Whether Prime and non-Prime players can queue together is a common topic of discussion in the CS2 community. The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, and there are a few key details to keep in mind. Keep reading to find out how Prime and non-Prime matchmaking actually works.
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Prime & Non-Prime Players Playing CS2 Together
CS2 Prime is a status upgrade that players can purchase for $14.99, either from the in-game store or the CS2 Steam store page. Prime status gives players access to exclusive features such as the Premier game mode, a competitive rank, and Prime-only matchmaking lobbies.
Prime and non-Prime players can play together, but only if they join a pre-made lobby before starting matchmaking. When Prime and non-Prime users matchmake together, the lobby is automatically considered non-Prime, meaning the match will be against other non-Prime players. Keep in mind that non-Prime players cannot join Prime-only lobbies under any circumstances.
Queuing up with non-Prime players in a regular competitive match is possible, but non-Prime players won’t earn XP or ranks, even if they complete the match. Additionally, because your lobby will be considered non-Prime, you’ll be matched with other non-Prime players, which can sometimes increase the chances of running into cheaters.
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Conclusion
Prime players can play with non-Prime players in CS2, but they must join the same pre-made lobby before matchmaking. If there are no non-Prime players in your lobby, the match will be considered Prime-only, ensuring you only face other Prime players. However, if there’s even one non-Prime player in the lobby, the match will be treated as a non-Prime lobby, and you’ll be matched with other non-Prime players.
