CS2 free to play and Prime Status: what each includes
Counter-Strike 2 is free to play. Here is what the free version covers, what Prime Status adds, how to get it and how mixed Prime and non-Prime parties work.
Counter-Strike 2 is free to play. Valve’s release notes for Sept. 27, 2023 said the game was “now available and free to play” and that Season One of Premier had begun. This guide covers what the free version includes and what Prime Status adds, based on Steam Support’s Prime Status and Free to Play page, published March 3, 2026.
What the free version of CS2 includes
Free players get access to all game modes and matchmaking types, with one exception: Premier mode requires Prime Status.
The Sept. 27, 2023 release notes list Competitive, Wingman and Private Matchmaking among the features enabled at launch. They also list Training Day, which Valve wrote is “a brief introductory experience for brand new players.”
What Prime Status adds
Steam Support says users with Prime Status are matchmade with and against only other Prime Status users in all game modes. Without Prime Status, several features are missing:
| Feature | Without Prime Status | With Prime Status |
|---|---|---|
| XP | No XP from any game mode on any server | Earn XP |
| Competitive Skill Group and Counter-Strike Rating | Not issued | Yes |
| Weekly care packages | Not received | Eligible |
| Premier mode | Not available | Available, with Profile Level 10 |
Weekly care packages
Valve wrote in the Sept. 27, 2023 release notes that the weekly Care Package replaced weekly drops. At launch, players could choose from weapon cases, weapon finishes and graffiti. Steam Support says you need Prime Status to receive care packages.
Access to Premier
Owning Prime Status is not enough on its own. Steam Support says players must own Prime Status and be Profile Level 10 to play Premier.
How to get Prime Status
Prime Status can be purchased in-game or through the Steam Store.
Playing with friends who have a different status
Prime and non-Prime users can matchmake together, but only from a pre-made lobby. Steam Support says such a lobby is considered non-Prime, and the match is with and against non-Prime users. A non-Prime user cannot play in a Prime-only match.
Premier has its own party rule. Valve wrote in the Sept. 27, 2023 release notes that players with a very high established CS Rating are not allowed to party with accounts that do not have an established CS Rating.
FAQ
Is Counter-Strike 2 free?
Yes. Valve’s release notes for Sept. 27, 2023 said CS2 was “now available and free to play.” Premier mode is the one part of the free version that requires Prime Status.
Do I need Prime Status to play Premier?
Yes. Steam Support says players must own Prime Status and be Profile Level 10 to access Premier mode.
Can I get XP without Prime Status?
No. Steam Support says you must have Prime Status to receive XP and earn a Service Medal, and that you receive no XP from any game mode on any server without it.
Do free players get a skill group or Counter-Strike Rating?
No. Steam Support says Competitive Skill Groups and Counter-Strike Rating are issued only to users with Prime Status.
Can I queue with a friend who has Prime if I do not?
Yes, from a pre-made lobby. The lobby counts as non-Prime, so the match is with and against non-Prime users.
Can I remove Prime Status later?
No. Steam Support says there is currently no way to remove it from your account.