The new part of the game has brought many changes. One of them is the addition of the Premier mode in CS2, which may seem similar to Faceit for many experienced players. In this guide, you will learn what this mode is, how it works, and what issues may arise with it.

What Is the Premier Mode?

This novelty represents ranked games where players will earn points instead of ranks. The system is somewhat similar to another Valve game, namely DotA 2, but in DotA 2, there were both ranks and rating numbers. When you enter the mode tab, you'll find leaderboards by regions (where you can see professional players), whether you have Prime status to play without cheaters, your rating, and a victory chart for each map.

To earn your first rating points, you need to complete a calibration process of 10 games. After that, each game will either deduct a certain number of points in case of defeat or add them in case of victory. When you cross a certain threshold, the color of your rating icon changes. A match lasts for 24 rounds. The first team to win 13 rounds becomes the winner. Players can take four 30-second timeouts. If the score is tied at 12-12, there will be one overtime, which will determine the ultimate winner.

Before the game starts, there is a pick-and-ban phase where each side removes 2 (3) maps and chooses which side to start on, terrorists (attack) or counter-terrorists (defense). A similar feature was already present in CS:GO, so if you've played the previous version or on Faceit, the system will be familiar to you.

Differences Between the Mode and Regular Competitive Play

• As you may have already understood, in the Premier mode, players earn rating points instead of ranks. In CS2, the ranking system has been slightly reworked, and you'll have a separate rank for each map. However, rating points in Premier are the same for all maps you play.
• Premier mode requires having purchased Prime status.
• In this mode, there's a map selection phase before the game starts.
• In Premier mode, you can only play maps that are currently available for the professional scene. Maps like Office or Italy won't be included.

Other than that, you won't see any significant differences. There is no new weaponry or maps here.

How to Start Playing in Premier Mode

It's quite simple. You just need to purchase Prime status from the store, level up your CS account to level 10, and you'll be able to enjoy matches with equally honest players (cheaters are still present; you'll have to live with that).

Rating System in Premier Mode

Rating points are awarded ranging from 1000 to 35000. The calibration process directly affects your initial rating. The better you play and the more you win, the higher your rating will be. You can roughly estimate the points you'll get after calibration by looking at the rating of already calibrated players you encounter in your matches.

Each transition to a certain level of points is marked by a change in the color of your rating icon. You can draw a parallel with the rarity of weapons. The highest rank is Gold, just like the rarest skin.

The point levels are roughly as follows: up to 2000 is comparable to Silver ranks (Silver/Silver Elite Master), up to 6000 is like Gold Nova ranks (Gold Nova/Gold Nova Master), up to 9000 is Master Guardian ranks (Master Guardian/Master Guardian Elite), up to 13000 is Distinguished Master Guardian/Leagendary Eagle Master, up to 15000 is Supreme Master First Class, and above that is The Global Elite.

Possible Issues with Premier Mode

Unfortunately, the game has its issues, and Premier mode may not work for some players for various reasons.

• First, make sure you have purchased Prime status.
• Check the game's launch options through the "General" menu in Steam.
• Check through a special website whether Valve servers are currently operational.
• Ensure your account is leveled up to level 10.