Image via IGDB / Valve Software

What is XP Overload in CS2? XP Overload Explained

Oh look, another FOMO mechanic.

Valve has introduced a new system to CS2 called XP Overload. It’s a gimmicky feature that currently does not have any specific value other than to show it off to your friends and people on the server you’re playing on. Let’s see what this XP Overload ruckus is actually all about.

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How to Get XP Overload in CS2

The XP Overload is a special icon displayed next to a player’s name that indicates they’ve earned all of their weekly XP.

Per Valve’s statement:

“When you have earned all of the normal weekly XP and have entered reduced XP gain, you’ll get something to show for it — an XP Overload icon will appear next to your name in your profile, the scoreboard, and kill-feed — and you’ll have at least one week to show it off. For every week you keep your XP-earning streak alive, your XP Overload icon will upgrade.

There’s just one little change that happened the day after the release of the XP Overload feature:

“Removed XP Overload icon from the kill feed.”

I guess that CS2 players do not appreciate the clutter in their UI, so this change was swiftly implemented. You can check the rest of the major Arms Race patch notes here.

You can get the XP Overload status by playing CS2 on official servers through official matchmaking. Of course, you’ll get the most experience if you play a Premier or Competitive match, and it’s possible to fill up the XP bar with three of these matches. Alternatively, participate in Deathmatch or the recently returned Arms Race. However, it will take you more time to reach the XP limit. As soon as you stop getting bonus XP, you are entering the “reduced” XP gain territory.

Can You Gain Anything From XP Overload in CS2?

You can only gain the visual “show-off” that looks like a lightning symbol in a circle before your name. For now. Maybe Valve will decide to add something more in the future. I am not sure I’ll keep up with the tempo to maintain a lightning symbol next to my name due to the game being in a rough state right now.

How to Check Your XP in CS2

There are two ways to check your current XP. In the main title screen, where you see your player model, you can click on your profile picture, and in the window that comes up, you’ll see all the relevant information. Alternatively, play a match, and at the end, you will be shown how much you’ve gained.

Best XP for Solo Play in CS2

If you want to earn XP based on your individual performance, then CS2’s Deathmatch is the correct mode for you. In a mode like Deathmatch, it’s you against the rest of the lobby—you don’t have to hope that you have good teammates.

Deathmatch matches usually last for ten minutes and provide ample opportunities to accumulate XP. During this time, you can rack up points by eliminating opponents and avoiding getting eliminated yourself. The higher the number of players you eliminate, the higher your chances of earning XP. Similarly, the longer you manage to survive in the game, the more XP you can earn.

Overall, Deathmatch mode is an excellent way to test your skills against other players and earn tons of XP fast based on your individual performance. So, if you want to improve your XP count and show off your skills, give Deathmatch mode a try.


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About the Author

Nikola L

Nikola has been a Staff Writer at Prima Games since May 2022. He has been gaming since being able to hold an Amiga 500 joystick on his own, back in the early 90s (when gaming was really good!). Nikola has helped organize dozens of gaming events and tournaments and has been professionally attached to gaming since 2009.