Introduction
If you’re serious about improving in Counter-Strike 2, learning how to manage your CS2 demo folder is a must.
This guide explains everything — from where your demos are saved, how to open them, how to fix download errors, and how to use the CS2 demo viewer to analyze your gameplay like a pro.
We’ll also link to other key CS2 guides you might need, such as how to show FPS in CS2 or how to fast forward CS2 replays.
What Is the CS2 Demo Folder?
Your demo folder is basically the replay storage where all your downloaded or recorded .dem files live. These demos allow you to:
- Review mistakes and spot weaknesses in your gameplay.
- Study pro players’ movements and utility usage.
- Share clutch rounds with teammates or on social media.
It’s the foundation of every serious player’s improvement process — especially if you’re reviewing map awareness or spray control (you can also check our M4A4 spray pattern guide for practice).
Where to Find the CS2 Demo Folder
Here’s where the CS2 demo folder is located by default:
Windows Path
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\
macOS Path
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike Global Offensive/game/csgo/
Linux Path
~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike Global Offensive/game/csgo/
Tip: If you’ve installed Steam on another drive, the path will differ.
Check your Steam Library settings if you can’t find the “game/csgo” folder.
Inside that directory, look for subfolders like replays or demos. That’s where all your downloaded matches go.
If you’re reviewing map-based plays, pair this with our map callout guides like Dust 2 Callouts or Inferno Callouts.
How to Download CS2 Demos
From Matchmaking
- Launch CS2.
- Go to Watch → Your Matches.
- Click the cloud icon next to the match to download demo.
- Once complete, it appears inside your demo folder.
From FACEIT or External Platforms
- Log in to your match page on FACEIT or another service.
- Click Download Demo.
- Move the .dem file into your CS2 demo folder manually.
Fix: CS2 Can’t Download Demo
If you can’t download or open demos, here’s what usually causes it:
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
| Match demo expired | Valve servers delete older replays | Download demos ASAP after your match |
| Demo missing from folder | Wrong directory | Verify path and place file in …/game/csgo/replays |
| Corrupt or tiny file | Incomplete download | Re-download demo from CS2 or FACEIT |
| Console not enabled | You can’t use commands | Enable developer console in CS2 settings |
| Game files damaged | Missing dependencies | Run “Verify Integrity of Game Files” on Steam |
If you’re troubleshooting broader game issues, check out CS2 won’t launch fix or CS2 black screen on launch.
How to Watch Demos in CS2 (Demo Viewer)
Once your .dem file is inside the correct folder:
- Launch CS2.
- Enable Developer Console under Settings → Game → Enable Developer Console.
- Open the console with ~ and type:
playdemo demo_filename - To open playback controls, type:
demoui
Useful Demo Viewer Commands
| Command | Function |
| demo_timescale 0.5 | Slow-motion replay |
| demo_timescale 2 | Double playback speed |
| demo_gototick <number> | Jump to a specific tick |
| demoui | Opens demo UI window |
| playdemo <filename> | Starts playback |
| demo_togglepause | Pause or resume demo |
For even smoother analysis, check out CS2 replay commands — it explains all playback, camera, and slow-motion commands in detail.
Pro Tips for Reviewing Demos
Here’s how to make your demo reviews more effective:
- Focus on losses, not wins — see what went wrong.
- Use slow-motion (demo_timescale 0.25) for utility throws and rotations.
- Compare map positioning with your favorite pro players.
- Check ZywOo CS2 settings or s1mple CS2 settings.
- Check ZywOo CS2 settings or s1mple CS2 settings.
- Practice your grenade lineups while rewatching — combine this with CS2 grenade binds or clear smoke commands.
- Use X-ray (if available) to study rotations and timing.
Organizing Your Demo Folder
When you’ve got dozens of demos, chaos hits fast. Try this system:
Folder Setup
CS2 Demos
│
├── Ranked Matches
├── FACEIT Scrims
├── Highlights
└── Pro Demos
Naming Tip
Use clear file names:
2025-11-07_Mirage_Clutch.dem
2025-10-30_Faceit_VS_AIMClan.dem
You can even record your favorite moments for analysis with commands from our CS2 follow recoil guide or CS2 practice commands.
Common Demo Playback Issues
| Error | Fix |
| Demo loads but black screen | Try typing mat_hdr_level 2 then reloading demo |
| Demo crashes at tick | File might be corrupted — re-download it |
| Map not found error | Install or verify the same map used in demo |
| Demo stutters | Lower playback speed with demo_timescale 0.75 |
| Can’t find demo | Check your Steam Library path or replays folder |
If your match says “Demo has expired”, see your fix guide: Match demo has expired CS2.
Final Thoughts
Your CS2 demo folder is more than just storage — it’s a training tool.
By reviewing your replays, experimenting with demo commands, and comparing your playstyle to pros, you’ll notice steady progress in your positioning, timing, and decision-making.
Next time you finish a game, don’t just queue another one — open your demo, analyze your plays, and level up your Counter-Strike 2 game IQ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the CS2 demo folder located?
Your CS2 demo folder is usually found here:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\
If you can’t find it, check your Steam Library settings.
2. How do I download my CS2 demos?
You can download your demos by going to Watch → Your Matches → Cloud Icon in CS2.
It saves the .dem file inside your demo folder automatically.
For FACEIT or third-party matches, download manually and move them into the same folder.
3. Why can’t I download or play CS2 demos?
This happens if the match demo has expired or your game files are damaged.
Try re-downloading or verifying your files on Steam.
If the issue continues, check Match Demo Has Expired CS2 for fixes.
4. How do I watch demos in CS2?
Open the developer console (~) and type:
playdemo demo_filename
To use playback controls, type:
demoui
You can also read CS2 replay commands for all useful commands like fast-forward, slow-motion, and X-ray.
5. What’s the difference between replays and demos in CS2?
A demo is a recorded match file (.dem) that you can watch later, while a replay refers to the act of viewing it.
You can analyze replays using CS2 practice commands or demo tools.
