NiKo on CS2 Settings, DeathAdder V4 Pro, and Falcons’ Next Steps

Introduction

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NiKo is one of the most legendary CS2 players to ever touch the game. He’s been at the top for years and has won numerous tournaments and personal accolades and has been dominating servers since way back when CS:GO was still a thing.

Along with Razer, we got a chance to speak to the man himself and ask him some questions about how he approaches the game and where he sees himself and his team in the (near) future.

This interview was taken at the end of July 2025 right after the player break and before the start of the new season.

The Interview

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How do you usually keep your aim sharp? Do you focus on aim training software, workshop maps, or just stick to DM and PUGs? Is there a routine or does it go smoothly after all these years at the top?

NiKo: “My aim training has always been built around DM. That’s how I started with Counter-Strike years ago – back then there were no workshop maps, so it was the only option, and it became a habit over time.

I’ve tried other tools like AimLab, KovaaK’s, and Refrag, but they’ve never fully replaced DM for me. I always fall back on it, because that’s where I feel the most confident and consistent.

I also play aimbotz sometimes, mostly during tournaments when we don’t have access to other maps. It’s useful for warm-up, even if it’s not my preferred way of training.”

How often do you test new settings or tweaks? Do you rely on feel or data (like aim trainers or match stats) to evaluate if a setting works?

NiKo: “I try to not switch settings too often. I do think that I was switching a bit more in the past year than I usually do, but it’s also because of CS2. I would say I’m trying to kind of find my comfort zone, if that makes sense.

So that’s the main reason why I switch a bit more, but it is mostly based on the feeling and how do I feel with certain settings. Aside from that, it’s also obviously based on data, because I also like to use what’s the best out there, and I don’t really have issues with trying something new and getting used to it.

I also like the fact that, when I try new stuff nowadays, I feel a bit more fresh. So it makes sense when I do these things.”

Do you play with everything on low for performance, or do you tweak visual settings for better visibility?

NiKo: “Trying new settings gives me a fresh feeling sometimes – it’s like a small change that keeps things interesting.

So I don’t do it often, but when I do, it’s usually for a reason.

This past year, with CS2 coming out, I’ve made more tweaks than usual. I’ve been searching for that same comfort I had in CS:GO. I mostly go by feel, but I also check what’s out there and stay open to ideas that could improve my game.

I think it’s important to not get stuck in the comfort zone, especially when the game itself is evolving.”

You’ve been testing the new DeathAdder V4 Pro. What were your first impressions when you tried it, and how involved were you in the development process? Was there any particular change or feature that really stood out to you?

NiKo: “I was fortunate to test the DeathAdder V4 Pro prototype quite early, so I was able to give  some direct feedback during development.

In terms of first impressions, they were quite good. Even though the shape is technically the same as the V3, I felt a big difference while playing. It took some time to adjust, but once I got used to it, the improvement was clear.

Weight was one of the key areas I gave feedback on, and I’m happy that these adjustments didn’t come at the cost of balance. What the R&D team told me is that the mouse is now up to 72% stronger at its weakest points, and you can tell that despite it being noticeably lighter, it has a really good balance.

Another thing I really like is the new dongle. It doesn’t affect gameplay directly, but it’s well-designed, it stays in place, and it shows important information, like the battery life, polling rate, and DPI. It’s a small but smart addition.”

When it comes to gear, what’s the most important thing about a mouse for you? Do you prefer ultra-lightweight models, or something with a bit more resistance? Where does your DA v4 Pro fit?

NiKo: “The most important thing for me is the shape. If I don’t feel comfortable with the way I hold the mouse from the very beginning, it’s simply not the right mouse for me. That’s never been an issue with the DeathAdder, both the V3 and the V4 – they fit my grip really well.

Weight is also a key factor, especially today when even slight differences can affect your control and speed. The way a mouse moves and feels in your hand is heavily tied to its weight.

And lastly – the clicks. I like when they feel crisp and when you can feel the actuation, especially for one-taps. For some, it could sound like a small detail, but for me it matters a lot.

The DA V4 Pro manages to get all those elements right – the shape, feel and weight.

That’s why it works for me.”

Razer has brought a lot of customizations in the past few years, especially with keyboards. How do you set up your Razer Synapse and do you have any special settings?

NiKo: “On this level of gameplay,  it’s all about minimizing mistakes and making sure everything you do is intentional.

So I actually raised the Actuation Point on my Spacebar to 3.0 because I found myself accidentally pressing it while moving side to side – especially during intense moments. Having it too low was leading to unintentional jumps, so that change prevented any unnecessary jumps in crucial moments.

The rest of my setup is pretty balanced. I use Rapid Trigger on 0.3 for WASD, and 1.5 Actuation Point across the board for the other keys.”

What about mousepads – would you say that they impact your aim significantly, or is it more about feel and consistency?

NiKo: “Mousepads definitely matter – they play a big role in aim alongside the mouse. Every player has their own preference when it comes to feel and speed, and that can vary a lot.

For me personally, I prefer a mousepad that leans more toward control. I don’t like it too fast – I want something that sits in the middle, with a bit more stopping power. That controlled feeling helps me stay precise and makes my aim feel crisp when I move the mouse.”

Looking at Falcons’ future –  What can fans expect from you in the final part of the year? Do you feel the team is now ready to compete for big prizes, or will it take some time to fully integrate kyousuke into Tier 1 competition?

NiKo: “Maxim’s integration into the roster will require time. He’s a very promising player, but we have to be realistic and say that this is his first international lineup, and the first time he’s communicating fully in English.

In addition to that, we’re shifting a few roles within the team. That means some of us are getting used to different positions and responsibilities, which always takes effort and patience.

However, our expectations haven’t changed. Last season proved we’re capable of competing at the top level, and we were right there with Vitality.

We’re doing everything we can to be ready. This last roster change wasn’t done just for the sake of it, it was made to move us from Contenders to Champions.

The plan, you ask?
It’s to keep our head down, practice, show up strong – and take down Vitality.”