Gamers worldwide are facing less and less time to play on the computer. Many have shifted to mobile games or alternative platforms, but not everyone wants to do this. Counter-Strike 2 fans shouldn't be disappointed, as the developers have provided good alternatives. Does cs2 have short matches and how to play them?

What are Short Matches in CS?

The short match format first appeared in CS:GO and was immediately loved by all fans of Valve’s shooter. To win, players needed only nine rounds, significantly reducing game time. Furthermore, these matches were quicker to find, as they were preferred by a large number of players. With the transition to CS2, the developers chose a middle ground between the short and long matches of CS:GO. As a result, CS2 now has only one match format with an MR12 system (a maximum of 12 rounds per side), and a team needs to win 13 rounds to achieve victory.

Can You Play Short Matches in CS2?

No, no, and once again, no. The option for short matches, much loved in CS:GO, is no longer available in CS2. But don't be discouraged! Valve has left many options to enjoy gameplay in a shorter time frame. Moreover, thanks to the new MR12 match system, games are now shorter compared to long matches in CS:GO.

How long do CS2 matches last? Research has shown that the MR12 system has shortened game durations — CS2 matches now take an average of 34 minutes, whereas long games in CS:GO averaged 40 minutes. Short matches in CS:GO took about 21 minutes. Thus, the developers chose a middle ground between long and short matches.

Why the Change?

Valve's main goal in implementing the MR12 system was to remove the divide between fans of short and long matches. They also aimed to unify the community further by reducing match waiting times for everyone. Despite the positive aspects, shooter fans reacted ambiguously to the changes. Most gamers were shocked that Valve removed CS2 short match. Numerous users expressed their dissatisfaction on the Reddit forum, but their voices were ignored by the developers.

Short Matches in CS2

Although the old short match mode is no longer available, players still have options for quick games. So, how to play short matches in CS2?

First Option: Wingman Mode

Wingman mode can be a great alternative to traditional short matches. In this mode, games are 2v2 on small sections of popular maps, making it ideal for quick competitive matches. To join Wingman mode, follow these steps:

1. Launch CS2 from the desktop or Steam library.
2. In the main menu, select "Play."
3. Go to "Matchmaking" and choose "Wingman" mode.
4. Start the match search by clicking "GO" in the lower right corner of the screen.

Best Maps for Wingman Mode

In CS2's Wingman mode, six maps are available, but only three are particularly popular. These maps are well-balanced and have the shortest match search time (about one minute):

• Inferno
• Nuke
• Vertigo

Second Option: Deathmatch Mode

Deathmatch is significantly different from traditional short matches but is perfect for a quick CS2 experience. This mode is based on instant respawns after death and continuous action. To join Deathmatch, follow these simple steps:

1. Launch CS2 from the desktop or Steam library.
2. In the main menu, select "Play."
3. Go to "Matchmaking" and choose "Deathmatch" mode.
4. Choose a map group that interests you the most.
5. Start the match search by clicking "GO" in the lower right corner of the screen.

Third Option: Custom Lobbies

You can also recreate classic short matches in a custom lobby when playing with friends. Follow these steps:

1. Launch CS2 from the desktop or Steam library.
2. In the main menu, select "Play."
3. Go to "Matchmaking" and choose "Private Matchmaking" mode.
4. Invite your friends.
5. Adjust match settings to simulate the short match format (by reducing the number of rounds).
6. Start the match.

READ MORE: How to Play Arms Race in CS2?

Though the traditional short match format is no longer available in CS2, players with limited time can still enjoy other fast-paced modes, such as Wingman or Deathmatch. Additionally, custom lobbies allow players to set the desired number of rounds and more. So don’t rush to give up on CS2 due to the absence of classic short matches; there are always good alternatives to explore.