FACEIT is one of the most popular third-party competitive gaming platforms, especially for games like CS2 (Counter-Strike 2). It offers a more structured and challenging environment compared to standard matchmaking, making it a favorite among players who want to improve their skills and compete at higher levels. Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring to go pro, FACEIT provides tools, leagues, and a community to help you grow.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about FACEIT, including how it works, its matchmaking system, the ELO ranking system, and how to get started.
What is FACEIT?
FACEIT is a competitive gaming platform designed to provide players with a more professional and balanced experience. It was founded in 2012 and has since become a hub for esports enthusiasts. Unlike Valve’s standard matchmaking, FACEIT offers:
- Advanced matchmaking with skill-based rankings.
- Tournaments and leagues for players of all skill levels.
- Anti-cheat protection to ensure fair play.
- Community features like team creation and social interaction.
It’s particularly popular in CS2, where players can enjoy 128-tick servers, better hit registration, and a more competitive environment143.
How Does FACEIT Work?
FACEIT operates as a standalone platform that integrates with your Steam account. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Registration and Setup:
- Create an account on the FACEIT website.
- Link your Steam account to FACEIT.
- Download and install the FACEIT Anti-Cheat client for a secure gaming experience3.
- Matchmaking:
- FACEIT uses its own matchmaking system, which is more refined than Valve’s.
- Players are matched based on their ELO rating, ensuring balanced games.
- You can queue solo, with friends, or as a full team314.
- Game Modes:
- 5v5 Competitive: The standard mode for CS2.
- Super Match: A premium feature that limits ELO differences between teams for fairer matches.
- Tournaments: Compete in casual or professional tournaments for prizes and recognition317.
- Anti-Cheat System:
- FACEIT’s client-side anti-cheat is one of the most robust in the industry, using kernel-level drivers to detect and prevent cheating14.
How Does FACEIT ELO Work?
The ELO system is the backbone of FACEIT’s ranking mechanism. Here’s how it works:
- Starting Point: New players start with 1000 ELO points.
- Levels: Players are divided into 10 levels, with Level 1 being the lowest (100–500 ELO) and Level 10 being the highest (2001+ ELO).
- Challenger Rank: The top 1000 Level 10 players earn the Challenger rank, which opens doors to professional leagues like FPL (FACEIT Pro League)317.
How ELO Changes:
- Winning a match increases your ELO, while losing decreases it.
- The amount of ELO gained or lost depends on the skill difference between teams.
- Individual performance (e.g., K/D ratio) can also influence ELO changes17.
For a deeper dive into CS2 ranks and how they compare to FACEIT levels, check out this guide on CS2 Ranks.
How to Play FACEIT
Getting started on FACEIT is straightforward:
- Create an Account:
- Visit FACEIT’s website and sign up.
- Verify your email and link your Steam account.
- Download Anti-Cheat:
- Install the FACEIT Anti-Cheat client to ensure fair play.
- Queue for Matches:
- Choose your preferred game mode (e.g., 5v5 Competitive).
- Select your maps or enable Super Match for balanced games.
- Play and Improve:
- Use tools like SCOPE.GG for pre-match analytics and grenade predictors to enhance your gameplay3.
For tips on improving your gameplay, check out this guide on CS2 Practice Commands.
FACEIT Free vs Premium
FACEIT offers both free and premium accounts. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Free Account | Premium Account |
| Matchmaking | Basic matchmaking | Access to Super Match and Premium Match |
| Map Selection | Limited | Full control over map selection |
| Nickname Changes | Not available | Every 3 months |
| Missions and Rewards | Limited | Exclusive missions and higher rewards |
| Cost | Free | 4.17–4.17–7.99/month |
Premium is ideal for serious players who want more control and better rewards. For casual players, the free version is sufficient38.
FACEIT CS2 Requirements
To play CS2 on FACEIT, you’ll need:
- A Steam account with CS2 installed.
- A FACEIT account linked to your Steam profile.
- The FACEIT Anti-Cheat client installed and running.
- A stable internet connection and a PC that meets CS2’s system requirements.
For a detailed breakdown of CS2 system requirements, check out this guide: CS2 System Requirements.
Why Choose FACEIT?
- Better Servers: 128-tick servers ensure smoother gameplay and more accurate hit registration14.
- Fair Matchmaking: The ELO system ensures balanced matches.
- Path to Pro: FACEIT offers a clear pathway to professional leagues like FPL317.
- Community and Rewards: Earn points, skins, and even real-world prizes through missions and tournaments8.
Final Thoughts
FACEIT is more than just a matchmaking platform—it’s a community for competitive gamers. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, compete in tournaments, or climb the ranks, FACEIT provides the tools and environment to help you succeed.
For more tips on mastering CS2, check out these guides:
Ready to take your CS2 gameplay to the next level? Sign up for FACEIT today and start your journey!
