The classic competitive mode in Counter-Strike 2 is a key aspect of the game, offering players the opportunity to measure their skills in a structured and competitive environment. In this mode, players are divided into two teams of five, competing against each other in a series of rounds, where the goal is to win more rounds than the opposing team. The game takes place on various maps, each associated with unique strategies and tactics.
Competitive Mode Features
Matches in Classic Competitive mode consist of 24 rounds, with 12 rounds for each side (terrorists and counterterrorists). The duration of one round is 1 minute and 55 seconds, and the bomb timer is set for 40 seconds.Side Switch: Teams switch sides after the first half of the game. In Counter-Strike 2 after 12 rounds have been played.
Victory and Draw: To win a match, a team must win 13 rounds in Counter-Strike 2. If both teams score the same number of rounds (final match score 12:12), the match ends in a draw.
Ranks and Skills: In Counter-Strike 2, ranks are assigned separately for each map. This allows for a more accurate assessment of players' skills depending on the specific map. This means that a player can have different ranks on different maps, for example, being Silver III on Mirage and at the same time Master Guardian I on Nuke. To obtain a rank for a specific map, a player must win at least 10 matches on that map. Timeouts: Each team is entitled to one tactical timeout lasting one minute in each match.
Private Competitive Mode
Introduced in Operation Riptide, the private competitive mode allows for creating closed lobbies for conducting custom games in the premier competition format. This mode is intended for groups of 10 people and does not affect the experience or rank of players.
Map Selection
Unlike casual modes, in competitive mode, players can choose maps for the game, including maps from the active duty, reserve, and, if available, operations. This allows players to tailor the game to their preferences and strategies.
Among the available maps:
- Mirage
- Overpass
- Vertigo
- Ancient
- Inferno
- Nuke
- Anubis
- Dust 2
- Office
Prime Status in CS2
Introduced in the update on April 21, 2016, Prime Status was initially obtainable by linking a phone number to the Steam account, and from June 15, 2016, it also required reaching the 21st level of the Lieutenant profile rank. With CS:GO's transition to the Free to Play model on December 6, 2018, the conditions for obtaining Prime Status were updated: it could now be obtained by reaching the required profile rank without linking a phone number or be purchased for $14.99 USD/12.75€ EUR/£10.89 GBP.
With the changes from June 3, 2021, Prime Status became available exclusively through purchase. Exclusive features, such as experience, ranks, item drops, and the ranking system, became available only to Prime holders. Players without this status retained access to the basic gameplay but were limited in access to competitive matches.
Trust Factor
Trust Factor, introduced in the update on November 13, 2017, is aimed at optimizing the player matchmaking system. It takes into account multiple parameters, including the time spent in CS2 and other games, the age of the Steam account, the frequency of accusations of unfair play, and Prime status. Valve keeps the exact mechanisms for calculating Trust Factor confidential.
Ban System (Do not confuse with VAC)
Receiving a temporary restriction from participating in competitive matches can be triggered by various reasons, including leaving matches, cheating, or poor behavior. During a ban, players are prohibited from participating in competitive games. The system notifies of the existence of the block, indicating its reason and duration.
Reasons for Temporary Restrictions
Most violations leading to a ban are considered when committed in competitive game modes.
- Leaving the game
- Disrupting team order
- Using prohibited software
- Selfharm
- Frequent ejections from the game or attempts to eject other players
- Restriction for new players until they achieve 10 wins in competitive matches
Duration of Restrictions
The duration of bans decreases by one level per week without new violations. The maximum number of restriction levels is unlimited.
- Level 1: 30 minutes
- Level 2: 2 hours
- Level 3: 24 hours
- Level 4: 7 days
- Level 5 and above: 7 days each, 5 days for multiple complaints of griefing, 38 days for players disrupting the game
A permanent restriction can be imposed for serious violations, including the use of cheats or repeated instances of griefing. Sometimes, 10minute bans may occur due to technical malfunctions when a game update prevents connection to servers during a match.
