CS:GO Patch Update 6/3/2021: The Big Change For Non-Prime Users
Counter-Strike Global Offensive was a paid game until the big update on December 6, 2019. From that moment on, luckily for all new players and younger generations, CS:GO became a free-to-play title.
However, it’s been over two years since that moment, and the situation didn’t get much better within the community. Instead of making the game more accessible, new issues were born along the way.
With this new update, Valve will try to fix the main problems related to cheating, smurf accounts, and the entire fair play concept. The innovations might seem harsh at first glance, yet their main goal is to improve the quality of matches in the long run.
So, what’s the deal with the 6/3/2021 update?
The main change is the Prime status. Before this update, buying Prime was somewhat optional. Now, if you’re aiming towards quality gaming, you’ll have to buy this plan.
Prime status can not be earned through play time anymore
Before the 6/3/2021 update, a player could earn the Prime status once he reaches level 21 (Lieutenant) in casual matches. Also, the players that bought the game before it went free-to-play were given Prime by default. However, the main difference is made for players who opened their accounts for free and for the players yet to come.
Now, the only way of getting the Prime status is by purchasing it for $14.99. Also, you’ll have to connect it to a valid phone number linked to your Steam account.
Free item drops are reserved for Prime
CS:GO skin drops were introduced back on August 13, 2013, and since then, players are obsessed with these. Although the update is only cosmetic, expensive skins are a prestigious status symbol.
Also, now we’re having entire communities and third-party operators such as CSGOempire where you can buy, sell or trade skins. With the new update, those operators will rise even more, as there won’t be free drops for non-primes. You’ll have to either upgrade the plan or get lucky with some of the skin gambling modes.
Non-prime accounts won’t progress with XP, Ranks and Skill Groups
If you’re not a part of the “premium community,” you’ll be able to play the game only for fun. This means your experience won’t rise, ranks will remain the same and skill groups will be non-existent.
Also, as there is no XP progression, free accounts can’t activate Bonus Rank XP items or claim Service medals anymore.
Free accounts can’t play Ranked matches
There is a bold line between prime and non-prime status since 6/3/2021. Now you’ll be able to participate in ranked matches only if you’re Prime.
However, free accounts can still test and play Competitive, Wingman and Danger Zone game modes, as those are now introduced in Unranked. Also, as a Prime player, you can choose between Ranked and Unranked, so you’ll still be able to play with non-prime friends.
For an official patch update post, check out this link.