How to unlock competitive in CS2

Counter-Strike 2 has taken things up a notch with an improved ranking system compared to its predecessor, CS:GO. If you’re eager to know how to unlock competitve in CS2, we’ve got you covered with this guide.

There are two core competitive or ranked modes in CS2: Competitive and Premier. It can be a bit confusing if you’re new or just getting back into the game, so let’s break down what each mode is all about and what you need to do to unlock them.

How to unlock Competitive in CS2

Competitive mode in CS2 works pretty similarly to how it did in CS:GO, with a few key differences. When you queue up for a match, you and your teammates choose which maps you want to play, and you’ll only be matched with others who selected the same ones.

But here’s the twist: in CS2, your rank is tied to each individual map. So unlike CS:GO, where you had one overall competitive rank, now you could be a Global Elite on Mirage but still grinding your way up from Silver on Anubis. It adds a new layer of difficulty if you’re trying to master each of the 12 maps.

To unlock Competitive mode, you’ll first need to hit account level two. The fastest way to do that is by playing other game modes like Casual, Deathmatch, or Arms Race. These modes give you XP, which helps you level up and eventually unlock the ranked experience.

Once you’ve unlocked Competitive, it’s time to start the grind. You’ll need to play 10 matches on each map to get your initial rank for that specific one. Valve set it up this way to encourage players to develop adaptability and versatility across all maps, while discouraging those who are spamming just one map to boost their rank. So if you want to flex your skills across the board, you’ll need to prove yourself on each map individually.

How to unlock Premier in CS2

Premier mode works different from regular Competitive in CS2. Instead of the usual skill group ranks (like Silver or Global Elite), Premier uses CS Rating—a number that basically works like your Elo or matchmaking rating (MMR), giving you a more precise idea of where you stand. Just keep in mind, your CS Rating resets every season, so there’s always a fresh grind waiting.

Another big difference is the map selection process. Premier uses a map veto system, where both teams take turns banning maps from the active duty pool (as of writing, the pool includes Anubis, Ancient, Nuke, Mirage, Inferno, Dust 2, and Train). The last map left standing after all the bans is the one you’ll play, and the team that didn’t get the final map ban gets to pick whether they start on the T-side or CT-side.

To play Premier, you’ll need Prime status, which costs $14.99 if you haven’t already bought it. Once you’re in, you’ll need to complete 10 placement matches to get your first CS Rating. After that, your rating updates after every game.

If you’re looking to practice lineups, executes, or retakes before you dive into either Competitive or Premier, you can check out how to remove bots on your custom server in CS2.