Valve adds Unranked mode in CS:GO, adjusts non-Prime accounts

CS:GO will get an Unranked mode, which will emulate the competitive experience by using skill-based matchmaking without affecting Skill Groups

Valve has shared an important announcement for the Counter-Strike community. The developer has confirmed that CS:GO will finally be getting an “Unranked” mode.

Unranked Mode in CS:GO

This new mode will emulate the competitive experience by using skill-based matchmaking without taking into account or affecting Skill Groups. Unranked will be available for Competitive, Wingman, and Danger Zone game modes to start.

Valve also plans to carry out certain changes to the non-Prime player experience for the game. These include non-Prime status accounts no longer earning XP, Ranks, Skill Groups, item drops, or Prime status through play time.

Non-Prime accounts will also be unable to participate in Ranked matches, activate Bonus Rank XP items, or claim Service Medals.

Ranked & Unranked matches explained

Ranked matches will continue to be with other Prime players. Unranked matches, on the other hand, will pull from a mixed pool of non-Prime players and Prime players that have decided to queue in Unranked.

Initial responses to these changes are mostly positive. This is because they are getting Unranked and it will be harder for cheaters and bots to impact the game. There is also the contingent that is not happy, as they now have to pay for the $15 Prime Upgrade to continue playing Ranked.

Additionally, Valve has removed Scrimmage from Competitive matchmaking. It has been replaced by Unranked matchmaking. Players can view all of the details for this elaborate update on the CS:GO blog.