CS2 Ranks and Rating System Explained
There are two ranking systems in Counter-Strike 2. One is pretty much traditional for the game series: CS2 Ranks from Silver to Global Elite, available in classic Competitive mode. And another system is new, named Counter-Strike Rating. To climb this ladder, you need to play Premier mode matches.
In general, this division is progress in comparison to CS:GO. Now, dedicated players have extra motivation to grind and get better at the game. Premier CS2 Rating is clear to follow, as we know how many points are needed to reach specific Ratings and even how many of them an individual match can give you.
In this guide on DMarket Blog, we explain everything important about the CS2 ranks and rating system. Here you’ll find practical tips on how to improve your Competitive rank and Premier Rating. Let’s go!
What Are CS2 Ranks?
If you play Competitive mode in Counter-Strike 2, you earn better CS2 ranks or go down that ladder, depending on your actual performance.
Say you want to focus on Inferno for a while, learn this map, and get your rank here. But then, you decide to expand your personal active pool and start practicing on Dust II. Your Inferno rank will not be transferred here, and the process of developing skills comes hand in hand with building up to your Dust II rank.
CS2 Ranks are a very practical tool. Thanks to ranking, competitive matchmaking is fair and exciting. Players get teammates and opponents of relatively the same level, so everyone has fun and a good premise for effective practice.
Sure, most Counter-Strike players take their ranks very seriously. As a result, that small badge near your nickname becomes filled with emotions. CS2 Ranks combine a practical tool for matchmaking and a competitive measurement to intensify emotions and motivation.
It is easy to unlock Competitive mode in CS2 by playing other types of matches and getting XP there. 10 placement matches are needed to earn your first CS2 Rank.
How to Get Your First Rank in CS2
Both types of ranking systems in Counter-Strike 2 require players to complete 10 placement matches. Depending on your performance and results, you will get your first CS2 Rank in Competitive mode and your first Counter-Strike Rating in Premier mode.
All CS2 Ranks
Every Competitive Rank in CS2 copies one from CS:GO. It’s pretty convenient to have this tradition kept in different installments of the game. For new players, CS2 Ranks are quite logical too. There are 18 Ranks in Counter-Strike 2. They are divided into four categories: Silver, Gold Nova, Master Guardian, and Top Four: Legendary Eagle – Global Elite.
Here is a list of all CS2 Ranks in Competitive mode:
- Silver 1
- Silver 2
- Silver 3
- Silver 4
- Silver Elite
- Silver Elite Master
- Gold Nova 1
- Gold Nova 2
- Gold Nova 3
- Gold Nova Master
- Master Guardian 1
- Master Guardian 2
- Master Guardian Elite
- Distinguished Master Guardian
- Legendary Eagle
- Legendary Eagle Master
- Supreme Master First Class
- Global Elite
What Is CS2 Premier Rating?
This system has been introduced in Counter-Strike 2, and it’s more in tune with modern standards of matchmaking in shooting games. CS Rating is based on the Elo system, with a clear number of points available in matches and a point-based ladder of ratings.
Counter-Strike Rating is exclusive to Premier mode matches, which require purchasing Prime Status. Before you can start playing it, you need to prove yourself in other modes (which is not really complicated, just a simple formality). Then, you need to complete 10 placement matches to get your first CS Rating. It can be up to 40,000. Various factors cause the increase or decrease of this number, including wins or losses, your performance, and ratings of your opponents.
Like the competitive Ranks, CS Rating in the Premier mode is tied to maps. The process of choosing maps copies the esports tradition of teams banning locations they don’t want to play on.
It’s again a practical tool to match players of the same level. Being exclusive to Prime Status players, Premier mode theoretically brings a better experience—only dedicated players are here.
CS2 Premier Rating
Counter-Strike Rating in Premier Mode has seven groups, each with a specific number of Elo points. The groups can be distinguished by their icon colors. Steps between the groups are 5,000 points.
- Gray — < 4,999;
- Light Blue — 5,000 – 9,999;
- Blue — 10,000 – 14,999;
- Purple — 15,000 – 19,999;
- Pink — 20,000 – 24,999;
- Red — 25,000 – 29,999;
- Gold — 30,000+
The Difference Between CS:GO and CS2 Ranking Systems
It will be interesting to summarize all the differences between ranking systems in these two Counter-Strike games.
- CS2 has two types of ranks: classic Competitive mode and new Counter-Strike Rating in Premier mode. CS:GO just had classic.
- CS2 Ranks and CS Rating are locked to maps. CS:GO Ranks were maintained on all the maps.
- CS2 Premier Rating System is transparent for players to see how many points they have, how many they can earn in a match, and how many they need to get a better CS Rating. The processes behind CS:GO Ranks were obscure.
CS2 Ranks and CS Rating Compared
In general, these two ranking systems are different and can’t be compared. Still, the Counter-Strike community tries to make sense of the new Premier Rating by making references to the classic ranks.
If you play Counter-Strike a lot, this chart may help you understand CS Rating better. Otherwise, take it with a grain of salt, it’s not an official division by any means.
In a special article on DMarket Blog, we highlight CS2 rank distribution. Check it out to know the percentages of active players in each rank.
Tips to Rank Up in CS2
CS2 Ranks and Counter-Strike Rating are based on your performance in the game. Play better and you will get better ranks.
Still, in terms of ranking, we can highlight a few quite helpful tips. Follow these pieces of advice if you are aiming at getting high ranks as soon as possible. So, how to rank up in CS2?
- Start playing with warm-ups. Don’t jump directly to Competitive or Premier matches. Prepare yourself in Deathmatch, Casuals, or on special aim training maps.
- Train both aim and movement. It’s very important to understand recoil patterns for different weapons and perform accurate shooting with each of them. Quick and silent movement types should be used in different map areas and at appropriate moments. Pay proper attention to training these aspects.
- Learn maps. Counter-Strike requires good knowledge of passageways, hidden spots, views over walls, all sorts of objects on the maps, and literally, every single aspect of game locations. Thoroughly learn them, plus map callouts, to be a good CS2 player.
- Practice grenade throws and smoke spots. You need to know where smoke will cover your movement to be safe from sniper shots. Molotov creates fire to block ways for opponents. Flashbang is thrown before entering dangerous areas, such as bombsites. Grenades are an integral part of CS2 play, and you need to master them.
- Play with regular teammates. It’s the most effective way to improve your rank in Counter-Strike 2. It’s the only possible way to reach high rankings and keep this status. Be part of a team, train together, divide team roles, and probably get a coach.
- Watch CS2 esports. First, you may be confused and even disheartened by the amazing levels of pro players. But watch tournaments regularly, and you will start to distinguish interesting tricks in individual and team plays. Absorb them and try to bring them to your matches.
Getting a lower CS2 rank or CS rating is nothing if you still have learned something from that match. Your way to the top may have ups and downs, but consistency in your aspiration matters the most. Learn from your mistakes, get better at every aspect—and high rank/rating will be a reflection of your progress.
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