How to Enable Headshot Only Mode in CS2
Updated October 10, 2026 · MyCS2Guru crew
Headshot-only mode means only headshots do damage. It's one of the best ways to train your crosshair placement, because body shots do nothing and you're forced to aim at the head every time.
How to enable it
- Start a private match (Play, Practice, choose a map, Private).
- Open the console.
- Type
sv_cheats 1. - Type
mp_damage_headshot_only 1. - Add bots with
bot_add_torbot_add_ct.
To turn it off, type mp_damage_headshot_only 0.
Useful extra commands
| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| sv_infinite_ammo 1 | Never reload |
| bot_stop 1 | Freeze bots |
| bot_dont_shoot 1 | Bots don't shoot back |
| mp_respawn_on_death_t 1 | Respawn Ts |
| mp_respawn_on_death_ct 1 | Respawn CTs |
| mp_roundtime 60 | Long rounds |
A headshot-only practice routine
- 5 minutes on frozen bots, one-tapping heads.
- 5 minutes on moving bots.
- 5 minutes on a community headshot-only deathmatch server.
Focus on crosshair placement: keep your crosshair at head height as you move.
Community headshot-only servers
Many community deathmatch servers run headshot-only modes. Search the community server browser for "HS only" or "headshot only" deathmatch. They're great for warming up before Premier.
Why headshot-only training works
In normal deathmatch, you can get away with lazy aim: spray the body, and eventually the enemy drops. In headshot-only, body shots do nothing. That forces your brain to keep your crosshair at head level, which is exactly the habit that wins duels in real matches. After a few sessions, you'll notice your crosshair naturally sits higher when you clear angles.
Headshot-only drills, beginner to advanced
| Level | Drill | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Frozen bots, 10m, AK one-taps | 50 headshots in a row without missing more than 5 |
| Intermediate | Moving bots, counter-strafe then tap | 100 headshots, focus on stopping |
| Advanced | Bots at mixed distances, switch targets | Clear 10 bots in under 15 seconds |
| Expert | HS-only community DM | Positive K/D with only headshots |
Pairing headshot-only with crosshair placement
Load your main map with headshot-only on and bots placed at common angles using bot_place. Walk through the map as if you're clearing it in a real round. Every bot should die to a single head-level tap. If you have to move your crosshair up to hit them, your placement is too low.
Weapon choices
- AK-47: one tap kills with a helmet at any range, perfect for this mode.
- M4A1-S and M4A4: need two headshots against helmets at most ranges in normal play, but in practice mode with bots, they're still great for drilling.
- Desert Eagle: excellent for training patience between shots.
- USP-S: great for pistol round practice.
Common mistakes
- Spraying in headshot-only. Tap and burst instead.
- Shooting while moving. Counter-strafe first.
- Playing too long. 10 to 15 focused minutes beats an hour of autopilot.
- Only playing on frozen bots. Add movement as soon as you can.
Bringing it into real games
After a headshot-only session, queue straight into your match. Your crosshair placement will be at its sharpest. Over weeks, the habit sticks, and you'll see your headshot percentage climb in your match stats.
More quick tips
Check out our other quick tips and in-depth guides.
Quick recap
Turn on mp_damage_headshot_only 1 in a private match, warm up with pistols and rifles, and track your headshot rate weekly. Your crosshair placement will improve fast.
Related guides
Pro tip
Do your headshot-only warm-up right before you queue, not hours earlier.
Why it works
Headshot-only mode removes the reward for lazy aim. When body shots do nothing, your brain quickly learns to keep your crosshair at head level. That habit sticks in normal matches.
Measuring your progress
Track your headshot rate over time. A simple test: 100 shots at frozen bots from 15 meters, counting headshots. Write the number down every week. Most players see steady improvement in the first month. Also check your headshot percentage in your match stats. If it rises, your placement habits are carrying over.
Headshot-only with pistols
Pistols are where headshot-only really shines, because body shots with pistols barely matter against armor. Spend a few minutes each session with the USP-S, Glock and Desert Eagle in headshot-only mode. It'll make your pistol rounds and eco rounds noticeably stronger.
Combining with other drills
Headshot-only pairs well with prefire maps and bot placement. Set up bots at common angles on your main map, turn on headshot-only and clear the route as fast as you can. Repeat until every bot dies to a single tap.
Headshot-only FAQ
- Does headshot-only damage still count armor? Headshot damage still considers helmets as normal; body shots just do nothing.
- Can I combine it with deathmatch? Yes, on community servers or with your own server settings.
- How long should I play it? 10 to 15 minutes as a warm-up is enough.
- Is it good for AWPers? It's more useful for riflers and pistol practice, since the AWP kills with body shots anyway.