Change region and get more kills with the best VPN for CS2Change region and get more kills with the best VPN for CS2
Lower your ping, reduce lag spikes, and improve response times with ExpressVPN.
Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
How to use a VPN for Counter-Strike 2
Step 1
Get ExpressVPN and download the app.
Step 2
Connect to any VPN server location in pone of 105 countries.
Step 3
Dominate the battleground—no lag, and zero restrictions.
Why you need a VPN for CS2
Have you ever been in the middle of a round, only for lag spikes to kick in and ruin your run? A gaming VPN will solve this issue, and do a whole lot more.
When you change your IP address, you change your virtual location. This means you can play on servers outside of your region, and access Counter-Strike in countries where it’s restricted. Connect to a VPN server closest to CS2 servers, and you could even reduce ping. You’ll also have an extra layer of protection so bitter enemies, cybercriminals, or bullies can’t dox, swat, or launch DDoS attacks against you.
A VPN doesn’t just change your location—it hides your activity, too. Your ISP won’t be able to slow your connection based on your gaming traffic, and firewalls at work or school won’t be able to block your access to the game.
How can a VPN reduce ping in CS2?
Sometimes your ISP routes your signal through congested or unstable networks, and this can interfere with your ping. A VPN lets you bypass these slower, overcrowded servers by using the fastest route between you and the VPN server.
When you connect to the VPN server closest to the Counter-Strike 2 server you're playing on, you can lower ping and reduce lag. Doing so will streamline your connection, so you can enjoy better reaction times, and smoother, faster gameplay.
Here’s why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for CS2
ExpressVPN smooths out lag spikes and prevents DDoS attacks so you can keep your head in the game. Here’s how it can help you ace every round.
Powerful protection
Avoid DDoS attacks by masking your IP. ExpressVPN also features 256-bit AES, leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling.
Boost connectivity
Enjoy unlimited, premium bandwidth. Minimize ping and lag with VPN servers in 105 countries.
Bypass throttling
Limit your ISP from slowing your connection. With a VPN, data can’t be inspected, so your bandwidth won’t be throttled.
Access more online
Get the latest DLC and games from early launch date countries. Play games even if they’re censored where you are.
Play on all devices
Whether you prefer to play on a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, tablet, or phone, ExpressVPN has you covered.
Game without borders
No matter where you are around the world, simply change your region and play together with your friends.
Change CS2 location easily with ExpressVPN’s global network
Just like its predecessor CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t give you the option to change your region within the game. The good news is, it’s easy to play on servers in another part of the world with ExpressVPN. The game determines your region according to your IP address, so with VPN servers in 105 countries, you’ll have no trouble finding one in the region where you want to play.
You can also use ExpressVPN to bypass blocks and access Counter-Strike 2 lobbies from anywhere, or connect to one of our ultra-fast servers closest to the CS2 servers you’d like to play on to potentially lower ping and play lag-free rounds.
Play CS2 with a VPN on any gaming device
ExpressVPN has native apps for Windows and Linux, so your Counter-Strike 2 sessions are covered, regardless of your preferred OS. You can also configure ExpressVPN on your router to cover every device on your home network, including your gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other devices.
One subscription lets you connect up to 8 devices simultaneously. Enhance your gaming on all your favorite toys, or lead your squad to victory while others in your household use the VPN on their own devices.
What is Counter-Strike 2?
Counter-Strike 2 is the new version of CS:GO (which is no longer available to play). It’s a free-to-play tactical FPS that, in its core 5v5 Competitive Mode, sees two teams—the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists—battle to complete objectives. Players either plant or defuse bombs, or rescue or guard hostages.
The Wingman mode’s 2v2 format enables faster gameplay, while Casual mode has larger teams, shorter matches, and no penalties for leaving mid-game. In Deathmatch, your goal is to get as many kills as possible, and in Arms Race players cycle through weapons and hurry to the Gold Knife to win the match.
Often ranked as one of the most intense FPS games around, CS2 challenges players to master strategy, teamwork, and precision. Its challenge rating enables a large and lucrative competitive community, and the franchise has remained a favorite since its inception in 2001.
CS:GO FAQ
Free VPN server networks are often small and slow, meaning you might not find a server where you want one, and you will likely experience lag on your end. Get ExpressVPN instead. It’s got ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, so you won’t have to worry about low ping or lack of location options. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get ExpressVPN and set it up on your computer. Then, connect to a server close to the gaming server you want to play on to keep your ping low, protect yourself from DDoS attacks, change your region, and unblock CS2 on restricted networks.
Yes. If you violate Valve’s terms of service or CS2 rules, you can be blocked from playing the game. This can include such infractions as: cheating, manipulation of matchmaking rank, botting or automation, and interfering with the operation of game servers or other players. Bans in Counter-Strike are permanent and non-negotiable.
Yes. Using a VPN to protect your data, bypass throttling, or lower ping doesn’t go against Steam’s EULA – so go ahead and download ExpressVPN to enhance your gameplay. Keep in mind, using a VPN to circumvent Steam’s community guidelines or terms of service is still a bannable offense.
You can use a VPN to virtually place yourself closer to Counter-Strike servers, which could potentially lower latency – but only if your VPN has servers where you need them. ExpressVPN’s extensive server network spans 105 countries.
Yes, VPNs are allowed in CS2, so you won’t get community strikes for using one while you play. That said, if CS2 cases are against the law in your region, using a VPN to access them may be against the law.
Launch Counter-Strike 2, and select Play in the main menu. Next, select Matchmaking and then Private matchmaking. You’ll be prompted to add friends, or, you can send them an invite code to join your private lobby.
Yes, unfortunately. The Netherlands, and Belgium, have stringent laws regulating online gambling. CS2 cases – and similar items in other games, like loot boxes or gachas – are illegal under this legislation. A VPN lets you change your IP address so you can bypass this, but keep in mind, it goes against Steam’s terms of service to do so, and you might face a ban if you do.
VPNs are legal in most countries, but some game publishers restrict their use. Double check your country’s legislation, and also game terms of service, to avoid breaking laws or facing a ban. Looking for the best gaming VPN? ExpressVPN has ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, and a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
No. VAC automatically detects cheating software installed on a player’s device, so it won’t flag VPNs. You’re at liberty to use a VPN to protect your data, lower ping, or bypass ISP throttling. Still, Steam detects when you use a VPN to circumvent its terms of service or community standards, and doing so might result in a permanent ban.
ExpressVPN has ultra-fast VPN servers in 105 countries. Connect easily to hide your IP address, play on servers in other countries, and protect yourself from DDoS attacks and swatting. Its best-in-class encryption hides your activity from your ISP so you can get around traffic-based throttling. Try it risk free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Try the risk-free VPN for playing CS:GO
Take advantage of our risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee:
If you’re not satisfied playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive online with ExpressVPN, contact Support within 30 days and get a full refund.