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What Is FACEIT? The Complete CS2 Beginner's Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
So you have been playing CS2 for a while, and one word keeps showing up everywhere: FACEIT.
A teammate tells you to stop playing matchmaking and "just queue FACEIT." A streamer flexes their Level 10 badge. Someone calls you an MM player like it is an insult, and you quietly Google what MM even means.
No shame in that. Almost every CS2 player goes through this confusion, because nobody ever explains what FACEIT actually is. It sounds like a game, a mode, or maybe a subscription. It is none of those things.
Here is the short version: FACEIT is where serious CS2 players go to play competitive matches. It has its own matchmaking, its own ranking system, and its own anti-cheat.
In this guide, I will break down what FACEIT is, how it works, whether it costs money, and exactly how to play your first match. By the end, you will understand it better than plenty of Level 5 players who have been on the platform for years.
What Is FACEIT?
FACEIT is a third-party competitive gaming platform where CS2 players play organized matches outside of Valve's official matchmaking. It offers skill-based matchmaking, an Elo ranking system with Levels 1 to 10, a stricter anti-cheat, and tournaments. Playing CS2 on FACEIT is free, with optional paid plans for extra features.
That is the dictionary answer. Here is what it means in plain terms.
Third-party means FACEIT is not made by Valve. Valve built CS2 and runs its own matchmaking inside the game. FACEIT is a separate company that built its own competitive layer on top of CS2. Same game, different arena.
Think of it like football. CS2 is the sport. Valve matchmaking is a casual game at the park. FACEIT is an organized league with referees, rankings, and a scoreboard everyone takes seriously.
When you play on FACEIT:
You still play CS2, the exact same game
Matches are organized through the FACEIT platform
Your skill is tracked with FACEIT Elo instead of a CS Rating
Matches are protected by the FACEIT Anti-Cheat
You can join tournaments, leagues, and community clubs
FACEIT supports other games too, but for Counter-Strike players it is basically the home of competitive play outside Valve's system. You can see the platform for yourself on FACEIT's official site.
What Is FACEIT CS2?
When people search "what is FACEIT CS2," they are usually confused about one thing: is FACEIT a different version of CS2?
It is not. FACEIT CS2 simply means playing Counter-Strike 2 through the FACEIT platform.
You do not download a new game. You install CS2 on Steam like normal, connect your Steam account to FACEIT, and queue for matches through FACEIT's website. The match itself opens in your regular CS2 game.
What changes is everything around the match:
Matchmaking happens on FACEIT, based on your Elo
Servers are provided and monitored by FACEIT
Anti-cheat runs on your PC during matches
Ranking is tracked as FACEIT Elo and Levels, not CS Rating
Tournaments and leagues are available through the platform
So when someone says "I play FACEIT," they mean they play CS2 matches organized by FACEIT instead of Valve. Nothing more mysterious than that.
Is FACEIT the Same as CS2?
No, and this is the most common beginner mix-up, so let me make it crystal clear:
CS2 is the game. FACEIT is the platform you use to play competitive CS2 matches.
Saying FACEIT and CS2 are the same is like saying a stadium and football are the same thing. One is the place, the other is what you play there. Valve does not run FACEIT, and FACEIT does not own CS2.
Why Do CS2 Players Use FACEIT Instead of Premier?
Fair question. CS2 already has Premier, Valve's official competitive mode with a CS Rating. So why do so many players queue on a third-party platform instead?
Feature | CS2 Premier (Valve) | FACEIT |
Who runs it | Valve, inside the game | FACEIT, a separate company |
Ranking | CS Rating | Elo and Levels 1 to 10 |
Anti-cheat | VAC | FACEIT Anti-Cheat (kernel level) |
Player base | Everyone, including casuals | More competitive and serious |
Extra features | Matches only | Tournaments, leagues, clubs |
Cost | Free | Free core, paid extras |
The three big reasons players switch:
1. Stronger anti-cheat.
VAC has a reputation for catching cheaters slowly, often in delayed ban waves. FACEIT's anti-cheat is more aggressive and runs deeper on your system, so fewer cheaters make it into matches in the first place. Not zero, but noticeably fewer.
2. A ranking the community respects.
This reason is cultural, and most guides miss it. In the CS2 community, FACEIT Level is the universal language of skill. When you join a community team or a Discord server, nobody asks for your CS Rating. They ask "what level are you?" That respect comes from history. FACEIT built its name in CS:GO, where it became the default competitive platform, and CS2 players carried that habit over.
3. A more serious environment.
Premier matches often include players messing around or playing their first game ever. FACEIT players, on average, try harder, use their microphones, and play to win.
To be fair, Premier has improved a lot, and plenty of strong players stay there. FACEIT is not automatically better. It is just built for people who want competition first.
What Do You Need to Play FACEIT CS2?
Here is the full requirements checklist:
Requirement | Do you need it? |
A FACEIT account | Yes (free to create) |
A Steam account | Yes |
CS2 installed | Yes |
CS2 Prime status | Yes, to connect CS2 |
FACEIT Anti-Cheat | Yes, for protected matches |
A Windows PC | Yes (anti-cheat is Windows only) |
Identity verification | Only if FACEIT asks, or for certain events |
A few notes on the items people always ask about:
Prime status is Valve's paid upgrade for CS2 on Steam. FACEIT requires it to connect your game. The reason is simple: it ties your account to a real purchase, which makes it more expensive for cheaters and smurfs to keep coming back on fresh accounts.
FACEIT Anti-Cheat is a small program you install on your PC. It must be running for protected matches. I explain exactly how it works later in this guide.
A Windows PC matters because the anti-cheat only runs on Windows. If you are on Mac or Linux, you cannot play protected FACEIT matches.
Everything else, including matchmaking itself, is free.
Is FACEIT Free?
Yes. The core FACEIT experience for CS2 is completely free. You can create an account, connect CS2, queue for matches, earn Elo, climb levels, and even join many tournaments without paying anything.
What Do You Get With Free FACEIT?
Unlimited free matchmaking
Elo tracking and Levels 1 to 10
Detailed match history and player stats
Free tournaments and community events
The chance to earn FACEIT Points in supported competitions
That is the full competitive experience. Everything you need to play, rank up, and improve is included.
How Much Does FACEIT Premium Cost?
FACEIT sells two paid plans, Plus and Premium, which currently cost roughly $4 to $8 per month depending on the plan and billing period. Prices change over time, so check FACEIT's official subscriptions page for current numbers.
What do they add? Mostly convenience and extra match types:
Special queues like Premium Match and Super Match
Extra stats and match data
Additional perks depending on the plan
Here is the part beginners worry about, so let me say it clearly: paying does not make you stronger. No plan buys you better teammates, easier matches, or a higher rank. Premium is a convenience upgrade, not a power upgrade.
Do Beginners Need FACEIT Premium?
No. Start free, play your first 20 or 30 matches, and see whether the platform fits you. The only reason to pay early would be a specific Premium-only queue you want to try, and as a beginner you do not need that.
How Does FACEIT Work?
The best way to understand FACEIT is to follow one match from start to finish.
Account created → Steam connected → CS2 registered → queue → match found → matchroom → map vote → connect → play → Elo updates
Every match follows this same loop. Here are the important parts.
How Does FACEIT Matchmaking Work?
When you queue, FACEIT groups you with and against players whose Elo is close to yours. The system is trying to build a match where both teams have a fair chance to win.
This is why your first matches matter. FACEIT is learning where you belong, and it adjusts quickly based on results.
How Does FACEIT Elo Work?
Elo is a single number that represents your skill. Most new accounts start around 1,000 Elo.
Win a match, your Elo goes up
Lose a match, your Elo goes down
Beat a higher rated team, you gain more
Lose to a lower rated team, you lose more
Your Elo then maps to a level between 1 and 10, which is what everyone sees on your profile.
Climbing takes time, especially in the middle levels where most of the player base sits. Some players grind it out match by match. Others set a target rating and use a FACEIT Elo boosting service to reach it faster. Either way, the system never changes: win more than you lose, and the number goes up.
What Happens After a FACEIT Match?
Once the match ends:
Your Elo updates based on the result
The match appears in your match history
Your profile stats update, including K/D, win rate, and headshot percentage
That last point is bigger than it sounds. Your FACEIT profile becomes your competitive resume. Team recruiters and community organizers look at these stats, which is one more reason players take FACEIT matches seriously.
How to Play FACEIT CS2: Step by Step
Time to get you into your first match. Follow these steps in order and you will be queued in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Create a FACEIT account
Go to faceit.com and sign up with your email or Steam account. It takes about a minute.
Step 2: Connect your Steam account
Open your account settings, find the game connections section, and link the Steam account that owns CS2. Make sure it is the right one, because switching accounts later can cost you your match history.
Step 3: Register CS2
Add Counter-Strike 2 in your game settings. This is where Prime status matters. If your CS2 does not have Prime, FACEIT will not complete the connection.
Step 4: Install FACEIT Anti-Cheat
Download the anti-cheat from FACEIT's site and install it like any normal program. You will restart your PC during installation. That is normal.
Step 5: Complete verification if FACEIT asks
Newer accounts or accounts with low CS2 playtime are sometimes asked to verify their identity before queueing. If you get that prompt, see the verification section below.
Step 6: Set your server preferences
In your settings, choose your region and preferred servers. Closer servers mean lower ping, and lower ping means better matches.
Step 7: Join the matchmaking queue
Head to the Play tab, select Counter-Strike 2, and join a queue. As a free player you will use the standard queue, which is where most players are anyway.
Step 8: Enter the matchroom
When a match is found, you land in a matchroom with nine other players. This is a lobby page where both teams can see each other before the match starts.
Step 9: Vote on maps and connect
Players vote on maps in the matchroom. Once the map is locked, click connect. The anti-cheat must be running, then CS2 launches straight into the server.
Step 10: Play and check your Elo
Play the match. When it ends, your Elo updates and the result lands in your match history.
Quick checklist before your first queue:
CS2 installed with Prime active
Steam account connected
Anti-cheat installed and tested
Server preferences set
Microphone working (seriously, test it)
FACEIT also keeps an official beginner guide with screenshots if you want to follow along there.
Does FACEIT Require Verification?
Sometimes. This confuses a lot of beginners, so here is exactly how it works.
What Is FACEIT ID Verification?
ID verification is FACEIT's way of proving that one real person owns one account. You take a selfie and a photo of a government-issued ID through their verification flow. Once approved, your profile gets a verification badge.
The point is not to collect your data. The point is to fight smurfing and multi-accounting, two problems that ruin matchmaking. When one person can cheaply create ten accounts, lower levels fill up with experienced players stomping beginners. Verification makes that harder. It is also free to complete.
Is FACEIT Verification Mandatory?
It depends on your situation:
For basic matchmaking, most players are never forced to verify
FACEIT can require it for accounts that look risky, like brand new accounts with very little CS2 playtime
Certain tournaments, leagues, and special queues require verified players only
So the honest answer is: you might play forever without verifying, but do not be surprised if FACEIT asks you, especially in your first weeks.
What Do You Need for FACEIT Verification?
A smartphone
A valid physical ID, such as a passport, national ID card, or driving license
A live selfie
The ID country must match the country you select during verification
If verification fails, it is almost always a photo quality issue. Retake the photos in good light with the full ID visible.
Does FACEIT Require Windows 11?
Not yet, but this is changing, so read this part carefully.
Right now, FACEIT still works on Windows 10. However, FACEIT has announced that Windows 11 becomes the requirement in October 2027 under its current schedule. Some systems may need to upgrade earlier depending on their setup.
That date is far enough away that you do not need to panic today. But if you are buying or building a PC for CS2 soon, get one that is Windows 11 ready.
Can You Play FACEIT on Windows 10?
Yes, for now, as long as your system meets the security requirements below and stays fully updated. Requirements like these change, so keep FACEIT's official Windows Security Requirements FAQ bookmarked and check it if anything breaks after a Windows update.
What Are TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?
This is where beginners get scared off, so let me make it simple.
TPM 2.0 is a small security chip on your motherboard. It stores sensitive keys safely, away from software that should not touch them.
Secure Boot is a setting that only lets trusted software load when your PC starts up.
Why does an anti-cheat care? Because modern cheats try to load before Windows even starts, deeper than normal software can reach. TPM and Secure Boot make that trick much harder. A PC without them is simply easier to cheat on.
Most PCs built after 2016 already have both. If yours does not, you can usually enable them in your BIOS settings.
Does FACEIT Have Servers in China?
Server questions matter if you play from Asia, so here is the honest answer.
FACEIT lets you choose your region and server preferences in your account settings, and available servers depend on the game and region. FACEIT's competitive structure for CS2 includes Asia within its regions, but FACEIT does not advertise a simple public "China server" the way it lists servers elsewhere.
What this means for you as an Asian player:
Set your server preferences and test your ping across nearby regions
Queue during active hours in your region so the matchmaker has enough players
Check FACEIT's current CS2 region options directly, because availability changes over time
The practical rule is simple: play on the servers where your ping is lowest. Ping affects CS2 more than almost any other shooter, and no ranking system is worth playing on 120 ping.
Is FACEIT Good for Beginners?
Yes, with one honest warning.
Can New CS2 Players Play FACEIT?
Nothing stops a new player from creating an account and queueing today. FACEIT itself says newcomers are welcome on the platform.
But "allowed" and "prepared" are different things. FACEIT's player base is noticeably more competitive than regular matchmaking. In your early matches you will meet players with thousands of hours who know every smoke and communicate constantly. Some will be smurfs, meaning experienced players on low level accounts. Your first weeks can feel brutal, and pretending otherwise would be lying to you.
When Should You Switch From Premier to FACEIT?
Switch when you can check most of these boxes:
You understand the economy, meaning when to buy and when to save
You know basic callouts on at least three maps
Your crosshair placement is decent without thinking about it
You can use basic smokes and flashes on your favorite maps
You own a microphone and are willing to use it
You want competitive matches more than casual fun
If you checked three or fewer, play more Premier first. There is no rank requirement and no shame in waiting.
Premier is your driving lesson. FACEIT is the highway. Take the lesson first.
Real-Life Application: Your First Week on FACEIT
Here is a simple plan that works:
Day 1: Set up your account, anti-cheat, and server preferences. Do not queue yet.
Day 2: Watch one full match from a Level 10 streamer on a map you know. Note their positioning, not their aim.
Day 3: Play your first two matches. Expect to lose. Review your deaths afterward.
Day 4 to 7: Play two matches a day on maps you know. Focus on one improvement per day, like not dying first in the round.
Losing early is normal. Your Elo drops, the matchmaker recalibrates, and matches get fairer. If early losing streaks get discouraging, some new players use FACEIT win boosting to keep their record stable while they adjust to the pace.
What Are FACEIT Levels and Elo?
You already know Elo is your skill number. Levels are how that number becomes something everyone understands at a glance.
Level | Approximate Elo | What it means |
Level 1 | 100 to 500 | Brand new to competitive play |
Level 2 to 3 | 501 to 900 | Still learning |
Level 4 to 5 | 901 to 1200 | Average player |
Level 6 to 7 | 1201 to 1530 | Above average |
Level 8 to 9 | 1531 to 2000 | Very strong player |
Level 10 | 2001+ | Elite, top of the platform |
The Elo ranges are exact and define your current rank, mapping directly to your progression.
A few useful reference points:
New accounts start around 1,000 Elo, which lands most players in Level 4
Most of the player base sits between Level 4 and Level 6
Level 10 is where semi-pro and pro level players live
What Is FACEIT Level 10?
Level 10 is the top level on the platform. It is not just a rank, it is a social signal in the CS2 community. People recognize it instantly, and it opens doors to teams, community games, and trials. That is why so many players grind for years to reach it, and why some who get stuck in Level 8 or 9 use FACEIT level boosting for the final push.
What Is Challenger Rank?
Challenger is not Level 11. It is a separate rank reserved for the top 1,000 players in each region (like Europe or North America) within Level 10. These are the best players in their respective regions, and the very top of that pool feeds into invitation-only spaces like FPL, the FACEIT Pro League where professionals play.
Can You Play FACEIT With Friends?
Yes, and honestly, you should. FACEIT is much better with a squad.
You can queue solo or invite friends into a party before joining matchmaking. Parties of up to five players can queue together.
A few things to know:
Larger parties sometimes face restrictions in certain queues depending on the level spread
Some special queues require all party members to be verified or subscribed
Playing with friends on voice comms is the fastest way to win more, because communication beats raw aim at every level below Level 8
What Does FACEIT Anti-Cheat Do?
FACEIT Anti-Cheat is a program that protects matches from cheaters. Simple version: it watches what is happening on your PC during a match and looks for cheat software.
The deeper version: it runs at kernel level, the deepest layer of Windows, and FACEIT also runs checks on the server side during matches. It needs that deep access because modern CS2 cheats also operate at kernel level. An anti-cheat that only looked at normal programs would never see them.
For protected matches, the anti-cheat must be installed and running before you connect, otherwise the server will not let you in. You can read exactly how FACEIT describes it on their official anti-cheat page.
Is FACEIT Anti-Cheat Safe?
Let me answer this honestly instead of just saying "yes, trust me."
The anti-cheat has deep access to your system while it runs. That sounds scary, and it is a fair thing to think about. FACEIT's position is that the software only runs while you are playing protected matches, and it is used daily by a huge share of the competitive CS2 community, including full-time professionals.
The tradeoff is the entire point of the platform: deeper anti-cheat access means fewer cheaters in your matches. If that tradeoff is not for you, Premier still exists and always will.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of FACEIT?
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Stronger anti-cheat than matchmaking | More competitive, less casual fun |
Elo and Levels the community respects | Rough start for true beginners |
Free core matchmaking | Anti-cheat and security requirements |
Tournaments, leagues, and clubs | Windows only |
Detailed stats on your profile | Some features behind paid plans |
Serious teammates who communicate | Server availability varies by region |
Notice something about this table. Almost every disadvantage is really just the price of the advantages. A serious player base means fewer joke matches. A strong anti-cheat means installation requirements. You cannot have one without the other.
FACEIT CS2 Beginner FAQ
Quick answers to the questions beginners search most. The deeper explanations are in the sections above.
What is the point of FACEIT?
FACEIT gives CS2 players a more competitive environment than Valve matchmaking, with a trusted ranking system, stronger anti-cheat, and tournaments.
What is the difference between CS2 and FACEIT?
CS2 is the game made by Valve. FACEIT is a separate platform that runs competitive CS2 matches with its own ranking and anti-cheat.
Does FACEIT cost money?
No. Core CS2 matchmaking on FACEIT is free. Paid plans only add convenience features.
Is FACEIT still free?
Yes. Free matchmaking with full Elo progression is still the core of the platform.
Is FACEIT good for beginners?
You can start whenever you want, but expect a tough first few weeks. Learn the basics in matchmaking or Premier first if you are brand new to CS2.
Who is FACEIT rank 1?
It changes constantly because it depends on live Elo. It is almost always a pro or semi-pro player, so check the official FACEIT leaderboard for the current top players.
Do I need Prime to play FACEIT CS2? Yes. FACEIT requires CS2 Prime status to connect your game to the platform.
Do I need to verify my FACEIT account?
Not always. Basic matchmaking usually works without it, but FACEIT can require verification for new or low playtime accounts, and some events require it.
Does FACEIT require Windows 11?
Not yet. Windows 10 still works, but Windows 11 becomes the requirement in October 2027 under FACEIT's current schedule.
Can I play FACEIT with friends?
Yes, you can queue in parties of up to five players.
Does FACEIT have China servers?
FACEIT supports Asian regions for CS2, but server availability depends on the game and region. Set your server preferences and check current options in your account settings.
Is FACEIT better than Premier?
Neither is universally better. FACEIT offers a more competitive environment and a community-respected ranking. Premier is official, simpler, and needs no extra software. Pick based on what you want from CS2.
Should You Play FACEIT?
Let me compress this entire guide into one decision.
Play FACEIT if you want serious matches, a ranking the community respects, stronger anti-cheat, and a path into competitive CS2.
Stay in Premier for now if you are still learning maps, economy, and basic utility. You can move over whenever you are ready, and the platform is not going anywhere.
If you do start, follow the 10 setup steps above, keep your expectations low for the first week, and improve one thing per match. Elo follows improvement, not the other way around.
And if you are already on FACEIT and stuck below the level you know you belong at, our FACEIT boosting services can help you climb faster, whether you need Elo, level, or win boosting.
See you in the matchroom.
