Explaining Counter-Strike 2 Rankings and Ratings

In the world of first-person shooter games, Counter-Strike has established itself as a cornerstone of the entire eSports community. Whether you talk about graphics or any other aspect, this game always meets user expectations. Recently, they released the next iteration, Counter-Strike 2, where developers made plenty of improvements over the previous game variant.

It’s obvious that if they release another sequel to this typical first-person shooter game, there will be a bunch of new things. Developers made numerous changes to the game; one change that matters to players is the “Ranking System.” Surprisingly, Counter-Strike 2 has this feature, but people need help understanding it. So, here, I’ll explain it to you.

Demystifying Counter-Strike 2 Rankings and Ratings

We’ve provided a brief overview of how the Counter-Strike series originated, but you should know that Counter-Strike 2 is the latest iteration, released on September 27, 2023. Similar to the previous version, this new iteration includes all the features we’re familiar with from CS:GO. However, as we’re playing the successor, numerous changes have occurred, such as the new Source 2 Engine (for better graphics), improved UI, and new weapons, vehicles, and modes. These changes are significant and may only appeal to some players.

The major change in Counter-Strike 2 is the revision of the ranking system. This is the determining factor for levelling up in the game. Yes, you heard it right. The new Counter-Strike 2 has a more transparent and competitive rank-matchmaking system. Stay calm; the rewards are also worth it. It’s good to hear that this new iteration has a new ranking system, but players want clarity on how it works. So, let’s discuss it.

Counter-Strike 2 has two ranking systems: competitive rank and CS rating. If you switched from CS:GO, you’re probably familiar with competitive rating. However, for new players, please note that competitive rank is a ranking system that assigns a specific skill group to players based on their performance. On the other hand, the CS Rating assigns ranks to players based on factors such as their win-loss record, individual performance, and more. Let’s look at each ranking system closer.

Competitive Ranking

This ranking system is similar to the system that prevails in CS:GO. You start at Silver I and rank up to Global Elite by winning matches. However, there’s an additional aspect to this ranking system: map-based ranking. This means you have a different rank in Inferno than in Dust II. Furthermore, this ranking is based on your performance in all competitive modes. The ranking progression is as follows:

• Tier I: Silver 1 >> Silver 2 >> Silver 3 >> Silver 4 >> Silver Elite >> Silver Elite Master
• Tier II: Gold Nova 1 >> Gold Nova 2 >> Gold Nova 3 >> Gold Nova Master
• Tier III: Master Guardian 1 >> Master Guardian 2 >> Master Guardian 3 >> Master Guardian Elite
• Tier IV: Distinguished Master Guardian >> Legendary Eagle

CS Rating

As I mentioned, the CS Rating is a much more transparent ranking system that makes the game more competitive. In this system, players receive a numerical value for their performance, ranging from 0 to 35,000, divided into different tiers. CS Rating is a more accurate ranking system because it considers various factors, such as the win-loss ratio and opponents’ skill level. Being a transparent ranking system, it fosters much competition as players need to play in Premier Mode to earn CS ratings. Here are the rankings based on the tiers:

• Iron: 0-5,000
• Bronze: 5,000-10,000
• Silver: 10,000-15,000
• Gold: 15,000-20,000
• Platinum: 20,000-25,000
• Diamonds: 25,000-30,000
• Master: 30,000-35,000

Moreover, you must win matches and earn rewards specific to each tier to level up your progress and ranking. The game offers two rewards: XP rank rewards and leaderboard rewards. XP rank rewards are given to players for every level they achieve in XP, while leaderboard rewards are given only at the end of each season. Although both ranking systems have the basic principle of levelling up by winning matches, I recommend focusing on the CS rating.

I recommend CS Rating because it has a more transparent ranking system that accurately reflects your performance, and the rewards are more appealing than the competitive ranking system. If you’re a dedicated CS:GO player, consider the competitive ranking system a slight advancement from the previous game. I understand that playing in Premier Mode may be challenging for new players, so here’s a pro tip: start with competitive mode and practice what you learn in Premier Mode. This will help you achieve a better ranking in less time. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions