Have you already paid your dues in Casual and you feel like now you’re capable of playing CS Competitive like a pro? Then this guide is for you, because we’re going to teach you how to play Competitive in CS2.
Just follow our quick and easy tutorial and you’ll be able to start playing Comp matches in CS2 right off the bat.
1. Unlock the Competitive Game Mode
Before you can play Competitive on MM or Practice mode with bots, you need to unlock this game mode. Hence, you need to play your favorite alternative game mode such as Casual, Deathmatch, Arms Race, amongst others, so you can accumulate enough experience (XP) to unlock the Comp mode.
All you need to do is to reach Level 2, which requires you to accumulate 1,000 XP points. Hence, you’ll have to play for approximately 2-3 matches, and if we are talking about Deathmatch, it will take you roughly 30 to 45 minutes, even if you’re brand new to the game.
2. Consider Buying Prime for a Better Comp Gameplay Experience
This is not mandatory, but we recommend you to get the Prime subscription if you want to play Competitive in CS2. Because you’ll be able to only play with other Prime users, which will reduce your chances of encountering hackers and toxic players, hence it will take your gameplay experience to the next level. Especially since you’ll also get access to rank, so you can keep progressing as you play.
It’s just a one-time payment of $14.99, and you’ll also get access to the Weekly Care Package, bringing you the chance to win free cases and skins every single week.
3. Select Matchmaking or Practice
If you have reached Level 2, now you can select the Competitive game mode, and you can do it either on Matchmaking (MM) or Practice, if you prefer to play offline with bots to hone your skills. After clicking on “Play”, you’ll be able to select between MM and Practice, so just choose the one you want to play and that’s it.
4. Select the Competitive Game Mode
After selecting if you want to play on MM or Practice, just select “Competitive” as your preferred game mode, because now that you’re Level 2, it will become unblocked, so you can easily play without problems.
After selecting the Competitive mode in CS2, now you also need to select a map. Just choose it, click on “Play” and it will immediately add you to a match, or start an offline match for practicing with bots or friends.
5. Start Playing Competitively in CS2
Now the game begins. It will be divided in two halves, and you’ll have to play one half as a Terrorist, and one half as a CT, and each half is 12 rounds. The first team to win 13 rounds will win the Competitive match instantly. And if there’s a tie – 12-12 – the game will run Overtime, which is an additional 6 rounds.
Unlike Casual, the Competitive game mode activates friendly-fire, hence it’s important to be extremely precise and talk and coordinate with your teammates at all times.
Furthermore, you’ll also have to learn how to use callouts effectively, as they’re the ideal way to communicate with your teammates when playing a Competitive match in CS2.
And this is another reason why we recommend you to purchase the Prime subscription. Because this way you’ll be able to talk on the microphone without issues, because the chances of encountering players who scream on the mic, or even worse, play music through it, will decrease drastically.
All in all, once you start playing Competitive, you’ll notice a massive difference versus playing CS2 Casual. It’s a lot harder and more professional, requiring more focus and determination from your end.
Final Words
Now you know how you can play Competitive matches in CS2, be it via the Matchmaking system or offline with bots and your friends. And you also have exclusive insights about what it takes to play competitively in CS2 and what you can expect from it.
If you have more questions, leave them in the comments section and we will get back to you as soon as possible!