Explaining the CS2 ranking algorithm: what you need to know
Counter-Strike 2 has long been available for everyone, but not everyone has had time to understand how the ranking and rating systems work. After all, the competition system in CS2 has been redesigned. In this article we will explain the algorithm of CS2 ranks and rating, as well as additional nuances that you need to know.
How do the ranking and rating systems work in CS2?
When it comes to competitive mode, some players prefer to play on a specific map that they like instead of voting for map selection. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as you don’t like the map design or you are not familiar enough with the map.
Based on the results of matches, each map in CS2’s competitive mode gets its own ranking. This means that if you are a fan of Inferno, for example, and you reach Global Elite rank on that map, and then start playing Dust 2, which is not as appealing to you, your rank on that map will be minimal. To rank up on a particular map, players must play ten matches on that map to pass the calibration. There are a total of 18 ranks available in competitive mode, ranging from Silver to Global Elite.
Ranks in CS2
The competitive mode in Counter Strike 2 is similar to CS:GO and uses the same MMR and ranking system. To gain a rank on a map, players need to win ten matches. Unlike ranking, MMR is hidden and is not displayed in the match selection menu. The main feature of this mode is that each player has a unique rank on each individual map.
CS2 allows players to choose the maps they feel best on. This ranking system allows players to avoid situations where they have to play on maps they are not familiar with. The system determines a player’s rank on each map based on their skill level, allowing users with similar skills to compete against each other and avoid maps they are not as confident on.
How to Rank Up in CS2
The exact number of wins needed to rank up in CS2 depends on the results of previous matches and the overall number of wins and losses. On average, it takes 3-5 wins to rank up, but sometimes this number can be 6-8 wins. Your individual performance also affects your rank progression, so it is important to always perform well.
All Ranks in CS2
As mentioned above, you can still find the familiar ranks from CS
in CS2, although they are no longer the main matchmaking system in the game. The competitive mode includes eighteen ranks:
- Silver 1
- Silver 2
- Silver 3
- Silver 4
- Gold Nova 1
- Gold Nova 2
- Gold Nova 3
- Master Guardian 1
- Master Guardian 2
- Distinguished Master Guardian
- Legendary Eagle
- Legendary Eagle Master
- Supreme Master First Class
- Global Elite
Ranking in CS2
In the CS2 Premier mode, there is a general ranking for all maps. It is similar to a tournament system and uses numbers (ELO) to indicate players’ positions on the leaderboards. Interestingly, a similar system exists on the FACEIT platform. If you win a match, your rating will increase, but if you lose, it will decrease. Unlike the competitive mode, Premier mode allows you to see your position in the ranking thanks to an open leaderboard.
To receive your initial ranking, every player must complete calibration in Premier mode. To do this, you need to purchase Prime status and win ten matches in this mode. After that, you will be assigned an ELO rating. You can find your rating on the Premier mode page.
Premier mode uses a map pick and ban system similar to professional matches. Players take turns banning maps they do not want to play. After the ban phase, they choose the side they will play on: CT or T. Then the match begins.
Rank and Rating Correlation in CS2
There is no official correlation between ranks and ELO ratings. However, there is an approximate table that can help guide you:
- Silver 1 — 1000-3754 ELO
- Silver 2 — 3754-4997 ELO
- Silver 3 — 4997-5723 ELO
- Silver 4 — 5723-6855 ELO
- Silver Elite — 6855-7950 ELO
- Silver Elite Master — 7950-9026 ELO
- Gold Nova 1 — 9026-9999 ELO
- Gold Nova 2 — 9999-11036 ELO
- Gold Nova 3 — 11036-12136 ELO
- Gold Nova Master — 12136-13206 ELO
- Master Guardian 1 — 13206-14304 ELO
- Master Guardian 2 — 14304-15114 ELO
- Master Guardian Elite — 15114-16236 ELO
- Distinguished Master Guardian — 16236-17259 ELO
- Legendary Eagle — 17259-18265 ELO
- Legendary Eagle Master — 18265-19879 ELO
- Supreme Master First Class — 19879-21847 ELO
- Global Elite — 21847-31000+ ELO
Valve is seriously committed to creating a convenient and fair matchmaking ecosystem in CS2. Additionally, casual modes are available for players who just want to enjoy the game. Choose the mode that suits you best and start playing!
3 Comments
BlitzkriegBob
6 September 2024Loving the new ranking system in CS2!
Grind_47
6 September 2024Getting to Global Elite feels so much more rewarding now that each map has its own rank. It’s a challenge, but that’s what makes it fun! 💪
MasterX9
6 September 2024I didn’t know it could take 6-8 wins to rank up!