Wanting to climb the ranks in your favorite game is a common sentiment among gamers, and it is no different for CS2 players. That said, climbing the ranks in a challenging game like CS2 can be a difficult task if you are not familiar with the CS2 competitive ranks system. If you are familiar with the rank system of CS2, we have prepared this guide for you to answer all your queries about ranks and more.
What Are CS2 Ranks?
CS2 ranks are designed to assign players to the specific medal where they get matched up with similarly skilled players so that their matches are much more competitive and enjoyable. The main modes in which players earn ranks are competitive mode and premier mode. That said, the ranking system in CS2 is quite unique compared to other games. This is because CS2 uses a map-specific ranking system where each player has a different rank on each map. To see your rank in CS2, you need to win the first ten matches on a specific map so that the system can assign you a rank for that map.
The main reason why ranks are so important for CS2 players is that it is a reflection of your skill in the game and can give you bragging privileges among your friends. Ranks also enable you with similarly skilled players leading to more competitive and enjoyable matches.
How to Get First Ranks in CS2?
Before you jump head-first into grinding ranks in CS2, you need to follow a set of steps that ensure you are ready to compete in ranked games. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enter ranked games and earn your first rank:
- Obtain Prime Status: To even access the Competitive or Premier Mode, you need to get Prime Status by purchasing Prime from the Steam store for a one-time fee of $14.99.
- Reach Profile Level 2: Even after getting the Prime Status, you need to reach a Profile Level 2 to unlock Competitive Mode by playing unranked modes like Deathmatch or Casual.
- Play 10 Placement Matches: You need to play ten matches on a specific map to determine your rank for that map. These matches will calibrate your skill level and assign you a rank.
- Complete the Calibration: Even after finishing ten matches on a map, your first rank will be displayed, but it will only be for one map. To unlock ranks on every map, you’ll need to play the ten placements for each map.
Pros and Cons of CS2’s Rating System
While the CS2 ranking system is much different from the CSGO days, it does have its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the key pros and cons of the CS2 competitive ranks system:
Pros
- In Competitive mode, CS2 introduces ranks tied to individual maps so players can concentrate on doing better on the maps they’re good at while avoiding the ones they aren’t.
- In Premier Mode, the CS Rating system introduces a much more transparent progression system where players can more clearly see just how much their improvement. This system is very dynamic as it adjusts based on wins and losses.
Cons
- The rating system is dynamic, and so the player loses a higher number of points in the event of a losing streak.
- In Premier Mode, only the team’s win or loss affects your rating, meaning your personal performance in a match (kills, objectives) doesn’t directly impact your rank progression.
What is the Difference between the Rating System of CS2 and CS:GO
Valve made some interesting changes to the CS2 ranks as compared to the ranks in CSGO. Here are some of the major changes:
- CSGO had a single ranking system where your rank was the same across all maps. Whereas in CS2, you have a map-specific rank.
- CS2 has two types of ranks: the classic Competitive mode (which is map-specific) and the new CS Rating in Premier mode, which is a numeric rating system similar to Elo. CSGO only had one Competitive mode.
- CS2 includes global and regional leaderboards in Premier mode, which was not present in CSGO.
- Players had no idea how many points they gained or lost in CSGO, which changed in CS2.
All CS2 Competitive Ranks
The CS2 rank system has been meticulously crafted to make sure you get matched up players with similar skills so you get a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience. Ranks in CS2 range from beginner levels to top-tier elite players and your placement and even progression in these ranks is based on your performance. Here are all the CS2 Competitive Ranks, from the lowest to the highest:
Silver 1-4
The Silver 1-4 ranks in CS2 are entry-level ranks where you will find players who are learning the fundamental mechanics of the game. In this rank, you can expect players who don’t communicate and play individually rather than working together.
Silver Elite
In Silver Elite, you will still find many new players who are still developing their understanding of them. In this rank, they start to develop their utility usage and shooting skills. These players also start to develop a game sense of rotating and holding bomb sites more effectively.
Gold Nova 1-3
When you hit Gold Nova, you are no longer considered a beginner at the game. In this rank, players demonstrate a solid grasp of game mechanics and are more consistent with aiming, map awareness, and teamwork. They have better control of their recoil and much better game sense than Silver players.
Gold Nova Master
Players in Gold Nova are able to play at a much higher level and are much more capable of team coordination and communication. At this level, players also understand their roles more clearly, whether they are playing as a fragger, support, or entry player.
Master Guardian 1-2
In Master Guardian 1 and 2 ranks in CS2, players have developed a strong grasp of the game. They also have solid communication and coordination, which is extremely important if you want you win the game at such a high rank.
Master Guardian Elite
At this rank, players have exceptional aim with near-perfect crosshair placement. They are also very precise in their recoil control and know when they need to use their utilities.
Distinguished Master Guardian
Distinguished Master Guardian players are great at communication and coordination, even when playing with random players in their pubs. They are consistently able to execute high-level strategies when retaking sites, faking, or rotating. They are also great at reading the opposing team’s strategies and adapting to them.
Legendary Eagle
At this rank, players have near professional level aim with excellent crosshair placement. They are also masters at movement, positioning, and recoil control. This rank signifies a player’s ability to compete at the highest ranks in CS2.
Legendary Eagle Master
Legendary Eagle Master (LEM) in CS2 is an elite rank where players demonstrate near-perfect mechanics and possess excellent game sense where they are able to adapt to enemy strategies and counter them.
Supreme Master First Class
You have to be incredibly special in the game to reach such a high rank. Supreme Master First Class players are highly competitive and close to professional-level performance, competing only with the best in the game.
Global Elite
Global Elite is the highest rank in CS2, reserved for the top 0.75% of players. You will often find players of this rank competing in professional tournaments. At this level, players have mastered all aspects of the game, including perfect aim, recoil control, utility usage, and movement.
CS2 Premier Ranks
In CS2’s Premier Mode, you compete against other players to earn a CS Rating, which is a number-based rank (also known as Elo). This numerical rank will help you know how you are progressing and how good a player you are. To take part in Premier matches, you need to have a Prime Status and must complete the initial ten placement matches to get your starting rating.
For those who don’t know, the CS2 premier ranks system uses a transparent rating scale, which starts at 1,000 and goes up to 30,000+. Your rating only changes based on your wins or losses, and you can see how many points you will gain or lose before each match. One unique feature of Premier Mode is the map pick-and-ban phase, where teams take turns banning maps before selecting the one to play on. The matches in Premier Mode use the MR12 format, meaning teams need to win 13 rounds on a map to secure victory.
The article was crafted by ESports industry experts at Hella Good Marketing.
