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CS:GO’s Scrimmage mode finally offers completely unranked matchmaking

The new mode won't adjust your Skill Group

Accompanying an update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on July 31, its developer Valve has announced that the multiplayer FPS is getting some new maps, and a new game mode to try them out in. It’s called “Scrimmage” – and it’s basically an unranked matchmaking mode.

In a blog post on the Counter Strike website titled “A Learning Environment”, the game’s devs announce that the new update is “all about maps, with significant changes to Vertigo, and an update to the map pool!” In addition to introducing two new maps to the pool – Breach and Seaside – the update brings in “Scrimmage maps on the competitive tab.”

The post reads “when you play a Scrimmage map all of the competitive rules are the same, but there are no restrictions on players in your party, and your Skill Group will not be adjusted or displayed after your match. So jump into a scrimmage, and try out something new!” So, you’ll be able to play a regular, competitive matchmade game but it’ll be unranked, and Skill Groups won’t really feature.

According to a tweet on the CS:GO Twitter channel, wins in the five-versus-five mode won’t count as Competitive wins, adding that “Skill Group disparity does not apply; Silvers can queue with Global Elites and not require a full lobby to matchmake.” Now, you’ll get to play with your pals even if your ranks differ. Another tweet also says that the mode is “currently only available” on the two new maps plus Ruby, though given that it says “currently”, perhaps this could potentially change in the future.

Given the conditions of the new mode, it looks like the title “a learning environment” is fitting – players will now have the chance to practice their CS:GO skills, try new things out (as the post encourages), or even just enjoy some matches with friends with fewer restrictions on matchmaking and no impacts on Skill Groups.

In the meantime, if you’re keen to find out more about what the new update brings, you can read through the full patch notes on the CS:GO site. For the most up to date patch notes, take a look at our CS:GO update tracker.