What is CS2 FACEIT and How to Play It?

Tatiana Ustimenco

04.01.2025 10:58

Competitive gaming in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) reached new heights with FACEIT CS2, a platform that enhances matchmaking and offers players a professional-grade experience. This guide explains what is FACEIT, its ranking system, and how to start playing today.

What is CS2 FACEIT?

FACEIT CS2 is a third-party platform designed for competitive Counter-Strike players who want more than the standard matchmaking system. Founded in 2012, FACEIT provides dedicated servers with advanced anti-cheat, 128-tick rates, and a community-driven ranking system. The platform is a go-to for serious gamers aiming to improve their skills and compete in tournaments.

The name "FACEIT" reflects the challenge of competing: to "face it" head-on. Over the years, it has become synonymous with fair play and top-tier gameplay.

CS2 FACEIT Ranks Guide

The FACEIT ranking system uses levels to evaluate skill and performance, providing a much more competitive environment than standard matchmaking. There are ten levels, ranging from beginner (Level 1) to elite (Level 10).

Each FACEIT level is determined by your Elo rating, which increases or decreases based on your match outcomes. This dynamic system rewards consistency and teamwork, emphasizing both individual skill and the ability to perform within a team.

Levels are based on performance in FACEIT matches. Winning games consistently, especially against higher-level opponents, is the fastest way to climb the ranks.
Advancing through levels depends on win streaks and individual performance. Scoring high in matches, such as achieving MVP status or excelling in specific roles, can accelerate your progress.
Higher levels unlock opportunities for team invites and participation in tournaments. Players in the top levels can qualify for exclusive events and even professional leagues.

Progression in FACEIT ranks requires dedication, skill, and adaptability, making it a true test for any competitive CS2 FACEIT player.

CS2 Ranks Compared to FACEIT

CS2's ranks, like Silver and Global Elite, serve as a more casual representation of a player's skill, whereas FACEIT ranks offer a more competitive and precise evaluation. These systems differ significantly in purpose, implementation, and accuracy:

CS2 ranks are casual and less precise, relying on internal matchmaking algorithms. CS2 ranks often pair players based on limited data points, leading to uneven matches and unpredictable rank progression.
FACEIT levels are based on Elo ratings, offering a clearer reflection of skill. Elo takes into account individual performance, match outcomes, and the strength of opponents, creating a more accurate skill hierarchy.
Players often find their CS2 rank does not directly correlate to their FACEIT level. A player ranked as Global Elite in CS2 might only reach Level 7 or 8 on FACEIT due to the platform's higher competition and stricter ranking criteria.

In essence, FACEIT Counter Strike ranks are the go-to choice for serious players who want a more competitive and transparent ranking system compared to the casual nature of CS2's matchmaking.

How to Play CS2 FACEIT?

Getting started with FACEIT CS2 is straightforward and opens up a world of competitive gaming. Follow these steps to dive into the action:

Create an account. Visit the official FACEIT Counter-Strike website and sign up for a free account. If you're looking to unlock additional features like tournaments and rewards, consider upgrading to a Premium account.

Link your Steam account. Make sure your CS2 profile is connected to your FACEIT account. This step ensures that your stats, matches, and performance are properly tracked.
Download FACEIT software. Install the FACEIT app to access matchmaking services, tournaments, and other tools. The app is user-friendly and regularly updated to enhance your experience.
Choose a game mode. Select from solo, duo, or team play options, depending on your preference. Whether you're climbing the ranks alone or coordinating with friends, there's a mode for everyone.
Join a match. Once you're ready, hop into a game on FACEIT servers. Matches are hosted on 128-tick servers, offering a smoother and more accurate gameplay experience compared to standard CS2 matchmaking.

Pro Tips for Success:

Meet the anti-cheat requirements. Make sure your system complies with FACEIT's anti-cheat software for uninterrupted matches.
Warm up before playing. Use practice maps or bots to fine-tune your skills before entering competitive matches.
Communicate effectively. Use a microphone or the in-game chat for better coordination with teammates.

Mastering these steps will set you on the path to success in the FACEIT Counter Strike competitive scene.

Is FACEIT Worth It?

Evaluating whether FACEIT CS2 is worth your time depends on your goals as a player. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Advantages:

128-tick servers for precise gameplay. FACEIT servers provide smoother gameplay, allowing for more accurate shots and better movement.
Advanced anti-cheat systems. FACEIT's dedicated anti-cheat software significantly reduces the prevalence of cheaters, creating a fair environment.
A structured ranking system. The platform's Elo-based system offers a transparent and competitive way to track and improve your skills.
Opportunities for prize tournaments. Premium users can participate in events with cash prizes, boosting the stakes and excitement.
Community and team-building. FACEIT enables you to meet like-minded players and form teams, making it a great platform for networking.

Disadvantages:

Requires additional software installation. You'll need to download and manage the FACEIT app alongside CS2, which can be a hassle for some players.
FACEIT Premium comes with a subscription fee. While the free version is robust, accessing premium features requires a monthly payment.

For players who are serious about improving their skills, playing competitively, or joining tournaments, FACEIT CS2 is undoubtedly worth it. The platform offers a level of precision, fairness, and competition that surpasses standard matchmaking, making it an essential tool for any aspiring professional gamer.

CS2 Premier vs FACEIT

Feature	CS2 Premier	FACEIT CS2
Server Tick Rate	64-tick	128-tick
Anti-Cheat System	Standard VAC	Enhanced Anti-Cheat
Skill Matching	Algorithm-based	Elo-based
Competitive Events	Limited	Frequent Tournaments

While CS2 Premier is user-friendly, FACEIT CS2 offers a more competitive edge.

How to Get Skins With FACEIT

Earning skins through FACEIT Counter Strike adds an exciting layer to the competitive experience. By actively participating on the platform, especially with FACEIT Premium, players can accumulate points that can later be exchanged for coveted skins. Here’s how it works and how to maximize your rewards:

FACEIT Premium Points System.
With a FACEIT Premium subscription, players earn points for their performance in matches. These points can be used in the FACEIT Shop to purchase skins, gear, or other rewards. The better you perform, the more points you accumulate, making it a direct reflection of your skills and consistency.
Join Events and Tournaments.
Tournaments and special events on FACEIT often offer increased point rewards or exclusive prizes, including rare skins. By participating, you not only boost your chances of earning high-tier rewards but also get to compete against skilled players, sharpening your gameplay.
Daily Missions and Challenges.
FACEIT frequently introduces daily or weekly missions. Completing these tasks, such as achieving a certain number of kills or winning consecutive matches, can earn you additional points.
Redeem Your Points for Skins.
Once you’ve collected enough points, browse the FACEIT Shop for a wide variety of skins, ranging from affordable designs to high-value, rare items. The shop updates regularly, so keep an eye out for new additions.
Trade or Sell Your Skins.
If you’ve earned skins through FACEIT and want to trade or sell them, visit our site for a hassle-free process. Here, you can exchange your skins for money or browse our collection to buy new ones to enhance your inventory.

Pro Tips:

Regularly participate in matches to keep your point accumulation steady.
Join premium-only tournaments for exclusive rewards.
Keep track of seasonal offers and events to maximize your earnings.

With dedication and strategic participation, earning skins through FACEIT CS2 becomes a rewarding experience both in and out of the game. Visit our platform to turn your hard-earned skins into cash or trade for something new!