WELCOME, PLAYER
How to Record a CS 1.6 Demo
Learn the basics first. Then try the commands in the simulator.
] STARTING LESSON...
01 // WHAT IS A DEMO?
A Counter-Strike 1.6 .dem file is a recording of game data, not a finished video like an MP4. CS 1.6 can use that recorded information to replay the session later.
REPLAYWatch a recorded session again.
STUDYReview rounds, movement, aim, and decisions.
PRESERVEKeep memorable matches and community history.
Important: A demo is not a video file. If you want a finished video, video capture is a separate step.
02 // RECORDING: THE THREE STEPS
STEP 1 — CONSOLE
Press ~ to open the CS 1.6 console.
STEP 2 — RECORD
] record mydemo
Starts a demo named mydemo.dem.
STEP 3 — STOP
] stop
Ends the recording.
Beginner rule: Remember only this for your first attempt:
record name → play your game → stop.
03 // TRY IT: CONSOLE TRAINER
This is a safe practice console. It does not control your actual game. It simply demonstrates what the commands are for.
COUNTER-STRIKE 1.6 // DEMO CONSOLE
READY
CS 1.6 DEMO TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
Choose a command below or type one yourself.
] _
LESSON: Try
record gsu_demo first.
04 // PLAYBACK
playdemo <name>
Starts playback of the named demo.
viewdemo <name>
Opens the demo through the CS 1.6 demo viewing interface.
Think of the process like this:
RECORD → STOP → FIND THE .DEM → PLAY IT BACK
05 // CLIENT DEMO VS. HLTV
CLIENT DEMO
Recorded from a player's CS 1.6 client usingrecord.
HLTV DEMO
Recorded through the separate HLTV system, commonly used for broader match coverage and spectator-style viewing.06 // COMMAND REFERENCE
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
record <name> | Starts recording a demo. |
stop | Stops the current demo recording. |
playdemo <name> | Starts playback of a named demo. |
viewdemo <name> | Opens the demo through the CS 1.6 demo viewer/playback interface. |
stopdemo | Stops demo playback. |
listdemo <name> | Displays information associated with a named demo. |
timedemo <name> | Runs a timed demo benchmark rather than ordinary viewing. |
07 // TROUBLESHOOTING
UNKNOWN COMMAND
Check spelling and syntax. Make sure the command belongs in the CS 1.6 client console.
Check spelling and syntax. Make sure the command belongs in the CS 1.6 client console.
DEMO WON'T PLAY
Check that the .dem file exists and that its name is correct.
Check that the .dem file exists and that its name is correct.
WHERE IS THE FILE?
Look in the Counter-Strike installation's relevant mod directory, commonly
Look in the Counter-Strike installation's relevant mod directory, commonly
cstrike.FORGOT TO STOP?
Make
Make
stop part of your normal recording routine.08 // PRESERVE THE HISTORY
If a demo matters, give it context. A useful archive should tell someone what the file is without requiring them to guess.
FILE2026-09-14_de_dust2_GSU_match01.dem
MAPde_dust2
DATE2026-09-14
TYPEClient demo
NOTESMatch, players, event, or other useful context