CS2 Overtime Rules Explained
Quick facts
| Rule | Pro matches |
|---|---|
| When overtime starts | at 12-12 |
| Rounds per block | 6 (3 per side) |
| Wins needed in a block | 4 |
| If the block ends 3-3 | a new block starts |
| Number of overtimes | unlimited |
| Money at the start of each overtime half | fixed, usually $12,500 in tournaments |
Why everyone gets the same money
In regulation, money carries over from round to round, so one team can be rich while the other is broke. In overtime, money is reset: every player starts each overtime half with the same fixed amount. The game default is $10,000, and most pro tournaments set it to $12,500.
That is enough for a rifle, armor and a full set of grenades. In practice, overtime is mostly about full buys on both sides, which makes it a cleaner test of who plays the round better. See CS2 Economy Explained for how money works in regulation.
Sides in overtime
Teams play 3 rounds on one side, then switch for the last 3 rounds of the block. Each new block switches again, so neither team gets an unfair run of rounds on its stronger side. The exact side order is set by the tournament rules.
Premier and Competitive are different
| Mode | At 12-12 |
|---|---|
| Competitive matchmaking | draw, no overtime |
| Premier | one overtime block; a draw if it also ends tied |
| Pro tournaments | unlimited overtime blocks |
How much time overtime adds
One overtime block adds about 10 to 15 minutes. Double or triple overtime is rare but can push a single map past 90 minutes. That is one reason a BO3 can run close to four hours.
FAQ
How does overtime work in CS2?
At 12-12, teams play a block of 6 rounds, 3 on each side. The first team to win 4 rounds in the block wins the map. If the block ends 3-3, another block starts.
How much money do you get in CS2 overtime?
Everyone gets the same fixed amount at the start of each overtime half. The game default is $10,000; most pro tournaments use $12,500.
Is there a limit to overtimes in pro CS2?
No. Overtime blocks repeat until one team wins, so a map can go to double or triple overtime.
Does Premier have overtime?
Yes, one overtime block. If it ends tied, the map is a draw. Competitive matchmaking has no overtime: 12-12 is a draw.
Related guides
How Many Rounds Are in CS2? MR12 ExplainedCS2 uses MR12: 12 rounds per half, up to 24 in regulation, and the first team to 13 wins. What happens at 12-12 in Competitive, Premier and pro matches.
CS2 Economy Explained: Money, Loss Bonus and Buy RoundsHow money works in CS2: $800 to start each half, $3,250 for a round win, a loss bonus from $1,400 to $3,400, kill rewards by weapon and the $16,000 cap.
How Long Is a CS2 Match?A Premier match takes 30 to 50 minutes. In pro play one map takes 40 to 60 minutes and a BO3 often 2 to 3 hours. What makes a CS2 match longer or shorter.
CS2 Rules Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Competitive Counter-StrikeHow competitive CS2 works: two teams of five, T vs CT, 13 rounds to win a map, the bomb, the economy and how pro matches are played as BO1 or BO3.
MR12MR12 means max rounds 12: in CS2 each half has 12 rounds, a map has up to 24, and the first team to 13 wins. How it differs from CS:GO's MR15 format.
Sources
Reviewed by the R1GG team