Behind-the-Scenes: Match Making Rating (MMR) System
Quick Answer: MMR: hidden ELO system. Win/loss and opponent rank affect rating. Stabilizes with play.
CS2 uses a hidden MMR (Match Making Rating) system similar to ELO. Winning increases MMR, losing decreases it. Opponent MMR relative to your MMR affects rating changes. Playing higher-ranked opponents grants more rating on wins, loses more on losses.
Rating changes aren't linear--they follow diminishing returns. New accounts gain/lose rating rapidly until MMR stabilizes. Established players gain/lose smaller amounts, stabilizing skill evaluation. This prevents constant ranking changes for experienced players.
Key Points
- Hidden ELO-like system
- Win/loss primary factor
- Opponent rank affects changes
- Stabilizes with experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting linear progression
- Not understanding opponent rank value