Elo
Every match you play on FACEIT changes one number: your Elo. It decides your level, who you get matched with and, indirectly, how hard your games will be. Yet many players still ask, "why did I get so few points for that win?" This guide explains the whole system.
What is Elo?
Elo is a rating method originally designed for chess. The idea is simple: every player has a rating, and before two sides meet the system calculates an expected result. If the stronger side wins, that was expected, so ratings move only a little. If the weaker side wins, it is an upset and ratings move more.
FACEIT adapts this to team play. In CS2 what matters is the comparison of team average Elo, not individual ratings. Everyone on the winning team gains points and everyone on the losing team loses points.
How many points do you get per match?
When both teams have similar average Elo, the winners usually gain around 25 points and the losers lose a similar amount. As the gap grows, the numbers shift:
- Favourite wins: gains fewer points (for example 15–20).
- Favourite loses: loses more points (for example 30–35).
- Underdog wins: gains more than average.
The same win is worth different amounts depending on the opponent. Checking both teams' average Elo in the match room is the fastest way to see how "risky" a game is.
FACEIT levels and Elo ranges
Your Elo maps to a level from 1 to 10. The commonly used CS2 ranges are:
| Level | Elo range |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 – 500 |
| 2 | 501 – 750 |
| 3 | 751 – 900 |
| 4 | 901 – 1050 |
| 5 | 1051 – 1200 |
| 6 | 1201 – 1350 |
| 7 | 1351 – 1530 |
| 8 | 1531 – 1750 |
| 9 | 1751 – 2000 |
| 10 | 2001 and above |
FACEIT may update these ranges from time to time, so check FACEIT's own support pages for the current table.
What affects your Elo the most?
1. Win rate
In the long run, the only thing that moves your Elo is how many matches you win. Great personal stats still cost you points if you lose. That is why team contribution (calling information, using utility, holding the right position) is often worth more than your scoreboard line.
2. Preparation, not match selection
You cannot choose which match you get, but you can choose how you prepare. Looking at your opponents' recent form, their strongest maps and their roles leads to better veto decisions and a better game plan.
3. Consistency
Losing streaks are usually caused by fatigue and tilt. Taking a short break after two losses is the simplest way to stop bleeding Elo.
Common misconceptions
- "More kills means more points." In the standard calculation the match result is what counts. Individual performance alone does not raise your gain.
- "Low-level teammates drag me down." The system already accounts for a lower team average: you win more and lose less.
- "Elo stops mattering at level 10." Elo keeps rising after level 10 and decides your ranking.
Summary
FACEIT Elo is a win/loss system adjusted for the expected strength of each team. You raise it by winning more, and you win more by entering matches prepared. Seeing both teams' average Elo, recent form and map performance at a glance in the match room makes that preparation much easier.
