By Sagar V. Mankar Whose Matchmaking Reigns Supreme? FACEIT or Valve
Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most popular and competitive first-person shooter games in the world.
However, there is always a heated debate surrounding its official matchmaking system as most of the pro gamers suggest third-party servers like FACEIT over Valve’s official MM.
Recently, former CSGO pro player and popular Twitch streamer Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek raised this issue and criticized CS2 dev Valve for not improving their system.
Shroud’s Criticism: Is Valve Neglecting Their Own Game?
During his recent broadcast, Shroud expressed his frustration with Valve’s stance on third-party servers like FACEIT.
He accused Valve of being “pathetic” for allowing these servers to provide a better experience than their official matchmaking system, claiming that it sets a bad example and “discourages Valve from improving” the game themselves.
Shroud – Counter-Strike's pathetic. They are being run by third parties, and they don't give a f*ck. They [Valve] just let them run it all day, and they don't even want to try.https://t.co/h6hPKRRNcm
— Gaming Amigos (@gamingamigos24) April 4, 2024
Last week another CS2 pro Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, criticized the Valve server stating the current anti-cheat system is not up to the task, leading to a decline in the player base and telling Valve to move FACEIT anti-cheat.
You need to understand @CounterStrike that without proper anticheat – Premier fucking sucks, no one gonna grind for rating like in Valorant, easiest way – connect with FaceIT anticheat, hardest way – create much better one
— Sasha (@s1mpleO) April 1, 2024
Is FACEIT’s Server Better than Valves?
One of the key points of contention in this debate is the quality of the gaming experience offered by FACEIT compared to Valve’s official servers.
FACEIT’s strict anti-cheat measures and competitive ruleset have made it a preferred choice for many CS2 players seeking a fair and challenging environment.
On the other hand, Valve’s official matchmaking system has been criticized for its inability to effectively combat cheaters and smurfs, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences for many players.
Here is Why FACEIT is so appealing to Pro CS2 Players:
- FACEIT’s Strong Anti-Cheat System: One of the main reasons players gravitate towards FACEIT is its robust anti-cheat system. FACEIT employs advanced algorithms and techniques to detect and prevent cheating, ensuring a fair playing field for all participants. On the other hand, Valve has invested significant resources into developing and maintaining its own anti-cheat system, known as VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat). While it may not be as robust as FACEIT’s system, Valve continues to update and improve VAC to combat cheating effectively.
- Better MatchMaking: For professional and semi-professional Counter-Strike 2 players, FACEIT is the undisputed platform of choice, offering a meticulously designed matchmaking system that pits players against opponents of similar skill levels, fostering an unparalleled competitive experience. While Valve’s official servers promise an “authentic” CS2 experience, leveraging the creators’ deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, many question whether this authenticity outweighs the potential advantages offered by FACEIT’s superior matchmaking and competitive environment.
- No Rank Decay: A key factor driving pro players towards FACEIT is the absence of rank decay. In Valve’s official CS2 ranking system, a player’s rank will gradually decrease if they take an extended break from the game. This has led to higher-ranked players being demoted to lower ranks, creating a skill disparity that can be demoralizing for genuine players who achieve it by fighting hard. FACEIT’s ranking system avoids this issue by maintaining players’ ranks, providing a more stable and fair competitive environment regardless of playtime gaps. The lack of rank decay on FACEIT appeals to many players seeking a consistent playing field without the pressure of maintaining an active presence, highlighting a philosophical difference in prioritizing competitive integrity and player retention.
- 128 Ticks Rate: The tick rate refers to the number of times per second that a game server updates and processes information, allowing for smoother and more responsive gameplay. A higher tick rate translates to a more precise and seamless experience for players. In this regard, FACEIT has taken a decisive lead by operating its servers at a remarkable 128-tick rate, while Valve has disappointingly chosen to stick with the outdated 64-tick rate for Counter-Strike 2’s matchmaking servers. FACEIT’s adoption of the higher tick rate ensures that players experience smoother, faster, and more accurate gameplay, with every movement and action being registered and processed with greater precision. Valve’s decision to maintain the 64-tick rate, on the other hand, has left many players disheartened, as they had been eagerly anticipating the long-awaited transition to 128-tick matchmaking in the latest iteration of the iconic franchise.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that both FACEIT and Valve’s official servers have their strengths and weaknesses.
While FACEIT offers a more competitive and cheat-free environment, Valve’s servers provide a more authentic and accessible experience for casual players.
Ultimately, the choice between the two platforms may come down to personal preferences and playing style.
Professional and semi-professional players may gravitate towards FACEIT for its competitive edge, while casual players may find Valve’s official servers more suitable for their needs.