In Counter-Strike 2, the developers have completely overhauled the matchmaking system. The updated version of the shooter introduced a revamped Premier mode as well as retained the familiar Competitive mode for many players. In this article, Bo3.gg will explain the differences between these two modes and help you choose Premier or Competitive CS2.
What is Premier in CS2
The Premier mode is the primary competitive mode in CS2. When finding a match, players first enter a veto phase, where they take turns banning maps from the active map pool. At the map pick and ban phase, one map remains, and the match is played on that map. The team that banned maps second gets the right to choose which side to play on. Winning a match earns you ELO points, which directly impact your position in the leaderboards. Conversely, losing deducts points.
To obtain your first CS Rating, you need to go through calibration. This is a unique procedure that determines your level of gaming proficiency. To successfully complete the calibration, you need to achieve ten victories in Premier mode matches. After this process, the player is assigned an ELO rating.
CS2 Competitive mode explained
The Competitive mode in CS2 is the classic matchmaking system from CS:GO. Here, you'll find familiar ranks, but now they are assigned separately for each map. To obtain a rank, you need to achieve ten victories on a specific map. In the Competitive mode, you can, as before, choose maps from the available list. Then, initiate the search, and the game will find you like-minded teammates.
CS2 Premier vs Competitive
The main difference between Premier and Competitive CS2 mode is that in Premier, you cannot choose the maps on which you will play. Instead, there is a stage of picking and banning. Teams take turns banning maps, and from the remaining ones, they choose where to play. This factor adds an element of unpredictability to matchmaking, bringing it closer to professional matches.
Also, instead of the familiar ranks, after ten victories in Premier, you receive a CS Rating, a specific amount of ELO points. The more points you have, the higher you will be in the global, regional, or friends' leaderboard.
The other rules of the game remain unchanged. You still play 5v5, can damage teammates, and so on.
Is Prime necessary for playing in Premier mode?
Players with the base version of CS2 have access to all game modes except Premier. To participate in Premier mode, you need to have Prime status. In addition to access to Premier mode, having Prime status allows you to receive skins and cases for CS2 weekly and for free.
Is Prime necessary for playing in Competitive mode?
Prime status is not necessary for playing in the classic Competitive mode. You can play and earn your rank even with the base version of CS2. However, without Prime status, you won't be eligible for the weekly bonus of skins and cases.
If you do have Prime status, playing in the classic Competitive mode will match you with players who also have Prime status. Another advantage is that Prime status isn’t free, which will the likelihood of encountering cheaters in your matches.
How to get Prime?
To obtain Prime status in CS2, you need to open Steam and go to the game page. Then, you'll need to purchase the Prime status. The price will depend on your region.
Which maps are available in Premier mode?
The list of maps for Premier mode is the same as in professional matches. This approach by the developers brings ordinary gamers closer to the pro scene.
- Ancient
- Anubis
- Mirage
- Inferno
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Vertigo
Which maps are available in Competitive mode?
Unlike Premier, Competitive mode offers more maps for gameplay. Instead of seven, there are nine maps available, and these may change at the discretion of the developers.
- Mirage
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Anubis
- Vertigo
- Dust 2
- Ancient
- Office
- Inferno
CS Rating vs Ranks
Even though CS Rating is just a number, it can be easily equated to the familiar ranks. If you haven't fully grasped how it works, the table below should help you.
These are the main differences between Competitive mode and Premier in CS2. You have the autonomy to choose which matchmaking mode to play or even combine them. However, it's worth noting that Premier mode is the one that closely resembles matches on the professional scene.
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