FACEIT in CS2: How to Play, Elo Rating, Anti-Cheat, Premium, and FPL

FACEIT in CS2

You’ve probably heard about FACEIT if you’ve been enjoying CS2’s Premier mode, but don’t think the matchmaking is good enough. For serious players seeking a path to pro play, a legitimate Elo rating, and cleaner matches, this is the platform of choice. However, how does FACEIT actually function?

FACEIT CS2 – What It Is and Why Players Choose It

So, what is FACEIT? Fundamentally, FACEIT is a stand-alone competitive gaming platform that was developed around Counter-Strike and now supports Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). FACEIT offers players their own ecosystem with personalized servers, comprehensive statistics, an Elo system, and even pro-league pathways, as an alternative to Valve’s integrated matchmaking.

Quality is the primary distinction between FACEIT and conventional CS2 matchmaking. Because FACEIT servers are 128-tick rather than 64-tick like Valve’s, your bullets will register more reliably. The experience feels much more like professional esports matches when you include more stringent regulations, committed administrators, and an anti-cheat client.

Players pick FACEIT because it’s about establishing yourself in a system that’s meant to maintain competitive integrity, not just about racking up ranks. FACEIT provides a better method to play if you’re sick of having random teammates, bad communication, or cheats in Valve’s system.

FACEIT Elo – How the Ranking System Really Works

The FACEIT Elo system is the foundation of CS2’s competitive play. FACEIT discloses its numbers to the public, in contrast to CS2’s secret Premier MMR. Your level is determined by your total score, which is altered by each match you win or lose.

• Levels 1–10: Every player strives to reach these goals. While Level 10 is the highest accolade and is typically saved for semi-pros or aspiring esports stars, Level 1 is for novices.
• Elo requirements: Roughly speaking, you start at around 1,000 Elo. Each level has its own Elo bracket, with Level 10 usually requiring 2,000+ Elo.
• Climbing tips: You need to play as a team consistently if you want to advance in Elo. Since Elo gains are greater when you string victories together, winning streaks are quite important. Having strong teammates in a duo or trio queue can also assist in stabilizing your ascent.

Since you can tell exactly how close you are to the next level, FACEIT Elo’s openness makes it far more motivating than CS2’s Premier rating.

FACEIT Anti-Cheat – Keeping Matches Clean

Since cheating has always been an issue in Counter-Strike, FACEIT’s anti-cheat is crucial. In contrast to Valve’s VAC, which operates in the background, FACEIT necessitates the installation of a specific anti-cheat client before gameplay.

This client checks for other hacks, background processes, and questionable applications. Players believe FACEIT matches are more authentic since it is updated frequently and are much more aggressive than VAC.

Anti-cheat software is required for competitions like the FPL (FACEIT Pro League). The competitive ecosystem wouldn’t work without it. Don’t worry if you’re new; if your computer is capable of handling CS2, the installation will be easy and won’t impact your performance.

FACEIT anti-cheat is like having a full-time security guard outside your lobby, while VAC is like neighborhood watch.

FACEIT Premium – Is It Worth the Upgrade?

FACEIT offers a free account, but the Premium tier unlocks a lot more. Here’s what you get:

• Access to premium-only queues (fewer trolls, more serious players).
• Party queues, where you can group with more friends.
• Entry into exclusive tournaments and hubs.
• Priority queue times, so you spend less time waiting for a match.

Does FACEIT Premium make sense, then? Free FACEIT is good if you’re a casual user who only wants better servers. However, Premium is a wise upgrade if you’re tired of random teammates, want competitive tournaments, or are grinding levels. Consider it your pass to the more somber aspects of CS2.

FACEIT FPL – The Path to Pro Play

Dreams of becoming a professional athlete really start with the FACEIT Pro League (FPL). Top semi-pros and seasoned CS2 professionals compete in this invite-only league.

Players typically have to reach Level 10 on the Elo ladder and then participate in FPL Challenger tournaments to qualify. The top players are then invited to the actual FPL.

Why does this matter? because esports organizations directly scout the FPL. Numerous professional players got their start here; consider names like Ropz, ZywOo, and even S1mple, who all honed their craft on FACEIT before becoming well-known.

The FACEIT FPL is the closest thing you’ll find to a testing ground if esports is your ambition.

FACEIT Levels – Tracking Your Progress

While Elo is the exact number that matters, FACEIT levels give players a simple way to track progress.

• Levels 1–3 are for beginners.
• Levels 4–6 are the average crowd.
• Levels 7–9 are the grinders and high-level players.
• Level 10 is where future pros and streamers hang out.

Although levels are closely linked to Elo, the system feels rewarding because you’re reaching milestones rather than merely chasing numbers. Every level seems like an accomplishment, which is why so many CS2 players choose to grind FACEIT rather than Premier.

FACEIT Tournaments and Hubs – Beyond Matchmaking

FACEIT isn’t just about ranked matches; it also has tournaments and hubs.

• Hubs are community-run spaces where players with similar goals can queue together. For example, regional hubs, streamer hubs, or esports team hubs. These create smaller, tighter communities compared to the wider player base.
• Tournaments allow FACEIT Premium members to compete for prizes, sometimes cash, sometimes skins. They’re often tied to esports events, giving regular players a taste of the competitive spotlight.
• ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the company behind FACEIT, runs many of Counter-Strike’s biggest tournaments worldwide. That means the same platform you’re using for ranked matches is all tied to the top end of pro Counter-Strike.

Because of this relationship, FACEIT feels like a part of the real esports ecosystem rather than merely a third-party matchmaking service.

FACEIT vs CS2 Matchmaking – Which Should You Play?

So, the big question: should you play FACEIT or CS2 matchmaking?

• Pros of FACEIT: Better servers, visible Elo, stronger anti-cheat, path to pro play, and tournaments.
• Cons of FACEIT: Longer queues (sometimes), tougher opponents, and Premium costs money.
• Pros of CS2 matchmaking: It’s free, simple, and built into the game. Good enough for casual or semi-competitive play.
• Cons of CS2 matchmaking: Weaker anti-cheat, hidden MMR, and inconsistent servers.

For gamers seeking the most competitive experience CS2 has to offer, FACEIT is the place to be. Matchmaking is acceptable if you’re just hanging out with your friends. However, FACEIT is the clear choice if you’re serious about getting better or even if you’re dreaming of playing in the FPL.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play on FACEIT in CS2?

Just link your Steam profile, download the anti-cheat program, register for a free FACEIT account, and wait for matches.

What’s the difference between FACEIT Elo and CS2 Premier rating?

CS2 Premier rating is obscured and less accurate than FACEIT Elo, which is transparent and linked to levels 1–10. FACEIT has a sense of competition.

Can you play on FACEIT without Premium?

Free players can queue for regular matches, yes. Better lines, tournaments, and more party options are the key features that the premium adds.

Why use FACEIT anti-cheat if CS2 already has VAC?

While FACEIT’s anti-cheat actively monitors your system in real time, VAC is slower and less aggressive, making it more difficult for cheaters to get past.

How hard is it to get into FACEIT FPL?

Extremely difficult, you must succeed in FPL Challenger, perform at the highest level, and have Level 10. The FPL is reserved for the very finest.

Final Thoughts

In CS2, FACEIT is essentially its own competitive universe rather than merely another matchmaking option. It’s the greatest venue for dedicated Counter-Strike gamers to test themselves because it has a transparent Elo ladder, strong anti-cheat policies, Premium benefits, and a route to the FPL.

FACEIT gives you an incentive to keep working hard, regardless of your goals, whether they are to reach Level 10 glory or simply to have cleaner matches than Valve’s system.