Install Demo Trace

Before you install

Demo Trace is a Windows x64 application. Replay uses your installed Counter-Strike 2 engine, so Steam and CS2 must be available under the Windows account you use for Demo Trace. An internet connection is required for protected replay features.

Check the requirements and known issues on the Download page for the release you choose. Your GPU must support running CS2 and Windows Graphics Capture. Parsing a demo and playing it in the current CS2 build are separate compatibility checks.

Download and install

1. 1

   Open the Download page and check the version, release channel and signature status before downloading. A Preview release is identified separately from a signed release.

2. 2

   Download the Windows x64 installer and run it. If Windows prevents installation, check the release information or contact support rather than disabling security protections.

3. 3

   Open Steam and make sure your installed CS2 can start normally. Close any existing CS2 session before starting a replay in Demo Trace.

4. 4

   Launch Demo Trace. Open License to start the shared free launch, when available, or enter the code from your purchase email.

Keep your recording available

You can open .dem, .dem.gz and .dem.zst recordings. Keep the original in a stable location: your library keeps a shortcut to the file, rather than uploading or moving it. If you move or rename the recording, open it again from its new location.