CS:GO has been around since 2012 and while the newer CS2 is trying to replace it, there are players still immersed in the nostalgic tactical first-person shooter. The competitive scene of CS:GO is rather rich, and the rank distribution system is a thing to comprehend.
In this guide, we will lead you through CS:GO ranks, help you understand the system, and how to climb the ladder to the highest ranks.
CS:GO Ranks Explained
CS:GO has 18 distinct ranks, each corresponding to a specific skill level. Your journey as a competitive CS: GO player starts in Silver I, the lowest rank, and culminates in the prestigious Global Elite, which is reserved for the game’s few, most exceptional players.
Here is a breakdown of the ranks:
Silver (Ranks 1-6): This tier represents new or developing players.
Gold Nova (Ranks 7-10): Players in this tier have a grasp of the basics but are still honing their skills.
Master Guardian (Ranks 11-14): This is where players possess a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies.
Eagle (Ranks 15-16): This tier signifies players with advanced skills and developed tactical knowledge.
Supreme Master First Class (SMFC) (Rank 17): This rank represents those whose ability is at an avid level and can be called masters of the game.
Global Elite (Rank 18): This is the pinnacle of CS: GO skill and this rank is reserved for the absolute best.
CS:GO Distribution Rank Guide
The CS:GO player base is uneven across the ranks. According to an analysis of millions of players, the majority fall within the middle ranks.
- Silver: 31.93%
- Gold Nova: 34.68%
- Master Guardian: 19.19%
- Eagle & Above: 14.20%
This data shows a bell curve and indicates that many players are still developing their skills. If you manage to break out of the Silver and Gold Nova ranks, you’ll be entering the top echelons of CS: GO players.
How to Improve CS:GO Rank?
Before you even get into the competitive scene of CS:GO, you need to hone your skills in casual modes such as Deathmatch or Demolition and reach level two. Once you do so, then you will need to win ten ranked matches. This is your ticket to receiving an official CS:GO rank.
With that said, reaching the Global Elite glory is hours and hours away. As you play games, you will need to pay more attention to victories and not Kill/Death ratio. This means that teamwork is the dream work.
You will need to work with your teammates to climb the ladder, so finding a squad of skilled players is a must. Winning against a higher-ranked opponent grants a bigger boost to your rank than defeating a team you were expected to beat. This is because of the hidden Match Making Rank factor. Consistency is another factor. Regular play is more valued than cramming up a bunch of games into one long session.
This is all you need to know about CS:GO rank distribution and how to get up the ranks and maybe someday reach the pinnacle class.