Big changes have come to CS2. The game has been given a fresh coat of paint, bringing it up to modern standards. So how have CS2 ranks changed throughout this transition?

We’re taking a look at all of the ranks in CS2, to see how they stack up against the previous system used in CS:GO. All CS2 ranks will be covered, from Premier, to FACEIT, to plain old Competitive. If you’re someone who needs all CS2 ranks explained, we’ve got you covered right here.

WHAT ARE CS2 RANKS?

Much like CS:GO ranks, ranks in CS2 are a way for the game to match you against other players of your skill level. It’s no fun getting stomped, nor is it really fun destroying players with a fraction of the experience on the server. That’s why it’s important that ranks in CS2 are assigned as close as possible, to ensure the game is as evenly-matched as possible. Outliers happen, where some players underperform, but generally, the balance needs to be right, and it starts with correctly assigning all CS2 ranks.

The new game has seen a few adjustments to CS2 ranks compared to CS:GO, and it’ll take some getting used to. In fact, there’s even one entirely new CS2 ranking system, which works alongside one of the others, but we’ll get to that.

CS2 RANKS GUIDE

GREY – SILVER I TO SILVER ELITE MASTER

There’s no shame in being a grey or silver ranked player – everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re this rank, there’s a good chance your aim is bad, you don’t know how to use utility properly, and you don’t necessarily know the best angles on every map.

It’s all good! The important thing is that you want to get better at CS, which can only really be done by playing more of the game. At this rank, there will be players who flame you for your CS2 rank. Ignore the noise, and keep improving.

If you’re really struggling, there are CS aim trainers out there you can use to really hone your skills. Become a crack shot on the server, and you’ll be out of Silver in no time.

LIGHT BLUE – GOLD NOVA I TO GOLD NOVA MASTER

At this point, you’ve probably logged some time in CS2. It’s here that you’ll need to be finessing skills other than just your ability to aim accurately in order to make your way through the ranks in CS2. For instance, you’ll need to acquire some game sense and get to grips with the CS2 maps a little better.

BLUE – MASTER GUARDIAN I-DISTINGUISHED MASTER GUARDIAN

Now you’re starting to move up the ranks! Once again, the best thing you can do here is to just play more. Every so often, you’ll come across a smurf who teaches you a lesson or two. Don’t get angry – get better! These games against much better players can be used as a learning opportunity to improve, giving you the best chance of rising through the CS2 ranking system.

Remember, at these CS2 ranks, you’re alongside most of the player base. Make it out of MGE, and congratulations – you’re officially above average.

PURPLE & PINK – LEGENDARY EAGLE TO LEGENDARY EAGLE MASTER (LEM)

While playing at these CS2 ranks, things start to get sweaty. These are the ranks typically associated with the average competitive player – the gamers who care about their stats and performance and might really flame you if you’re not playing up to standard. If you’re sitting here among all CS2 ranks, you’re not quite a pro yet, but you can definitely hit a lifeshot every once in a while.

If you’re in these ranks, there’s every chance you’ve sunk some serious hours into Counter-Strike 2. Your crosshair placement is good, map knowledge is getting there, and you’ve almost reached the pinnacle of the CS2 ranking system. Now, consistency is probably your biggest issue.

RED & GOLD – SUPREME MASTER FIRST CLASS TO GLOBAL ELITE

Congratulations, you’re at the top of the CS2 ranks!

There isn’t ton to say about these ranks, as they’re so close in their nature. There are plenty of circumstances where a Supreme Master First Class player will trash a Global Elite player on the server – there’s very little in it. Ranks in CS2 hit a peak, and if you’re Global Elite on a few different maps, it might be time moving over to CS2 Premier ranks, or even FACEIT. You could surely achieve a high CS2 rank in either of these options.

Even from here, it’s important to keep improving. If you want to be a CS2 pro, even reaching Global Elite isn’t going to cut it.

HOW TO SEE RANK IS CS2

Just as with CS:GO ranks, you’ll need to play at least 10 matches to see you rank. The only difference is you’ll need to make sure you play the matches in premier mode, not Competitive as before. As soon as you load into the game, it’s a simple case of checking your profile. You’ll be able to see your badge and rank there. If you’re wondering about CS2 rank distribution, you can also see where you stand on the premier leaderboards.