Premier is the new flagship ranked mode in CS2, replacing the old Competitive system for players who want a more structured and leaderboard-focused experience. If you’re not sure how it works or how to unlock it, this article breaks down the key details so you can get started.
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What You Need To Know About CS2 Premier Mode
Here’s a quick summary of the most important things:
- Premier uses a map ban phase instead of pre-selecting maps
- Matches are played in a 13-round format with side switch at 12
- Players receive a numerical Premier Rating and appear on a regional leaderboard
- Premier is only available for Prime Status accounts
Below are full explanations of each feature.
Expert Take
“If you’re looking for a true competitive environment in CS2, there are really only two options—Premier Mode and Faceit. The old Competitive mode is becoming less popular as it’s more for practice now. Premier offers the structured competition most players are looking for, and Faceit remains a solid choice for those who want to test their skills at the highest level.” – Pawel ‘Biegan’ Bieganowski
Map Ban System
Premier doesn’t let you pick specific maps before searching. Instead, there’s a map ban phase before the match starts. One team bans two maps, the other team bans three, then the first team bans one more—leaving one map to play. This system encourages players to know the full map pool.
In the old Competitive mode, players could queue only for maps they liked. That led to repetitive matches and limited map knowledge. With Premier’s map veto system, players are forced to adapt, which creates more balanced and varied games.
13-Round Format with Side Switch
The rules are the same as Competitive: two teams of five, 13 rounds to win, and side switch after 12. You win by eliminating the other team or completing the objective. The format stays familiar.
This keeps the game consistent for long-time players, but the shorter match length compared to older CS formats helps keep games faster and more intense.
Premier Rating and Leaderboards
Premier replaces traditional ranks with a numerical rating. Your rating determines your place on a regional leaderboard. You can track your score and progress directly from the Premier tab in-game.
In the old Competitive system, progress felt hidden behind vague rank changes. Premier’s visible numbers and leaderboard placement give clearer feedback and a stronger sense of competition.
Prime Status Required
Premier is locked unless you buy Prime Status. There’s no free unlock by leveling or time played. This keeps the mode limited to verified players and cuts down on smurfs.
This also raises the overall quality of matches, since most casual or new accounts don’t have access. It’s a filter that helps keep Premier more serious and competitive.
[RELEVANT: How To Play Premier CS2]
Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Map Selection | Uses a ban phase (2-3-1 system), not pre-selected maps |
| Match Format | Best of 13 rounds, with side switch after round 12 |
| Rating System | Numerical Premier Rating displayed on a regional leaderboard |
| Progress Visibility | Rating updates after every match; progress is fully transparent |
| Account Requirement | Requires Prime Status to access |
| Player Quality | Reduced smurfs and improved matchmaking pool |
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Conclusion
Premier mode brings serious matchmaking to CS2 with map veto, numeric ratings, and leaderboard competition. If you’re just getting started, make sure you’re ready for all maps and understand how the format works.
