How to Play Like XANTARES: Mastering His Playstyle and Config in CS2

XANTARES, or Ismailcan Dörtkardeş, is one of the most explosive and technically skilled players in CS2. With his incredible reaction time, insane “first bullet accuracy,” and aggressive playstyle, he has cemented himself as one of the most respected aimers in the game. Many players dream of playing like XANTARES, but what exactly makes him so unique? And how can you tweak your own CS2 config to mimic his playstyle?

XANTARES’ Playstyle: Speed, Precision, and Aggression

XANTARES is known for his extreme “crosshair placement” and unbelievably fast reaction time. His playstyle is built around taking duels where he often shoots first and eliminates opponents before they can even react.

Some key aspects of his playstyle include:

  • Aggression – XANTARES rarely waits for the enemy to make a move. He pushes, takes angles quickly, and relies on his aim.
  • Crosshair Placement – His crosshair positioning is almost always perfect, allowing him to eliminate enemies with minimal mouse movement.
  • Reaction Time – One of the fastest players in the world when it comes to reacting and shooting first.
  • Spray Control – He has some of the best spray control in the world and can often win 1vX scenarios through his ability to handle multiple enemies.
  • Movement – He utilizes fast and effective movement to stay hard to hit while still landing accurate shots.

Do you want to play like XANTARES? You’ll need to train your aim extensively and adjust your CS2 config (cfg) to match his settings.

Config and Settings

Having the right settings can be a game-changer when it comes to maximizing your performance in CS2. He uses a specific configuration that helps him play with extreme precision and speed.

XANTARES’ Mouse and Sensitivity Settings

  • DPI: 400
  • In-game Sensitivity: 2.20
  • eDPI: 880
  • Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
  • Windows Sensitivity: 6/11

He prefers a relatively low eDPI, which gives him more control over his aim. Finding a sensitivity that suits your own style is important, but if you want to mimic him, try these settings.

XANTARES’ Crosshair Settings

  • cl_crosshair_drawoutline 0
  • cl_crosshairalpha 255
  • cl_crosshaircolor 1
  • cl_crosshairdot 0
  • cl_crosshairgap -3
  • cl_crosshairsize 2
  • cl_crosshairstyle 4
  • cl_crosshairthickness 1
  • cl_crosshairusealpha 1

His crosshair is designed to be simple, clear, and distraction-free. If you want to use his crosshair, you can copy these settings directly.

Video and Graphics Settings

  • Resolution: 1280×960 (Stretched)
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
  • Graphics Settings: Everything set to low for maximum FPS

Many professional players, including XANTARES, use a stretched resolution (1280×960) as it makes enemies appear wider and potentially easier to hit.

How You Can Train to Play Like XANTARES

Having the right config is one thing, but you also need to train properly to master his playstyle. Here are some exercises to help you develop your aim and reaction time:

1. Deathmatch (DM)

  • Play on FFA DM servers and focus on winning “first bullet fights.”
  • Always aim for perfect crosshair placement.
  • Alternate between aggressive peeks and holding angles.

2. Aim Trainers (KovaaK’s, Aim Lab)

  • XANTARES has incredible reaction time, and aim trainers can help you improve yours.
  • Train “flicking” and “tracking” daily.

3. Spray Control Drills

  • Go to an aim training map in CS2 and practice controlling sprays with different weapons.
  • Learn each weapon’s spray pattern and how to manage it effectively.

4. Custom Servers and 1v1 Arenas

  • Play against others in 1v1 arenas to practice “first bullet accuracy” and crosshair placement.
  • Train to play aggressively without being reckless.

 

XANTARES’ Settings Matter – But They’re Not Everything

It’s important to understand that even if you copy XANTARES’ config exactly, it won’t automatically make you as good as him. His skill comes from years of training and a deep understanding of the game. However, by using the right settings and focusing on training your aim and reaction time, you can get closer to his level.

Playing like XANTARES is about mentality as much as mechanics. You need to be willing to take duels, trust your aim, and constantly work on improving your game. By practicing his techniques and adjusting your config, you can develop a similar explosive playstyle.

So, if you want to play like XANTARES – start by copying his cfg, tweaking your resolution and sensitivity, and get training! With the right settings and dedication, you can develop a dominant playstyle in CS2.