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If you started playingCounter-Strike 2recently but feel you’re getting the hang of things already, you might want to try your skills in ranked game modes. If you’re returning from CS: GO, you might feel lost with the new ranked system; if you’re new to Counter-Strike altogether, it will feel even more confusing. It doesn’t have to be that way, though.
While a little bit rough around the edges, Counter-Strike 2’s new ranked systems will help new and rusty players study the game bit by bit, creating a smoother matchmaking experience while learning the game. Let’s dive in with what you need to know.
What Are The Two Ranking Systems?
In Counter-Strike 2, there aretwo main ladder systems, the one incompetitive mode andthe one inpremier mode. These two rank systems are separated from one another;competitive mode is entirely free, whilepremier modeis available only for players who purchased the Prime versionof the game.
According to Valve,competitive mode will help players get in touch with all the game’s mechanicswithout committing to Prime. If you’re climbing too quickly in competitive mode, consider dabbling into premier mode, especially if you feel you learned all the active maps in the game.
How Does The Competitive Mode Ranking Work?
In Competitive mode, you canqueue for games on specific mapsinstead of the entire map pool all at once. This is done to help players focus onstudying maps individually and avoid getting paralyzed with so much informationwhile getting the hang of the game. you’re able to easily use this to your advantage if you’re new or just returning from a long hiatus.
Theclassic CS: GO ranking system makes a comeback in this game mode. Your first placement will depend mainly on your skill level, but other variables apply here. Things like if you’re playing solo or with a group, and the general skill level of the other players in your party will also change the outcome of your placement rank.
A significant difference with CS: GO is thatyour rank will vary depending on the map you selected to queue up for. For example, you could be Silver One in Ancient while being Gold Nova Master in Vertigo. It’s a good change, especially for new players.
In competitive mode, it’s possible to queue up as a four-man squad, unlike in Premier.
Competitive Mode Ranks
While it sounds weird to have an entirely different rank on each map,you will only ever have to play maps you dislike once you feel ready, and when you do,you won’t be matched with players who know it inside and out, at least at first. Here’s the complete list of Counter-Strike 2’s competitive mode 18 ranks:
How Does The Premier Mode Ranking Work?
The new ladder experience available in Counter-Strike 2, Premier mode, changes the way Counter-Strike is played to rank up. Instead of a map pool that’s always active,in Premier mode, players will have to go through a map pick-and-ban phase before every match.
This changeencourages new players to carefully study the maps individuallybefore going into Premier mode, alsorewarding knowledgeable players who take their time to analyze obscure mapsin the rotation. If you know Ancient inside and out, ban popular maps before your matches and have fun.
In Premier mode, queuing up as a four-man squad is prohibited. You can queue up as a trio or a five-man squad, though.
Ranks are not part ofPremier mode; instead, itfeatures a full-fledged leaderboardon which you will get placed after your first ten matches. This match-making rating (MMR) number will represent your current position among the best players in your region.
After your introductory matches,you’ll get your match-making rating depending on your individual performanceduring those matches,but also considering your old CS:GO rank. If you played a lot of Counter-Strike before, you’ll surely place higher on the leaderboards.
This change is an improvement over the old CS:GO ranking system, asyour position on the leaderboards will always move after every match. You won’t experience any doubts about your rank and how many matches you need to win for a rank up, like we used to back in the day. Here are the seven categories of these ratings:
0 – 4999
5000 – 9999
10000 – 14999
15000 – 19999
20000 – 24999
25000 – 29999
30000+
Yellow
What Are Skill Groups Within Ranks And Rating Equivalency?
Whether you’re playing competitive or premier mode,there are skill groups within each ladder. There’s also aclear equivalency between the rank tier and rating category of the majority of the player base. While not everyone will purchase Prime, you may get to the same level of competency without access to premier mode.
After playing your first matches, it’s normal to feel you are placed low on the leaderboards compared to your competitive mode rank, especially if you’re really high on a specific map. Don’t worry about it too much, though.You will naturally climb up to your actual ratingafter winning more games on the ladder.
It takes around ten wins in a row to drastically change your rating in Premier mode.
There arethree major skill groups in Counter-Strike 2. Thebeginners, intermediate players, and experts. Depending on your rank or rating, you’ll need to work on different parts of your game if your goal is to climb without too many plateaus.
Beginners - From Silver One to Gold Nova Master
Beginners are just dabbling into competitive game modes and having fun. If you want to quickly climb out of this bracket, justfocus on strengthening fundamentals like centering, aiming, good positioning, and map knowledge. This tier represents around 70 percent of the player base and comprises everyone from zero to 9500 rating approximately.
Intermediate Players - From Master Guardian One to Master Guardian Elite
While it may seem like it doesn’t have many players,this tier is the hardest to break out ofafter going through the beginner ranks. To make it work and advance this stage of the ladder,you’ll need to deepen your map knowledge, exploiting every good lineup you’re able to find online. This tier represents around 20 percent of the player base and comprises everyone from 9500 to 14000 approximately.
Experts - From Distinguished Master Guardian to Global Elite
These players are thecream of the crop; on the bottom ratings of this tier,you’ll find the best Counter-Strike players of your region. At the top of it, only pro players can hang. While there are several ranks in this tier, it only represents around nine percent of the player base. It comprises everyone from 14000 to over 20000 rating approximately.
Although we all love Counter-Strike 2, few of us really get into the competitive ladders and ranks of the game. If you’re willing to try your luck in these lobbies, it’s better to understand what you’re getting into and how to rank up faster. Next time you’re playing CS, get some friends, and try to compete with the best!
