Overview of Launch Commands in the Source Engine Basic instructions for launching games on the Source Engine
Overview of Launch Commands in the Source Engine Basic instructions for launching games on the Source Engine
It’s likely you’ve played titles built with the Source engine—like CS:GO, Team Fortress 2, Garry's Mod, or Insurgency. Here’s a quick guide to common console instructions and their uses. The basics involve using either a - or + sign when starting commands; - launches the game in a borderless windowed mode, while + launches it at startup. Shared shortcuts include "-sw" for windowed mode, "-windowed" for fullscreen, and "-fullscreen" for complete screen display. Commands like "-noborder" launch without borders, and "-width", "-x", or "-height" set the resolution. For vertical settings, "-height" or "-y" adjusts it. "dxlevel" controls DirectX rendering modes: 60 for DX6.0 (pre-Orange Box), 70 for DX7.0, 80 for DX8.0, 81 for DX8.1, and 90/95 for DX9.0c/9.0. Options like "-dxlevel" let you pick specific DirectX versions.
Some useful shortcuts include:
- "mat_dxlevel" for certain games (e.g., 60 = DX6.0).
- Volume control via "volume" (0–1 scale).
- Sensitivity tweaks with "sensitivity".
- Binding keys using "bind" (e.g., "bind RALT jpeg jpeg_quality 100").
- FPS limits with "fps_max" (default 300).
- Quality settings for screenshots via "jpeg_quality".
For graphical tweaks, "fov_desired" adjusts the field of view, and "viewmodel_fov" affects how models appear. TF2 and CS:GO have specific commands like "tf_use_min_viewmodels" or "tf_scoreboard_ping_as_text."
In Team Fortress 2, "tf_particles_disable_weather" can improve performance on lower hardware. For CS:GO, "-nod3d9ex" may boost FPS by disabling certain DirectX extensions.
If you need details on a particular game, just let me know!
No, not universally between the valve source 1 forks and source 2.
This manual applies to Source engine titles. If you obtain an unmodified Source 2 game, you can expand from it.
He likely mentioned GoldSource and Source, which first appeared in Half-Life 2.
I’d prefer it if I didn’t have to grasp anything new about Dota 2; while I don’t know much about CS:GO, I’m good enough to adapt.
Someone who enjoys MOBAs also plays League of Legends. CS:GO and TF2 are the main games that count. Maybe a 1337 DOTA fan shows up too.