Difficulty = EASY
VoicePitch = 105
AimFocusInitial = 17
AimFocusDecay = 0.6
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.5
AimfocusInterval = 0.70
Normal difficulty templates
bot_add normal
bot_add_t normal
bot_add_ct normal
Template NORMAL
Skill = 50
Rank = 1000
Aggression = 30
ReactionTime = 0.60
AttackDelay = .80
Cost = 2
Difficulty = NORMAL
VoicePitch = 101
AimFocusInitial = 12
AimFocusDecay = 0.5
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.35
AimfocusInterval = 0.60
Template TOUGH
Skill = 60
Rank = 1100
Aggression = 45
ReactionTime = 0.50
AttackDelay = .70
Cost = 2
Difficulty = NORMAL
VoicePitch = 96
AimFocusInitial = 10
AimFocusDecay = 0.4
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.25
AimfocusInterval = 0.50
Hard difficulty templates
bot_add hard
bot_add_t hard
bot_add_ct hard
Template HARD
Skill = 75
Rank = 1300
Aggression = 60
ReactionTime = 0.40
Cost = 3
Difficulty = HARD
VoicePitch = 94
AimFocusInitial = 10
AimFocusDecay = 0.4
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.20
AimfocusInterval = 0.40
Template VERY HARD
Skill = 80
Rank = 1400
Aggression = 70
ReactionTime = 0.30
Cost = 3
Difficulty = HARD
VoicePitch = 92
AimFocusInitial = 5
AimFocusDecay = 0.3
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.17
AimfocusInterval = 0.30
Expert difficulty templates
bot_add expert
bot_add_t expert
bot_add_ct expert
Template EXPERT
Skill = 90
Rank = 1600
Aggression = 80
ReactionTime = 0.20
Cost = 4
Difficulty = EXPERT
VoicePitch = 88
AimFocusInitial = 2
AimFocusDecay = 0.2
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.15
AimfocusInterval = 0.20
Template ELITE
Skill = 100
Rank = 1800
Aggression = 95
ReactionTime = 0.05
Cost = 4
Difficulty = EXPERT
VoicePitch = 85
AimFocusInitial = 0.5
AimFocusDecay = 0.1
AimFocusOffsetScale = 0.05
AimfocusInterval = 0.05
Weapon Templates
Template Rifle
WeaponPreference = m4a1
WeaponPreference = ak47
WeaponPreference = famas
WeaponPreference = galilar
WeaponPreference = mp7
Template Punch
WeaponPreference = aug
WeaponPreference = sg556
WeaponPreference = famas
WeaponPreference = galilar
WeaponPreference = mp7
Template Sniper
WeaponPreference = awp
WeaponPreference = scar20
WeaponPreference = g3sg1
WeaponPreference = ssg08
WeaponPreference = famas
WeaponPreference = galilar
WeaponPreference = mp7
Template Power
WeaponPreference = m249
WeaponPreference = xm1014
WeaponPreference = nova
WeaponPreference = famas
WeaponPreference = galilar
WeaponPreference = mp7
Template Shotgun
WeaponPreference = xm1014
WeaponPreference = nova
WeaponPreference = famas
WeaponPreference = galilar
WeaponPreference = mp7
Template Spray
WeaponPreference = p90
WeaponPreference = mp9
WeaponPreference = mac10
WeaponPreference = mp7
List of Bot Names in CS2
The majority of bots in Counter-Strike 2 are equipped with specific weapon templates, except those set to easy difficulties. Additionally, a select few bots within the “Fair” difficulty tier also have assigned weapon templates.
bot_add "name"
bot_add_t "name"
bot_add_ct "name"
// It is not necessary to use a capital letter in the bot name
Easy Difficulty: Template EASY
Adonis
Azul
Bassey
Clarence
Colin
Conleth
Dashen
Dayo
Dios
Efe
Ferris
Frank
Greymouth
Harvey
Hastings
Irwin
Larry
Maru
Mayer
Miguel
Niles
Oli
Opie
Panama
Pines
Rivers
Telsen
Tony
Ulric
Ulysses
Uri
Vox
Waldo
Walt
Wesley
Yanni
York
Yuri
Easy Difficulty: Template FAIR
Akutan + SPRAY
Comb
Faultline
Firwood
Gustov
Han
Heave
Hobart
Hogarth
Kadeem
Kao
Kong
Longwa
Marlin
Milenski
Orin
Orlo + SPRAY
Orlow
Sails
Sam
Shadow
Shaur
Terrington
Tom
Normal Difficulty: Template NORMAL
Aggressor
Akani
Bluefish
Boxcar + RIFLE_T
Dabisi + RIFLE
Doc
Feliz
Francis
Frank + PUNCH_T
Guerrilla + RIFLE
Hau
Hood
Imaru + SNIPER
Juuvy
Litmow + SNIPER
Luiro
Masthead
Reaper
Sal
Severn
Striker
Vypa
Wiscar
Normal Difficulty: Template TOUGH
Arno + RIFLE
Aspirant + RIFLE_T
Bank + SNIPER
Baroud
Crasswater + RIFLE_T
Getaway + RIFLE
Goggles + RIFLE
Hugg + RIFLE
Jaques
k
Kev + RIFLE
Krikey + RIFLE
Mangos + RIFLE_T
Rex + RIFLE_T
Rouchard + RIFLE
Solman + SNIPER
Sox + RIFLE
Squad + SHOTGUN
Strapper + RIFLE
Trapper + RIFLE_T
Voltzmann + RIFLE
Hard Difficulty: Template HARD
Blackwolf + PUNCH_T
Darryl + SPRAY
Dragomir + SHOTGUN
Enforcer + PUNCH_T
Lieutenant + RIFLE_T
Mae + RIFLE
Maximus + SPRAY
Officer + RIFLE
Rezan + PUNCH
Romanov + RIFLE_T
Sarge + RIFLE
Sas + RIFLE
Skullhead + RIFLE
Slingshot + SNIPER
Specialist + RIFLE
Hard Difficulty: Template Very HARD
Seal + POWER
Cavalry + SNIPER
Farlow + RIFLE
Kask + RIFLE_T
Expert Difficulty: Template EXPERT
Ava + RIFLE_T
Buckshot + RIFLE
Commando
Delrow + PUNCH
McCoy + RIFLE
Operator + SNIPER
Ricksaw + RIFLE
Rip + PUNCH_T
Soldier + SHOTGUN
Syfers + RIFLE
Expert Difficulty: Template ELITE
Muhlik + RIFLE
Shamat + SPRAY
Crusher + SHOTGUN
Osiris + PUNCH
Rock + POWER
Shark + PUNCH_T
Wolf + RIFLE
Gunner + RIFLE_T
Rebel + SNIPER
Crew + PUNCH
Steel + RIFLE_T
Stone + PUNCH_T
Console commands for Bots in CS2
As of today, the CS2 console incorporates around 60 commands designed for bot manipulation. These commands facilitate actions such as adding bots, kicking bots, freezing bots, adjusting difficulty levels, altering bot locations, and modifying the number of bots in play, among other functionalities. Additionally, there is a collection of server-related (sv_*) and multiplayer-related (mp_*) commands tailored for configuring bot behavior.
It's noteworthy that nearly half of these commands necessitate enabling cheats mode within CS2. Cheats can be activated by using the sv_cheats 1 command.
| Command | Key | Description | sv_cheats |
|---|---|---|---|
|
bot_add |
None/T/CT
Difficulty
Name |
This command adds a bot to the game. If you specify a team T or CT, the bot will be added to that team. If not, the bot will be added to the random team. A random bot is added with a default template. If you specify a difficulty level of easy, fair, normal, hard, or expert, the bot will be added with such difficulty level. Also, you can specify a name for the bot if it exists in the database file (botprofile.db). Each bot (name/profile) has a default template however if specify difficulty level that it will be replaced with the specified. It is not necessary to specify the name of the bot with a capital letter, as in the database file. If the name if not exist the console will show a report "Error - no profile for 'somename' exists". |
|
|
bot_add_ct |
None
Difficulty
Name |
None - Default |
|
|
bot_add_t |
None
Difficulty
Name |
None - Default |
|
|
bot_all_weapons |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use all weapons |
|
|
bot_allow_grenades |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use grenades |
|
|
bot_allow_machine_guns |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use machine guns |
|
|
bot_allow_pistols |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use pistols |
|
|
bot_allow_rifles |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use rifles |
|
|
bot_allow_rogues |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to don't respond to radio commands |
|
|
bot_allow_shotguns |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use shotguns |
|
|
bot_allow_snipers |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use snipers |
|
|
bot_allow_sub_machine_guns |
1/0 |
Allows the bots to use snipers |
|
|
bot_autodifficulty_threshold_high |
Default 5
the range -20 to 20 |
Increases the difficulty level of the bots according to player skill |
|
|
bot_chatter |
off
radio
minimal
normal |
Bots radio chatter |
|
|
bot_coop_force_throw_grenade_chance |
Default 0.3 range 0 to 1 |
The chance that the bot will use a grenade when attacking an enemy |
1 |
|
bot_coop_idle_max_vision_distance |
Default 1400 range 0 to No Data |
The distance at which the bot sees through the wall of non-moving players |
|
|
bot_crouch |
1/0 |
Crouch mode |
1 |
|
bot_debug |
1/0 |
Bot behavior debugging information |
1 |
|
bot_debug_target |
1/0 |
Target debug information |
1 |
|
bot_defer_to_human_goals |
1/0 |
Bots will not execute map tasks like planting, defusing, and hostages rescue |
0 |
|
bot_defer_to_human_items |
1/0 |
Bots will not receive items from the map tasks |
|
|
bot_difficulty |
0/1/2/3/4 |
Set the difficulty of bots |
0 |
|
bot_dont_shoot |
1/0 |
Bots don't shoot |
1 |
|
bot_freeze |
1/0 |
Bots freeze |
1 |
|
bot_goto_mark |
|
Sends the bot to the marked navigation area |
1 |
|
bot_goto_selected |
|
Sends the bot to the selected navigation area |
1 |
|
bot_ignore_enemies |
1/0 |
Bots ignore enemies |
1 |
|
bot_ignore_players |
1/0 |
Bots ignore players |
1 |
|
bot_join_after_player |
1/0 |
Bots join when players joined |
0 |
|
bot_join_team |
any/t/ct |
Which team the bots will join using add_bot or bot_quota commands |
0 |
|
bot_kick |
None
t/ct
difficulty_name
name |
bot_kick - all bots will be kicked |
0 |
|
bot_kill |
None
t/ct
difficulty_name
name |
bot_kill - all bots will be kicked |
1 |
|
bot_knives_only |
1/0 |
Bots only use a knife |
0 |
|
bot_loadout |
Weapon Codes |
Sets bot equipment |
1 |
|
bot_max_visible_smoke_length |
default 200 |
Enemies visibility length through smoke |
0 |
|
bot_max_hearing_distance_override |
default -1 |
Hearing distance |
0 |
|
bot_max_vision_distance_override |
default -1 |
The maximum distance that bots can see |
0 |
|
bot_mimic |
1/0 |
The bot will repeat all the actions of the player |
1 |
|
bot_mimic_yaw_offset |
default 180 |
The angle at which the bot will be located when bot_mimic 1 (180 - the bot will look at the player, 0 - will look in the same direction as the player) |
1 |
|
bot_pistols_only |
1/0 |
Bots only use a pistol |
0 |
|
bot_place |
|
Spawns a bot in front of you |
1 |
|
bot_quota |
default 10 |
Max bots that will be spawned |
1 |
|
bot_quota_mode |
normal |
Control mode for the number of bots. |
0 |
|
bot_randombuy |
1/0 |
Random purchase of weapons by bots |
1 |
|
bot_show_battlefront |
1/0 |
Show areas where the first players meet |
1 |
|
bot_show_nav |
1/0 |
Show bot navigation |
1 |
|
bot_show_occupy_time |
1/0 |
Show when each map area can be reached by each command |
1 |
|
bot_snipers_only |
1/0 |
Bots only use a sniper rifles |
|
|
bot_stop |
1/0 |
Stop all bots work completely |
1 |
|
bot_traceview |
1/0 |
Show the trajectory where the bots are looking |
1 |
|
bot_zombie |
1/0 |
Zombie mode |
1 |
Summary
Counter-Strike 2 bots offer a valuable training ground for players of all skill levels. While not replicating the dynamic experience of human opponents, bots allow players to refine shooting skills, understand game mechanics, and experiment with strategies in a controlled environment. Difficulty customization further enhances their usefulness, letting players adjust bot behavior to match their needs. From practicing basic aims under pressure to simulating high-level competitive scenarios, bots offer versatility and accessibility for players seeking to improve their Counter-Strike 2 skills.
F.A.Q.
Bots are AI-controlled players you can practice against on local servers. They follow predetermined algorithms, offering consistent challenges for targeted skill development.
They fine-tune aiming precision, elevate game sense, foster mental resilience, and more.
Counter-Strike 2 offers four difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Expert. Each level affects bot accuracy, reaction time, movement, and teamwork.
No, that’s not the case. The “Expert” key doesn’t specifically represent the “Expert” template; instead, it signifies the Expert difficulty level and encompasses two templates, namely “Expert” and “Elite.” Therefore, when employing the “bot_add” command with the “expert” key, the bot will be added with either the “Expert” or “Elite” template randomly assigned.
To add a bot specifically with an “Elite” template, you must explicitly mention the bot’s name to which the “Elite” template is assigned, utilizing the command: bot_add name.
No, you can’t.
In theory, this functionality is expected, but currently, it does not operate as intended. Although the command bot_add adonis expert is technically correct and executes in the console without generating an error report, the bot Adonis will be added with his default Easy template rather than the specified Expert difficulty level.
Absolutely! Use commands like bot_difficulty, bot_autodifficulty_threshold_low, and bot_autodifficulty_threshold_high to adjust difficulty dynamically based on your performance. Set desired bot numbers with bot_quota and fine-tune team balance with mp_autoteambalance and mp_limitteams.
There are two types: difficulty templates define bot behavior based on a chosen level, and weapon templates determine their arsenal. Understanding these allows for even more targeted practice.
Yes! Various commands control bot behavior, difficulty, and team settings.
No, bots lack the adaptability and unpredictability of real players. However, they remain valuable tools for foundational skill development and preparation for various playstyles.
Experiment with different difficulty settings and bot numbers.
Use specific commands to tailor the challenge to your needs.
Analyze bot behavior to learn and adapt your strategies.
Good Luck and Happy Frags!
