To watch a FACEIT demo in CS2, download the recording from the matchroom, extract the .dem file into your installation's game/csgo folder, and load it with playdemo. Then open demoui to review the match.
For a file named faceit_review.dem placed directly in game/csgo, run these commands one at a time:
playdemo faceit_review
demouiThis example assumes the archive has already been extracted. Renaming a compressed download to .dem does not decompress it.
.dem.FACEIT's download instructions refer to matches within the last 30 days. Save useful recordings while the download is available. A match page alone does not guarantee that its demo can still be retrieved.
In your Steam Library, open CS2's installed files using Manage → Browse local files, or the equivalent option under Properties. From the installation root, open game, then csgo. Put the extracted demo there.
The installation directory can still be named Counter-Strike Global Offensive. Your Steam library may be on a different drive, so do not assume a fixed Windows path. The important folder relative to the installation root is game/csgo, rather than the old CS:GO location.
Use a short filename such as faceit_review.dem. Show file extensions in your file manager to avoid confusing the archive with the extracted recording.
In CS2, go to Settings → Game → Enable Developer Console (~) and set it to Yes. Open the console with your assigned key. Enter playdemo faceit_review for the example above, replacing the name with your own file's name.
If you use a subfolder, include it in the command. For example, a file in game/csgo/replays can be loaded with playdemo replays/faceit_review. Keep the filename and relative path consistent.
Load the recording first, then use the playback or spectator commands below. The examples are alternatives for different actions; you do not need to run the whole table in sequence.
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
demoui |
Show or hide the demo playback panel. |
demo_togglepause |
Pause or resume the recording. |
demo_timescale 0.5 |
Review a moment at half speed. |
demo_timescale 1 |
Restore normal playback speed. |
demo_gototick 10000 |
Jump to an example tick within the recording. A tick is not a timestamp in seconds. |
spec_next / spec_prev |
Cycle forward or backward through player viewpoints. |
spec_player playername |
Select a player viewpoint; replace the placeholder with a player name. |
Use demo_timescale for playback speed rather than the generic speed instruction. Use the spectator controls rather than a generic follow command. Check the console response if a particular command is unavailable in your build.
game/csgo. Include any subfolder in playdemo.demo_timescale 1 before comparing rounds.A downloaded recording is not guaranteed to remain compatible with every future CS2 build. Keep the original archive if you want a backup, and avoid assuming that an old recording is corrupt solely because the current game cannot play it.
Choose one question before watching: why you lost an opening duel, whether a rotation was late, or which grenade would have helped. Watch your viewpoint first, note the round and decision, then compare the opponent's perspective. Judge your decision using information you actually had at the time.
Turn one recurring mistake into a short drill with our CS2 practice commands or retake server guide. Use CS2 stats and match history to spot patterns, then return to recordings to understand what produced them.
Open the matchroom for the match and select Watch Demo if the download is available. Save the archive and extract the demo file before opening it in CS2.
FACEIT support directs users to matches from the last 30 days. Download recordings you want to keep while they are available; an older match may no longer offer a demo.
Place the extracted .dem file in game/csgo inside your CS2 installation. Use Steam to browse installed files because the full installation path varies between computers.
Enable the developer console, then enter playdemo followed by the demo filename. For example, use playdemo faceit_review for faceit_review.dem in game/csgo.
Enter demoui while a demo is loaded. The playback panel provides controls for reviewing the recording without typing each action separately.
Use demo_timescale 0.5 for half-speed playback. Use demo_timescale 1 to return to normal speed.
Use the spectator controls or spec_next and spec_prev to cycle through players. You can also use spec_player with a player name to select a viewpoint.
Check that the archive was extracted, the .dem filename and folder match your command, and the download is complete. A game update or an incompatible recording can also cause playback problems.
References checked on 5 November 2026: FACEIT support: downloading and watching a CS2 demo and the ArminC CS2 command reference. Menu labels and recording compatibility may change with updates.