Demo basics
How to Download a CS2 Demo
A CS2 demo is the match replay data, not a normal video. The exact download button depends on where the match was played, but the useful result is always a local demo file that can be replayed or uploaded for parsing.
Updated
Download from your match source
- 01Open the match history or match room on the platform where you played.
- 02Choose the completed match and look for Download Demo, Watch Demo, or Replay.
- 03Save the archive or .dem file locally and extract it when the platform provides a compressed download.
- 04Keep the original file until the highlight video has finished rendering.
Check the file before uploading
- A raw demo normally ends in .dem.
- n1cetry also accepts .dem.zst and .dem.bz2 files for upload.
- A demo is not playable in a normal media player and cannot be shared as an MP4 yet.
- Platform availability changes, so use the local download option shown for that specific match.
Turn the downloaded demo into a clip
Open Studio and choose the local file. Parsing runs in the browser so you can find multi-kills, clutches, and key rounds before creating a render task. One selected highlight or manual range produces one finished video.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I receive a compressed demo?
Match platforms often compress demos to reduce download size. Keep the archive intact or extract it to a .dem file; n1cetry accepts the supported compressed demo formats directly.
Can I download a demo after it expires?
Usually not from the original match source. Demo retention is controlled by that platform, so download important matches before their replay link expires.