Want to know how to play Premier mode in CS2? With tons of significant changes, Premier mode is one of the most game-changing (or breaking) modes in the history of Counter-Strike. This mode discards the main map queues formula that has been quite prevalent for its grinding nature. Instead, for this new mode, players cannot choose the maps they want to play, the new ranking system, and the CS rating for matchmaking. But as for the players just getting started with the sequel, here’s all you need to know about the Counter-Strike 2 Premier mode along with its key differences from competitive mode.
What is Premier Mode in CS2 (Explained)
The Premier Mode serves as the main competitive mode in Counter-Strike 2 replacing the regular Ranked matches. This mode will not be map-specific and feature an Active Duty Ban meaning players will ban several maps. It will feature a public ranking on the leaderboard separate from competitive matches.
Here’s how this mode works in Counter-Strike 2:
- One team bans 2 Maps.
- Wait for the other team to ban 3 Maps.
- One team bans 1 Map, again.
- Lastly, wait for your opponent team to pick a starting side.
The Premier mode features a new Rating system, CS Rating with an MR12 format. Being abbreviated from Max Rounds 12, this format means you can’t play more than 12 matches in Counter Strike 2. That means the match length is transitioning to 24 rounds per match rather than 30 rounds to determine a winning team. With the activity-ban, Premier will allow players to get proficient in the maps their opponents are proficient with.
How to Play Premier Mode in Counter Strike 2 (Premier Ranks)
After completing and playing 10 Premier matches in CS2, you will be given a Premier mode rank. This would be public and shared on the Global leaderboard according to your Skill Groups per map. With the global as well as regional leaderboard, the CS Rating would display your skill group. Due to these leaderboards, you will know how you are stacking up and climbing the leaderboard.
But there are a few prerequisites before you play Premier mode in Counter-Strike 2. They are as follows:
- Prime Status
- Active competitive skill group
- Play all the modes
CS2 Premier vs Competitive Mode
Here are all the key differences between Premier and competitive modes in Counter-Strike 2:
| Premier Mode | Competitive |
| Multiple map queue choices | Single map queue choice |
| MR12 (Max 12 Rounds) | MR15 (Max 15 Rounds) |
| Ranking based on ELO (Skill groups) | Rankings based on Wins & Losses |
| Unpredictable Maps | Predictable Maps |
| Tests out Skills on different maps | Tests out skills according to map-wise difficulty |
That’s all about the CS2 Premier mode and how to play it in Counter-Strike 2. If you enjoyed reading this, check out our more guides to find out how to change to the left-hand view, the best launch options and config commands, and explore more Counter Strike 2 Guides right here on Gamer Tweak.