CS:GO Ranks Guide: How to Rank up in CS:GO

For many players of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), the competitive scene will be the end goal for them. With a desire to be the best that the game has to offer and grinding hours of their time in matches, players are driven by a competitive fire.

The journey to the top isn't easy. CS:GO is one of the least forgiving multiplayer games in history, with competitive putting your skills to the test at the highest of levels in order to gain the ranks you need but this ranking system can be a little confusing for newer. Here's all you need to know to help you climb the ladder.

How The Ranking System Works in CS:GO

A screenshot of the competitive map Vertigo in CS:GO
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CS:GO is divided into a set of 18 ranks with Silver 1 as the lowest possible rank with the highest being The Global Elite.

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The full list of ranks is as follows:

  • Silver I
  • Silver II
  • Silver III
  • Silver IV
  • Silver Elite
  • Silver Elite Master
  • Gold Nova I
  • Gold Nova II
  • Gold Nova III
  • Gold Nova Master
  • Master Guardian I
  • Master Guardian II
  • Master Guardian Elite
  • Distinguished Master Guardian
  • Legendary Eagle
  • Legendary Eagle Master
  • Supreme Master First Class
  • The Global Elite

To get ranked in CS:GO, players must first reach level two by playing the standard modes of deathmatch, demolition, arms race and casual. Once you have reached level two, you will need to play ten placement matches to get ranked.

A screenshot of the map Dust II in CS:GO
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These placement matches will feature a wide array of skill levels and can be quite intimidating but are needed to figure out where you stand in the rankings.

You can only get two wins per day in these placement matches, a countermeasure against smurf accounts and hackers and the highest rank you can achieve is Legendary Eagle Master, even if you win all ten of your match-ups. Your rank can be found to the right of your username on the scoreboard.

When it comes to your rank increasing/decreasing, the biggest factor is your win and loss ratio. While kills and earning the MVP status play a minor part in your standing, the team's overall performance is what truly matters.