Aspect Ratios and You

Let's clear up some confusion about aspect ratios in CS:GO.

Introduction

There is a lot of confusion about aspect ratios and what advantages they may or may not have. This guide has been created to shed some light on some common misconceptions and hopefully help newer players find settings that are right for them.

Before we hop into the main portion of this guide let me stress that resolution and aspect ratio is all preference. Don't let other people decide what aspect ratio or resolution you should use; tinker with an assortment of different settings until you find what is right for you.

That being said, everything in this guide is factual. The only thing in this guide that is opinion-based is what resolution and aspect ratio you should use. If you prefer a certain resolution over another, use it. But, do not claim it's for any other reason than personal preference. No resolution has an advantage over the other.

I always recommend using your monitor's native resolution.

16:9

This aspect ratio is the most common among gaming monitors and features resolutions such as 1280x720, 1920x1080, 2560x1440, 3840x2160, etc. It's a more widescreen aspect ratio, but a higher FOV comes with that widescreen look. Chances are: the monitor you are reading this on is a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Most gamers outside the CS:GO community play their games on a 16:9 1080p panel, but what makes the CS:GO community so reluctant to use 16:9?

Here is an example of what 16:9 (1920x1080) looks like:

4:3

A lot of European CS:GO professionals use the 4:3 aspect ratio. Not because it is better, but because that is what they are most accustomed to. Most professional CS:GO players didn't start on CS:GO or even CS:S, most were around during the 1.6 days, when 16:9 wasn't around. So when you see a pro player using 4:3 don't make the common assumption "If most pros are using 4:3, it must be the best aspect ratio." That is simply not true.

4:3 does not have any real advantages over 16:9, in fact 16:9 is a superior aspect ratio due to the higher FOV. You'll be able to see an enemy player walking by you on a 16:9 panel before you see them on a 4:3 panel.

Here is an example of what 4:3 (1024x768) looks like:

4:3 Stretched

4:3 stretched is very common among the North American CS:GO scene. It is still the 4:3 aspect ratio, but it has been stretched to fit on a full 16:9 panel with no black bars. The stretching of the pixels horizontally makes everything appear wider, making them easier to see.

Don't get confused and think that just because the models appear bigger on your screen, that they are actually bigger in-game. Stretching your resolution will not make targets any easier to hit; the hitboxes are still exactly the same, the pixel width of the targets is still exactly the same.

* A lot of people are very angry about what is said above. If you think that using stretched resolution makes targets easier to hit, YOU ARE WRONG. Just because the models are wider does not mean they are actually wider. They aren't. Un-stretch your resolution and play with it. It is EXACTLY the same. If stretching your resolution actually made targets easier to hit, everybody would use stretched resolution. People would buy 21:9 monitors just to stretch 4:3 all the way across the panel so shooting at people would be like shooting at the broad side of a barn. *SEE CATEGORY BELOW FOR EXAMPLES*

There is also a side effect of stretching your aspect ratio, which makes your perception of the X and Y sensitivity axis' different, however there is a workaround with the m_yaw command. Be aware that using that fix will make your sensitivity no longer 1:1, so make sure you revert it if you switch to a non-stretched res.

Here is an example of what 4:3 (1024x768) stretched looks like:

16:10 Stretched

16:10 stretched is something I only recently discovered was a thing. It's used by some professional CS:GO players, but not by many. 16:10 stretched is sort of a middle ground between 4:3 stretched and 16:9. It gives you wider models than 16:9, but not as wide as 4:3 stretched. It also gives a higher FOV than 4:3, but not as high as 16:9.

Here is an example of what 16:10 (1680x1050) stretched looks like:

Why stretched does not make models actually bigger

Lets start with an example first.

Keep in mind that this is an analogy. There are not bullets in the game, but this should help you understand what i'm saying. If it helps, imagine the bullets are pixels.

Here is a persons head with a bullet next to it for reference.


Now let's look at that same picture, but this time it is stretched.

Do you see it?

The bullet is also stretched. Meaning you can still only hit the exact same amount of mass as you could on non-stretched.

Now let's look at what people think happens when you stretch your resolution.

See what's wrong here?

The model is stretched, but the bullet is not. That is the common misconception: When you stretch your resolution, it only stretches the models. This is false. When you stretch your resolution, it stretches everything, even the bullets you are shooting.

Therefore, aiming and shooting targets is not easier. The models are still the same pixel width. There is no extra real estate for you to aim at on your screen. It only appears that way. Just because the models are physically bigger on your screen, does not mean they actually are. Any sort of critical thinking and understanding of stretched resolution would make that obvious.

If you still don't believe me. I encourage you to buy a 21:9 monitor and to stretch 4:3 across it. The models will be HUGE, so they will be very easy to hit, at least by that logic.

But, you'd know that would be a huge waste of money and a really stupid idea if you read what is stated above.

What Should I Use?

That is the question now isn't it?

I will always recommend using your monitors native resolution for the crispest image possible. However, some people can't use their monitor's native resolution for a number of reasons.

16:9

• If you have the graphics power to run your native resolution at high enough FPS.
  
• If you do not have the graphics power to run your native resolution, but still want the advantages of 16:9.

4:3

• If you do not have enough graphics power to run your native resolution at high enough FPS and don't mind black bars.

4:3 Stretched

• If you are having difficulties spotting targets on 16:9.
  
• If you don't have the graphics power to run 16:9 and do not want black bars.

16:10 Stretched

• If you are having difficulties spotting targets, but do not want to sacrifice so much of your FOV.

Comparison of the different aspect ratios in order:

[SKNWLKR]

Absolute size of models on stretched 4:3 is STILL larger and easier to see, and this matters more if you have poor eyesight. Although, I agree it does not necessarily mean it is easier to aim.

Another sensory related factor I've come across is the predator vs. prey FOV. Predators tend to have narrower FOV, and prey, needing to be more aware of its surroundings, tend to have wider FOV.

Google it, it's interesting.

Now, this is my opinion, that in shooters, you're better off with a predator FOV (narrower) than prey FOV (wider). What do you think? :)

[dn8r-]

5:4 masterrace

[󠀡󠀡 󠀡󠀡 󠀡󠀡balls]

i remember a couple of years ago when we were friends and you said, "hey look at the giude i made" and i was one of the first people to view it. an honor. too bad we didnt stay on each others friends list

[𓆩C4RTER𓆪]

Nice guide. I do think at the end of the day whatever settings work best for you just stick to those whether it's 4:3 or 16:9 or whatever.

[yoinkysploinky]

Omg whats your viewmodel?

[souz]

i run 5:4 stretched and love it. 16:9 is a superior image. But 4:3 stretched does make targets easier to hit because before you can shoot at your target reliable (sans spamming/prefire) you have to be able to see it! novel concept. but you arr correct, relative to the world, everything is the same

[/<sio]

Yeah in an objective way 16:9 is the best resolution if you have the power to run it with 200-300fps.
But there is something which makes me worse when playing on 16:9

I switched to 16:10 stretched and it really improved my aiming.
Maybe its a placebo maybe not.

If you can headshot all day long on 4:3 just keep it.
Dont listen to this guide if you are absolutley fine with your resolution.

This guide can help newbies though

[MEME MACHINE]

5:4 masterrace reporting in

[formula]

Thanks for sharing!

[ZergSquad]

I better want to know why the fuck people spray from pistols (example glock) with aiming neck and kill in head... and what a fuck i can only hit head if i spray somewhere to stomatch... -_-