What is FACEIT and How Does it Work?

What is FACEIT: Anti-Cheat, ELO System, Points & Matchmaking Explained

If you’re new to competitive gaming, you might’ve heard people say things like “I’m grinding FACEIT” or “FACEIT Level 10 flex.” But what exactly is FACEIT? And why do so many serious players use it instead of just sticking to in-game matchmaking?

I’ve spent a lot of time on FACEIT – it’s a separate competitive platform (for games like CS2/CS:GO) that sits outside Valve’s own matchmaking. 

In practice it runs on Valve-secured (VAC) servers but uses 128-tick servers and its own strict anti-cheat, aiming for more “esports-like” games. 

In contrast, Valve’s official matches use 64-tick servers with VAC/Overwatch. FACEIT offers things like leagues, ladders, community clubs, and rewards (called Faceit Points), which Valve’s normal system doesn’t have. 

Many players join FACEIT for tougher competition – but be warned: some vets on Reddit say FACEIT can feel more toxic than MM, especially if you’re not yet skilled. 

Below I’ll break down how FACEIT’s anti-cheat, ranking (Elo) system, and points work, and how it stacks up against in-game matchmaking.

What is Anti-Cheat on FACEIT?

FACEIT’s anti-cheat is mandatory in most queues – when you queue up, almost everyone must have it enabled. This means you can usually trust that nobody in your match is cheating. 

The anti-cheat client (once installed and running) turns green on the launcher to show it’s protecting the game.

FACEIT’s anti-cheat is actually more aggressive than Valve’s VAC: it can scan your running programs and deeper system information, whereas VAC only checks your game files/Steam folder. 

(Pro tip: always run it as administrator so it’s active.) Remember that FACEIT bans apply only to FACEIT play: you could be banned on FACEIT and still play casual Valve matches. 

Conversely, a VAC ban stops you from all VAC-secured servers (including FACEIT’s). FACEIT also encourages account verification. Verified players get matched with other verified players, which helps avoid smurf accounts – again boosting fairness.

• Mandatory Anti-Cheat: In any FACEIT queue, most players must use FACEIT’s anti-cheat client. FACEIT says this “means that you can be sure that no one in the match is cheating”.
   
• More Aggressive Than VAC: Unlike VAC, FACEIT’s AC runs at the system level. As one source notes, it “provides [FACEIT] with information about things running on your computer,” which VAC doesn’t do.
   
• Platform-Specific Bans: Bans are not cross-platform. A FACEIT ban only limits you on FACEIT; a VAC ban blocks all VAC servers (including FACEIT’s).
   
• Smurf Protection: Verified accounts are prioritized together, reducing the chance of facing smurfs.
   

What is The FACEIT ELO & Ranking System?

FACEIT uses a classic Elo system to rank players. Every new player starts at 1000 Elo, and as you win or lose, your Elo changes. 

Players are grouped into Skill Levels 1–10 based on their Elo. For example, Level 1 covers about 100–500 Elo, Level 5 is ~1051–1200, and Level 10 is 2001+ (see the FACEIT support chart). 

The very top ~1,000 players (per region) at Level 10 earn a special Challenger status. Your Elo goes up roughly +24–26 for a win (and down the same for a loss) in a well-balanced match. 

However, the exact change depends on team ratings: beating stronger opponents gives you a little extra Elo, while losing to lower-rated teams costs more. 

The system also punishes “boosting”: if high-Elo players queue with much lower-Elo teammates, their Elo gains slow way down. 

In short, climbs are transparent (you earn points toward the next level by winning), but expect Elo gains to average in the mid-20s per normal match.

• Elo & Levels: FACEIT ranks are built on Elo points (start at 1000) and Levels 1–10. Each level spans an Elo range; Level 10 is 2001+ (with Challenger above that).
   
• Challenger Rank: The top ~1000 players (globally per region) earn Challenger status, beyond Level 10.
   
• Match Impact: In a fair 5v5, you’ll typically gain or lose about 24–26 Elo. Upsetting a stronger team gives more, losing to a weaker team costs more.
   
• Anti-Boost: If you play with much lower-ranked teammates, FACEIT automatically clamps your Elo gain (you’ll need 2–3× more wins than your friends to rise).
   

What are FACEIT Points and Rewards?

FACEIT Points (FP) are the platform’s virtual currency. You earn FP by participating in FACEIT events – think of it as a reward for playing. 

For example, winning games in Ladders, placing in Tournaments, competing in Leagues/Clubs, or completing Missions can all net you points. 

The official FACEIT support says: “You can earn FP through FACEIT-organised content, such as Ladders, Leagues, Missions and tournaments…”. To be concrete, here are common ways to get points:

• Ladders: Regular matchmaking ladders award FP based on your leaderboard rank. In other words, just by playing competitive games you can climb ladder standings and win points.
   
• Tournaments: Many tournaments (daily or weekly) list FP prizes for top finishers. Some events even award skins, physical items, or cash in addition to FP.
   
• Clubs/Hubs: FACEIT communities can run their own leagues or hubs. These often have internal leaderboards with FP prizes.
   
• Missions: Special challenges (like monthly missions) give FP rewards. FACEIT notes that “monthly missions” reward FP and sometimes an in-game skin for completion.
   

You can spend FP in the FACEIT Shop on goodies. Depending on your region, FP can be exchanged for in-game skins, partner products (headsets, etc.), or even high-end items like gaming laptops. 

FACEIT’s site hints that a large variety of exclusive offers are available in the shop. (Note: FP can’t be bought with real money – you earn them through play.)

What is the Difference FACEIT vs In-Game Matchmaking?

FACEIT’s whole point is to offer a more competitive, configurable experience than the built-in matchmaking. 

On FACEIT you queue on FACEIT servers (128-tick) with Faceit AC, whereas in-game you use Valve servers (64-tick) with VAC/Overwatch. 

FACEIT’s client even has options like custom maps, “SuperMatch” rules, and team/party size settings that official matchmaking lacks.

Players often debate which is “better.” Some points of comparison:

• Competitive Environment: FACEIT is aimed at players who want serious matches. Many high-ranked Valve players migrate here to continue improving. In fact, a redditor bluntly commented that if you’re not already around Supreme/Global rank in Valve MM, “there is no point playing FaceIt” – because casual play is harder on FACEIT.
   
• Matchmaking System: FACEIT’s algorithm is sophisticated – it tries to match newbies with newbies and prevent high-skill imbalances. For example, Faceit’s 2020 update intended that players with <30 games face other new players about 67% of the time. Overall it often produces tighter, more competitive games. By contrast, Valve’s Premier matchmaker is simpler (and can mix solo players with big premades).
   
• Servers & Tech: FACEIT has higher tickrate (128) and its own AC. However, some users say Valve’s “inferior” 64-tick servers actually feel more stable. One top comment noted that despite 128-tick, FACEIT servers can be “more unstable than Valve servers”. (Certainly hit registration is better on 128-tick, but server performance can vary.)
   
• Community & Culture: Valve MM is more casual; FACEIT crowds are often more serious. Many players caution that FACEIT can be toxic at first. As one player put it, “It can be very toxic if you’re not good enough” to play on FACEIT. In my experience, newbies should go in expecting a high level of play. On the upside, FACEIT’s strict anti-cheat and opt-in format means you know everyone is trying.
   
• Progression & Rewards: Faceit offers its own rank/ladder and gives tangible rewards (points, skins) for play. Valve’s system just adjusts your hidden MMR and badge. So if you like earning prizes and seeing global leaderboards, FACEIT has an edge.
   

In summary, FACEIT is a separate ecosystem built for competitive play. It’s not necessarily a “better experience” for fun, but it is a more structured, hardcore ladder. Many players eventually do both: Valve MM for relaxing, and FACEIT for serious scrims.

FAQs

• What is FACEIT and how does it differ from in-game matchmaking?

FACEIT is an independent competitive platform (for CS2/CS:GO, etc.) that runs on its own 128-tick servers with a mandatory anti-cheat. Unlike Valve’s built-in MM, FACEIT has its own Elo ranking (levels 1–10 + Challenger)and rewards system.
 

• How does the FACEIT Elo/ranking system work?

Everyone starts at 1000 Elo and is grouped into Skill Levels 1–10. Winning a balanced game gives about +24–26 Elo. Climbing through levels requires accumulating Elo by winning matches; top players (≈1,000) earn “Challenger” status. Losing to weaker teams costs more Elo. The system also throttles “boosting” – if a high-Elo player queues with much lower teammates, their Elo gains slow dramatically.
 

• How do I earn Faceit Points and what are they?

Faceit Points (FP) are a virtual currency earned through FACEIT’s competitive features. You get FP by playing in ladders (leaderboards), tournaments, leagues, missions, etc. For example, daily/weekly tournament top finishes give FP, and club/hub competitions offer points. FP are spent in the FACEIT shop on items like in-game skins or partner hardware.

• How does FACEIT’s anti-cheat work, and do I need to do anything?

You must install and run the FACEIT Anti-Cheat client for any game that uses it. Once running, it ensures no one in the match is cheating. It’s more aggressive than Valve’s VAC, scanning programs beyond the game. Simply enable it (icon turns green) when you queue. Also consider verifying your account as prompted – FACEIT matches verified users together to cut smurfing.

• Is FACEIT better than the normal matchmaking?

“Better” depends on what you want. FACEIT is more competitive and rewards-focused, but it can be less casual. Many players use it to improve after reaching higher Valve ranks. Some forum users warn it can feel more toxic or intense. In short: FACEIT is great for practice and higher-skill play, while Valve MM is easier-going for fun.

• How to Find Players on FACEIT?

  If you’re new and don’t have teammates, you can use tools like Faceit Player Finder — just enter a player’s Steam ID, username, or profile URL to view their stats and play history. This helps you find like-minded teammates or check out opponents before a match.

Conclusion

FACEIT is more than just “another matchmaking system” — it’s a community and competitive ladder that can push you to become a better player. Whether you’re chasing Level 10 glory or just want fairer matches with less cheating, FACEIT is worth trying.

Just remember: it’s a grind, it’s sweaty, but that’s what makes the wins even sweeter.