CS2 Ranks Guide

A vital part of the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) experience is its ranking system. The rank reflects a player’s skill level and progress in the game and is used for matchmaking to ensure balanced and fair play. Understanding CS2 ranks, how they work, and how to progress through them can significantly enhance your CS2 experience. This guide will take you through the basics of CS2 ranks, from what they are, how you earn them, and how to improve your ranking.

The new ladder system

Valve introduced a new point-based system for premiere matchmaking. Every 5000 points you get a new color. There are leaderboards for the highest players in each region. In Premier mode you have a ban phase and you see how many points you win or lose for the upcoming game.

Ranks for each map

Also, you now have a rank for each individual map you can queue in CS2. So no Vertigo-only Globals anymore!

Understanding CS2 Ranks

CS2 features a comprehensive ranking system, providing an opportunity for players to advance and demonstrate their skill levels. The ranking system is divided into three primary categories: Competitive Ranks, Wingman Ranks, and Danger Zone Ranks, each with its game modes and levels.

1. Competitive Ranks

Competitive ranks are the primary ranks in CS2, used in standard competitive matchmaking. These ranks are indicative of a player’s skill level and their proficiency in the game. The ranks range from Silver I, which is the lowest, to Global Elite, which represents the highest skill level in the game. The complete list of ranks is as follows:

Silver I (S1)
Silver II (S2)
Silver III (S3)
Silver IV (S4)
Silver Elite (SE)
Silver Elite Master (SEM)
Gold Nova I (GN1)
Gold Nova II (GN2)
Gold Nova III (GN3)
Gold Nova Master (GNM)
Master Guardian I (MG1)
Master Guardian II (MG2)
Master Guardian Elite (MGE)
Distinguished Master Guardian (DMG)
Legendary Eagle (LE)
Legendary Eagle Master (LEM)
Supreme Master First Class (SMFC)
The Global Elite (GE)

2. Wingman Ranks

Wingman ranks are used in the Wingman game mode, a 2v2 competitive match on shorter versions of maps. The ranks follow the same tier system as the Competitive Ranks, starting from Silver I and ending at The Global Elite.

3. Danger Zone Ranks

Currently, Danger Zone isn’t implemented in CS2 yet. Danger Zone ranks apply to the Battle Royale mode of CS2. This mode uses a different ranking system, starting from Lab Rat I and going up to The Howling Alpha.

Lab Rat I (LR1)
Lab Rat II (LR2)
Sprinting Hare I (SH1)
Sprinting Hare II (SH2)
Wild Scout I (WS1)
Wild Scout II (WS2)
Wild Scout III (WS3)
Wild Scout Elite (WSE)
Hunter Fox I (HF1)
Hunter Fox II (HF2)
Hunter Fox III (HF3)
Hunter Fox Elite (HFE)
Timber Wolf (TW)
Ember Wolf (EW)
Wildfire Wolf (WW)
The Howling Alpha (THA)

Please note that, unlike the traditional ranking systems in CS2, Danger Zone ranks focus more on survival and tactical play in the Battle Royale mode. As you move up the ranks, the competition gets tougher and more intense. Each rank represents the player’s skill and ability to survive in different scenarios, with The Howling Alpha being the highest attainable rank.

Earning Your Rank

When you first start playing CS2, you won’t have a rank. You’ll need to win ten placement matches before your skill group is determined and a rank is assigned. During this process, the game will assess your skills, teamwork, strategy, and overall performance to determine your initial rank.

Improving Your Rank

Improving your rank in CS2 requires practice, strategy, and consistent play. Here are a few tips to help you rank up:

Improve your Gameplay: This involves improving your aiming skills, map knowledge, and game sense. Consider practicing in Deathmatch or Aim training maps.
Teamwork: CS2 is a team-based game, so coordinating with your team, sharing information, and working together to achieve objectives can greatly influence the outcome of a match.
Consistency: Try to play the game regularly to maintain and improve your skills. Extended periods of inactivity can lead to rank decay.
Positive Mindset: A positive attitude can significantly improve your performance. Don’t let a loss or a bad game affect your mindset. Instead, try to learn from your mistakes and improve.

How Ranking Works

CS2 uses a modified Glicko-2 ranking system to evaluate players’ performance. This system considers various factors, including your wins, losses, MVPs, bomb plants/defusals, kills, deaths, and more. However, Valve, the game’s developer, hasn’t revealed the exact formula used to calculate ranks.

It’s worth noting that winning games is the most crucial factor in improving your rank. The more games you win, and the better you perform in those games, the faster you’ll rank up.

Conclusion

CS2’s ranking system is a core part of the game that adds a competitive edge and offers players a way to gauge their skill level and progress. Understanding this system and knowing how to improve your rank can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the game. Happy gaming!