How to unlock premier mode in CS2

Counter-Strike 2 premier is the all-new competitive game mode featured in the game. Let me walk you through the steps on how to unlock it below.

I remember wanting to play something other than the Counter Strike Global Offensive's competitive mode, but I didn't have too many official options (just FaceIT and similar platforms). Since then, Counter-Strike has come a long way, with CS2's premier mode, a competitive game mode with global leaderboard rankings where you can manage to show off your skill.

How to play Counter-Strike 2 premier mode

To unlock CS2's premier mode, you will first need to buy Counter-Strike Prime, a one-time purchase of $14.99. You need to then reach level 10 by earning experience points by playing various game modes in Counter-Strike 2, before unlocking the premier mode.

CS2 premier mode ranks, explained

You will be playing a game where you and the enemy team ban a map from the premier pool, which is subject to change as the game receives more updates. The premier mode offers MR12, meaning there are only 12 rounds per half, with a maximum of 24 rounds per match. In case of a tie, it could stretch to 30 rounds total. Upon finishing your 10 placement games, you get a rank fitting your current rating:

Related: How to show FPS in CS2

Is CS2 prime worth it?

I remember when Counter-Strike Global Offensive went free, just like CS2 is now, and it introduced a plethora of cheaters who ruined competitive fun for everyone. So I think putting a legitimate competitive game mode behind a paywall does some good for the player base who just wants to have a nice competitive experience like the good old days. 

Besides, getting Counter-Strike 2 Prime also gets you weekly bonuses, which is a great addition to the game, so you keep on getting bonuses for a one-off instead of paying money every month in a gaming world full of subscriptions.

For more on Counter-Strike 2, be sure to check out When Do CS2 Weekly Care Packages Drop? here on Pro Game Guides.