Counter-Strike 2 offers players a wide variety of modes, including the most popular competitive ones. However, unlike in CS:GO, the way to unlock these modes is not entirely obvious, especially for new players.

Ranked is certainly the best mode for those looking to show off their skills. Unfortunately, before you start reaching heights there, you will have to fulfill several conditions to unlock it. For those unsure about what doing so entails, here's how to unlock Ranked in Counter-Strike 2.

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How to Unlock Competitive in CS2

Counter-Strike 2 player

It is worth noting that CS2 features two ranked modes. Each of them offers a slightly different competitive experience and also has different ways of being unlocked. In the case of Competitive in CS2, you need to reach account level 2. To do this, we recommend that you play Arms Race, Casual, or Deathmatch modes. Each of them will reward you with a sufficient amount of XP.

A feature of the Competitive mode in CS2 is a separate ranking for each of the maps. In simple words, if you have a high rank on the Nuke map, and you have hardly played on Office, then your rank will be significantly lower on the latter. Also, to get your rank, you need to play at least 10 matches on one map. This ranking method encourages players to develop their skills and strategies on different maps.

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How to Unlock Premier in CS2

Counter-Strike 2 Ranked

In addition to Competitive, CS2 also has a Premier mode. Unlike the previous one, it uses CS Rating instead of the usual ranks. Rating ranges from 0 to over 30,000 CS, where 30,000 means you are the best of the best. In addition, the rating is reset each season, so you will have to prove your skills regularly.

This mode also differs in the way it is unlocked. Players will not be able to unlock it by playing matches or earning XP. Instead, you must purchase Prime status. This can only be done by paying real money, namely $14.99. After that, you must play 10 placement matches, during which your current CS Rating is determined.

Another major difference with the Premier mode in CS2 is the matchmaking. Instead of choosing a map to play on, players must pick and ban maps, which makes the gameplay more challenging and, accordingly, makes it more difficult to rise in rank.

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Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
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Released
September 27, 2023
ESRB
m
Developer(s)
Valve
Publisher(s)
Valve
Engine
Source 2 Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Counter-Strike
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
FPS