Faceit vs Premier in CS2: What to Play in 2024?

The release of Counter-Strike 2 has brought a wave of excitement among players, and with it comes the crucial decision of where to test your skills. Faceit and Premier are two prominent platforms for playing CS2. Faceit has long been a staple in the Counter-Strike community, renowned for its high-quality servers, robust anti-cheat measures, and a fiercely competitive environment. On the other hand, Premier mode is Valve’s integrated solution, offering a seamless and accessible way to compete directly within CS2’s game client. Both platforms offer unique advantages and drawbacks, making the decision more about personal preference than a clear-cut choice. In this article, we’ll break down the main features of each platform: from cost and community to ranking system and anti-cheat. Let’s begin!

Comparing Faceit and Premier in CS2: A Detailed Breakdown

Overview of Faceit

Faceit has long been a cornerstone of the competitive Counter-Strike community. Known for its high-quality servers, anti-cheat systems, and advanced matchmaking algorithms, Faceit has built a reputation as the go-to platform for serious players.

You can also explore our ultimate guide on how to play Faceit CS2, enhancing your gameplay with advanced matchmaking, community features, and competitive leagues.

Pros of Faceit:

• Competitive Environment: Faceit is designed for those who are serious about improving and competing at a high level. The ELO-based ranking system is highly accurate and rewards consistent performance.
• Custom Servers: Faceit’s servers are renowned for their stability and low ping, providing an optimal environment for competitive play.
• Anti-Cheat Measures: Faceit’s proprietary anti-cheat system is one of the best in the industry, making it difficult for cheaters to thrive on the platform.
• Community Tournaments: Faceit offers numerous community-driven tournaments that give players the chance to compete for prizes and recognition.

Cons of Faceit:

• Subscription Costs: While Faceit is free, the premium features require a subscription, which can be a downside for players on a budget. For example, you can only remove maps you don’t like if the system has made you a team captain, or with a subscription.
• Steep Learning Curve: The competitive nature of Faceit means that new players might struggle to find success initially. This platform is played by a lot of really strong players, which can be confusing for a newcomer.
• Toxicity: The competitive nature of the platform can sometimes lead to a toxic environment, especially in lower ELO brackets. This particular platform’s community can be very unfriendly to newcomers.

Overview of CS2 Premier Mode

The introduction of the CS2 Premier mode is Valve’s direct response to the growing popularity of third-party platforms like Faceit. Integrated directly into the game, Premier mode offers a streamlined experience for those looking to jump into competitive play without leaving the game client. 

Pros of Premier Mode:

• Seamless Integration: Since it’s built directly into CS2, Premier mode offers a seamless experience with no need to switch platforms.
• Regular Updates: Being a part of CS2, Premier mode benefits directly from regular updates and patches, ensuring the game remains balanced and fair.
• Easier Entry: The matchmaking in Premier mode is designed to be more forgiving for newcomers, with a ranking system that gradually introduces players to higher levels of competition.
• Less Toxicity: Since there are more newcomers in Premier Mode, the CS2 community may be friendlier to players, but it depends on each individual team.

Cons of Premier Mode:

• Server Quality: While Premier mode servers are generally good, they may not always match the high standards set by Faceit’s dedicated servers.
• Cheating Concerns: Although Valve’s anti-cheat measures are improving, they still lag behind those offered by platforms like Faceit.
• Limited Features: Compared to Faceit, Premier mode offers fewer features, such as detailed statistics or community-driven tournaments.

Faceit vs Premier: A Head-to-Head Comparison

When choosing between Faceit or Premier in CS2, it’s essential to consider what you value most in a competitive experience. Let’s break down some key factors:

1. Cost:

• Faceit: Offers a free tier, but many of the best features are locked behind a subscription. For dedicated players, this might be a worthwhile investment, but casual players might find the free version limiting.
• Premier Mode: Requires a purchase, although it is a one-time purchase that is permanently stored in your account.

2. Matchmaking Quality:

• Faceit: The ELO system in Faceit is highly regarded, providing a more precise matchmaking experience that accurately reflects skill levels. However, it is very sensitive to losing, which can cause you to be stuck at the same level.
• Premier Mode: Provides a more expanded score that is more sensitive to wins than losses. This means that you can get about 300 points for a win and lose about 100 points for a loss. 

3. Community and Competition:

• Faceit: Home to a dedicated community of players who take the game seriously. The platform often hosts community tournaments, offering more opportunities to compete.
• Premier Mode: While the competition is growing, it still lacks the depth of community-driven events that Faceit offers. However, it’s more welcoming to newcomers.

4. Anti-Cheat:

• Faceit: Known for its robust anti-cheat measures, which significantly reduce the presence of cheaters on the platform.
• Premier Mode: Valve’s anti-cheat is effective but not as stringent as Faceit’s, leading to occasional frustrations with cheaters.

5. Features and Flexibility:

• Faceit: Offers a wide range of features, including in-depth statistics, various game modes, and community-driven events. However, many of these are behind a paywall.
• Premier Mode: Allows each team member to choose the map and side they play for. For those who prefer a simple, integrated experience, this might be an advantage.

Ranks in Faceit and Premier: The Competitive Ladder

Understanding the ranking systems in both Faceit and CS2’s Premier mode is crucial for competitive players who want to gauge their progress and skill level. 

Faceit Ranks:

• ELO model (from 1 to 10);

• Start at Level 3;

• Highly Precise.

Each level represents a distinct skill bracket, and moving up requires consistent performance and wins against similarly skilled opponents.The ELO system is highly accurate, rewarding consistency and punishing poor performance, making it a preferred choice for those who seek a precise measure of their skill level.

Premier Ranks:

• From 1,000 to 30,000;

• Color-coded tiers (from Grey to Red);

• MR12 formatted matches.

To get ranked in premier mode, you need to win 10 matches playing it. The Premier mode also features regional and global leaderboards, giving players a broader view of where they stand both locally and internationally. Unlike Faceit’s strict ELO system, Premier mode’s ranks are dynamic, with the possibility of quick rises or falls based on streaks of wins or losses, making it a more fluid but equally competitive environment.

Choosing between these ranking systems depends on what you value more: Faceit’s structured and community-driven competitive scene or Premier mode’s integrated, globally recognized ranking system that is directly tied to your in-game performance in CS2.

Faceit or Premier in CS2: Which is Right for You?

The decision between Faceit or Premier in CS2 ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in your competitive experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Choose Faceit If:

• You are serious about improving and competing at the highest levels.
• You value advanced features like detailed statistics, custom servers, and community tournaments.
• You’re willing to invest in a premium subscription to unlock the platform’s full potential.

Choose Premier Mode If:

• You prefer a seamless, integrated experience without the need for third-party platforms.
• You’re looking for a cost-effective way to play competitively without committing to a subscription.
• You’re new to the competitive scene and want a more accessible entry point.

Make the Right Choice for Your CS2 Experience

Now you know that the choice between Faceit or Premier in CS2 boils down to your personal preferences and what you seek in a competitive gaming experience. If you’re a hardcore player aiming to climb the ranks with precision and are willing to invest in premium features, Faceit might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a free, integrated, and user-friendly option, Premier Mode could be the perfect fit. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your individual needs as a player. So based on the features of Faceit and Premier, choose what works best for you. Have a good game!