Graph showing CSGO network activity and connections.
Graph showing CSGO network activity and connections.
It's purely a psychological trick. To make objects appear larger on screen, you can either use a bigger display or position yourself nearer. If you genuinely prefer off-axis scaling for mouse actions, it's quite unusual. In a 4:3 format or any stretched resolution, horizontal movement feels more pronounced than vertical in pixel terms. This creates an odd and uncomfortable experience where aiming up and down differs from aiming left and right, which is quite problematic. If you're mainly interested in enlarging visuals, a bigger screen or closer proximity works without issues. All these adjustments can be done without causing distortion or distorted perception. The only real reason to use non-native resolutions like 4:3 is if your graphics card struggles with higher resolutions; otherwise, you can achieve the desired effect without problems. If you wish to discuss these points, feel free. I don’t think a 100,000,000% difference is a valid concern. I understand you’re accustomed to lower quality, but that doesn’t mean it’s better. It simply means you’re used to something different. Don’t let others feel discouraged. You’re just trying to defend a suboptimal setup. By the way, I’ve played CSGO since version 1.3—I’ve used a CRT, then a 1280x1024 5:4 LCD, and finally a 1080p monitor at 144Hz. I’m not just a newcomer stuck on 1080p. Make the change. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s noticeable. If you’re used to stretched displays, it’s mainly due to the odd mouse behavior they cause, which isn’t ideal.
To clarify things, CS:GO experts have been using 1280x1024 for a long time, since the original release. There hasn't been a pro who ever played at the native 1920x1080 resolution. I've been playing CS 1.6 from the start, and it's tough to switch to other sizes. Stretching 4:3 actually works better because the heads are bigger, making them easier to hit. The main benefit of 16:9 is a wider field of view, which usually doesn't matter much. I prefer bigger heads over the wider angle, regardless of settings. It also helps with mouse lag—same DPI and sensitivity, it feels smoother on 4:3, even at 144Hz, compared to the sluggishness on 16:9.
The heads aren't actually larger; the appearance is misleading, especially in the horizontal view. This look can be replicated without needing a bigger screen or sitting closer. Many pros use 1080p, while only a few stick to 4:3 stretched. Most opt for black bars at 4:3 because tournament systems often give them low-end machines that don't support high framerates at full resolution. See the source: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...-F1zk_CSF4
If it ain't broken, don't try to fix it. I've been using CS 1.5 since the beta days when WON service was still available and Steam wasn't around. Those were exciting times, but changing habits takes time. I've stuck with 1280x1024 resolution from the start. I just can't adapt to 16:9, and what it offers is a wider view on the sides, which isn't a big deal for me. I'm not sure what you meant by "In 4:3 stretched, or any stretched resolution, moving left and right is more exaggerated than up and down in terms of pixels moved." It's a strange, awkward result that makes aiming vertical and horizontal feel different. This isn't related to my system at all.
It's clear you're finding the formatting confusing. I tried to simplify it for you.
Well, I assumed you were referring to something massive that was blocking your display.