CS:GO Matchmaking ranks recalculated after update

Valve made multiple changes to the competitive matchmaking algorithm in the game’s August 1 patch, which caused another major rank reset in CS:GO. Everyone will have to win a game before they can see their new rank, which has probably moved up or down a few tiers.

Today Competitive Skill Groups are undergoing recalibration which affects all CS:GO players worldwide. More information in today's Blog Post: https://t.co/9ezKKydibG

— CS2 (@CounterStrike) August 1, 2022

People who play competitive games often complain that the real reason they can’t move up the ladder is because of the matchmaking system. Most of the time, the real reason is either a bad attitude or a lack of skill in the game. CSGO is one of the few exceptions to this rule, and there’s evidence to back this up.

Valve has just released a new patch for CS:GO that changes the matchmaking system in a pretty big way. As the developer says in a post, it’s not unusual to make small changes here and there. But this news is important enough to be mentioned.

“Typically when we ship changes to CS:GO’s matchmaking system, the adjustments are small enough that we don’t include them in our release notes,” developers stated on August 1. “However, today’s update affects all CS:GO players so it requires some explanation.”

“When you launch CS:GO, you’ll notice that your Skill Group is not displayed–you’ll have to win one more match to reveal your Skill Group. Most of you will notice a change to your Skill Group, but some of you may find that you were already in the right place.”

The rather short patch notes also mention changes to the game instructor, such as the fact that floating tips are no longer shown during competitive matches, and the Danger Zone map Ember. Valve has also said that this week is the last chance to buy PGL Major Antwerp stickers because they will be taken off the store shelves on August 8.

Even though we don’t know for sure what Valve has changed, the community seems happy with the update. For a long time, users have been pleading with Valve to alter the matchmaking mechanism, complaining about being regularly paired up with people of a higher or lower level.

It’s not the first time CS:GO has had a big change in ranks. Valve transitioned one forward very early on in the game’s life, when players had ranks that were way too high. Since that change, a lot of players have been heading for Silver and Gold Nova.

You have to win one competitive game to find out where you’ll land. After you do that, you’ll see your new Skill Group. The update came out on August 1, so it’s likely that lobbies are still working things out, but a lot of people are talking about where their news ranks. Players have moved up and down, but the jump is usually big either way.

CSGO August 1 patch notes

Maps

Ember

• Changes to Cannons
  • Altered the angle that the North cannon faces
  • Cannons can now be aimed upwards, and is now 2x faster
  • Now have 3 firing speeds (change with mouse2)
  • Reduced inaccuracy multiplier
  • Killfeed now shows weapon icon
  • Produce a beefy screen shake and more particle effects
  • Base model now also rotates
  • Added damage falloff to cannonballs after their initial collision
  • Fixed being able to bumpmine away from cannon and keep control
  • Fixed cannons continuing to turn when no longer in use
• Added bus to bus stop outside Industry

Miscellaneous

• Multiple changes to the competitive matchmaking algorithm, which will require Skill Groups to be recalibrated for accuracy. Your Skill Group will not be visible until you win your next match.
• Game instructor should now correctly reload saved state if it is disabled and re-enabled.
• Game instructor floating hints are disabled in competitive matches.