How CSGO ranking works

(This article has been updated as of 17th October 2023)

Counter-Strike’s ranking system is a great way to compare your skill levels with other players in competitive matchmaking. These CSGO ranks not only help you determine what your current skill level is, it also helps the system match you with other players of similar skill level.

Ranks for Counter-Strike range from the noobs i.e. Silvers to Global "elite" players. If you're not on the same level as other people, investing time in improving will almost always lead to a more worthwhile experience.

How CSGO ranking works?

If you’re new to CS:GO, it will take a while for you to become a pro.

You earn points for leveling up by completing certain tasks. You're awarded with cosmetic skin drops and service medals for the hours you invest in the game. Once you’ve spent enough time playing the game, your medals change color every fourty times you rank up throughout the year - similar to prestiging in Call of Duty.

In order to unlock the competitive matchmaking functions, you need to reach level two by playing one of the game modes, such as Casual, Danger Zone, Arms Race, Demolition, and Deathmatch. Reaching level two allow you to access matchmaking.

You need to win 10 competitive matches in order to see your rank. You'll find yourself placed in mixed matches. Generally, you'll be in the lower ranks for the first half of the placement process.

If you have a new account, you will only be able to get 2 competitive wins each day until you get to your 10th win. If you get two wins per day, you will see your rank on the fifth day of matchmaking. Once you have won ten competitive matches, you can see your skill group.

Once you’ve reached the required rank, your rank will be visible below your username at the start-up screen and next to your username on match scoreboards. Your teammates’ ranks are only visible to you if you’re in a party with them.

How do I rank up in CS:GO?

Improving your rank is quite simple. The more games you win, the higher your rank will be. The more games you lose, the lower your rank will be.

According to Valve, CSGO follows a ranking system similar to Glicko-2. The algorithm assesses every player’s skill set according to their round influence and if their team wins the match or not. Factors like damage given, assists, MVP's kills, deaths, and bomb plants all have an affect on the hidden numerical value that calculates your place within a rank.

How do I rank up fast in CSGO?

The most efficient way to rank up quickly is to play with gamers who have the same goal as you. People who queue with players who take the game seriously generally win more rounds and even the match compared to five players that are solo-queued. You can find other serious players by connecting with other passionate gamers in online community servers or on third-party apps and sites.

Try to avoid solo queue if you are trying to improve your rank. When playing in solo-queue, risk of encountering griefers is much higher.

All CS:GO ranks in order

Silver rank

• Silver I
• Silver II
• Silver III
• Silver IV
• Silver Elite
• Silver Elite Master

Gold rank

• Gold Nova I
• Gold Nova II
• Gold Nova III
• Gold Nova IV

Master Guardian rank

• Master Guardian I
• Master Guardian II
• Master Guardian Elite
• Distinguished Master Guardian

The best four ranks

• Legendary Eagle
• Legendary Eagle Master
• Supreme Master First Class
• Global Elite

Now you have an idea of how CSGO rankings work and how to improve your rank.

Good luck!

Feature Image Credits: Valve

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