How does Trust Factor work in CS2 and how to increase it

It’s more severe than before.

The latest release notes forCounter-Strike 2didn’t bring any groundbreaking changes, but it has quietly reintroduced a significant cheater-alert that a number of players refer to as CS2 Trust Factor.

Trust Factor was introduced in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive as a way to help players stay aware of their teammate’s activities and reputation in-game.

Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist agents for CS2 Trust Factor image

It became especially valuable when playing with unknown players who might have violated in-game rules in some way. However, the feature didn’t make the cut in CS2.

TheJune 12 release notesdidn’t directly mention the CS2 Trust Factor, but since the update, players have reported seeing it pop up when they queue with other players.

Team Spirit’s Danil “donk” Kryshkovets and Counter-Strike legend Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev in ONE Esports' image for the article featuring Donk

Seems like CS2 Devs have finally enabled Trust Factor for Matchmaking. I haven’t tested it yet,@killaposted this screenshot.pic.twitter.com/uB6xHOLXAJ

Valve might have introduced Trust Factor in CS2 quietly, despite being a highly valuable feature. With it, players can improve their chances of being matched against fair opponents with no history of cheating or disruptive behavior.

Two CS2 players in crossfire on Inferno in ONE Esports' image for the article about CS2 crosshair settings guide

According to those who have received it, the updated Trust Factor is even more severe than before.

Valve is now targeting those who queue with cheaters to get boosted as well. This means your trust factor may take a hit even if you don’t cheat but play with them.

Credit: ONE Esports

How to check CS2 Trust Factor

Right now, there’s no method to verify the precise Trust Factor percentage. However, you’re able to still compare your reputation against your friends’ in CS2.

First, create a lobby and invite your friend or multiple friends. Select any map in Premier or Competitive mode and click the “Go” button.

CS2 Trust Factor levels

Wait for a few seconds for the Trust Factor pop-ups to appear, and then quickly cancel the queue.

The lobby chat section will now show each player’s trust level. Here’s what each level means:

Fnatic CS2 player Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson in ONE Esports' image for Ask Me Anything article on him

If you’re playing with someone with a red trust level, you will be matched with players at the same level and vice versa.

If your own trust level is low, you may always work towards increasing it to get better opponents.

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How to increase CS2 Trust Factor

Trust Factor is an impactful feature, but it’s shrouded in mystery. No one knows how Valve’s determines a player’s trustworthiness in CS2, but here are a few things community experts think can help boost it:

These practices may help you increase your CS2 Trust Factor, which in turn, would improve your gaming experience.

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