Not easier matches; stronger players: 8 ways to make your matchmaking experience better

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the most popular games globally with a long history, a fantastic player base, and even a massive list of clones trying to mimic its success. Using the formula “less is more,” the cult FPS managed to foster a passionate community over the last two decades. No wonder: the game’s flexibility allows everyone to find their niche: from official competitive matches to kz_ and zm_ community servers, you’ll find your home, no exceptions.

However, when talking about official matchmaking – ranked, in particular – it is not uncommon to hear people approach it with caution and – sometimes – anxiety. The most common pitfall is the fear of deranking, followed by the fear of getting “bad” teammates, and so on. Some players get the creeps while playing with something on the line, and as such, their anxiety makes them miss shots they otherwise would have nailed right on. Others might just be starting out, and being a beginner in an old game with an established player base might be daunting. If this rings a bell to you, do not fret: we’ve all been there, and let’s explore ways to make your MMs better – and you a better player.

 

Figure out your path

This one’s a given. To enjoy the game, you need to figure out what makes it enjoyable to you. It might not make much sense to scrim 4hrs a day if you only play the game to goof around with your mates – although if bragging rights are a reasonable consideration, go right ahead!

 

Perfect practice – precise results

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around what “practice” actually means. The most common one I hear: “just keep playing and you’ll get better.” While true (to an extent), we all have that one friend who’s still a Silver Elite Master after a thousand hours played (no offense given, refer to point one if that’s how you enjoy the game). The point is – you don’t become b1t just by having his amount of hours in the game.

If your goal in the game is to climb ranks and score good plays for the clips, you’ll need to practice well. For example, a new player will quickly find CS:GO’s spray patterns a vast roadblock when using automatic weapons. Trying to figure out each individual’s spray pattern solely in competitive matches is a ludicrous idea – and it will probably take you more hours than the entire Natus Vincere have on the game combined. Thankfully, CS:GO’s passionate community got you covered here! The fan-made Workshop map Recoil Master allows you to quickly learn the patterns for each and every weapon you might be using in your matches in mere hours of practice.

This map is but one example of how exploring the community’s Workshop tab can do wonders for your skillset. Loads more maps out there to help you, and lots more ways to learn.

 

Start small

Nobody was born a pro. When practicing, attempt to set yourself down-to-earth, small goals. Keeping yourself from building grandiose plans from day one – that’s the quickest way to ruin your expectations! Do not be discouraged when your 30-bullet AK spray doesn’t look like Deadshots’ 20 minutes after practicing it – it takes years and years to fully master, so practice hitting your first ten rounds at the beginning. The best idea is: compartmentalize your goals, research them, practice them, then apply them step-by-step. This will keep your practice sessions from becoming a tedious slog while immediately boosting your gaming experience.

 

Use your nades

What do you think when you hear the words “impact player”? Most people would answer: “the top fragger,” or “that guy with highest ADR,” or “the dude with 7 MVP stars.” Of course, the idea of 30-bombing and carrying your team every game is a dream for everyone, which leads to the other, arguably most important role in the game being often overlooked – the support player. After all, CS:GO’s highlight system won’t record the perfect pop-flash that allowed your entryfragger to do a triple on a site push – by the way, Valve, please add. It absolutely should.

Hanging back with a nade in hand is not flashy or exciting, but it’s honest work, and it wins games. If you truly wish to succeed, knowing nade tricks is an absolute must. A good Smoke is a key, a good Incendiary is a shove, and a good flashbang is +3250$ (x5).

By the way, here’s a handy command to practice and research grenade throws in an offline game:

sv_cheats 1; sv_infinite_ammo 1; ammo_grenade_limit_total 5; sv_grenade_trajectory 1; sv_grenade_trajectory_time 10; sv_showimpacts 1;

Paste it in your console and get throwin’.

 

Know your callouts

CS:GO in its core has always and will always be a team game. No amount of preparation, practice, nades or aim can let you single-handedly defeat the enemy team (at least all the time). This is precisely why it’s so important to learn how to synergize with your teammates by providing as efficient information as possible.

From simply voicing the last known enemy position to synergizing your utility usage, map callouts are as vital for your matchmaking experience as your aim.

 

Care not about the rank

This is probably the essential piece in the “becoming a better player” puzzle. Rank envy or rank fear are the most significant mental blocks a player can have. Once you realize that your skillset is what backs up the rank and not the other way around, it will take a lot of pressure off your shoulders. As long as you are a solid player, no amount of unlucky matches should bother you – you will get back up there anyway.

As they say, do not wish for easier matches, wish to be a better player.

 

But be quick to celebrate

However, that doesn’t mean you should become a stoic completely unbothered by flashy lights and golden colors – after all, they’re exactly why we’re here! Let the world know of your achievements – thankfully, we have plenty of ways to share. Got a nice Ace? Right on, send it to your friends! Climbed to LEM for the first time? You know it, baby, into r/globaloffensive it goes. They can do whatever they want, but they can’t un-LEM you! Well, they can in-game, but being a good player is not a rank; it’s a mindset.

Also, future you will thank you for recording your highlights. Seeing your growth as a player while replaying your old demos is possibly the proudest moment of every player.

 

Replays, re-wins

However, recording your lowlights is also a fantastic idea if your goal is to improve. The key to fixing bad habits and correcting bad calls is figuring out what they are at first. While not as exciting as watching your highlights, watching your worst plays is actually a far more productive way to spend your time. As painful as it might be to watch you choke your shots, think of it as investing into your future highlights!