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Welcome to 5Stack! This guide will walk you through everything you need to get started on the platform, from creating your account to playing your first match or tournament.

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Getting Started

1

Sign in with Steam

5Stack uses Steam authentication for secure access to the platform.
  1. Navigate to the 5Stack login page
  2. Click the Sign in through Steam button
  3. You’ll be redirected to Steam’s authentication page
  4. Log in with your Steam credentials and authorize 5Stack
  5. You’ll be redirected back to 5Stack, now logged in
Your Steam profile information (avatar, username) will be automatically synced to your 5Stack account.
5Stack uses Steam OpenID for authentication, which means your Steam credentials are never shared with 5Stack directly. This is the same secure authentication method used by many gaming platforms.
2

Complete Your Profile

After logging in, customize your profile to get the most out of 5Stack.
  1. Navigate to Settings → Account
  2. Set your Country for better regional matchmaking
  3. Choose your preferred Language from 16+ available options
  4. Update your Avatar URL (optional, if you’re an admin)
Setting your country helps the matchmaking system pair you with players in your region for lower latency matches.

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Configure Matchmaking Preferences

Customize your matchmaking experience in Settings → Matchmaking:
  • Select your preferred game modes (Competitive, Wingman, Duel)
  • Choose your preferred regions for matchmaking
  • Set your availability status
// Example matchmaking preferences stored in MatchmakingStore
{
  type: "Competitive",
  regions: ["us-west", "us-east"],
  joinedAt: Date.now()
}
3

Explore the Platform

Get familiar with 5Stack’s main features:
Visit the Play page (/play) to:
  • Queue for matchmaking (if enabled)
  • View upcoming matches
  • See open tournaments
  • Find open matches to join
4

Join Your First Match

There are multiple ways to get into a match on 5Stack:

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Option 1: Matchmaking (If Enabled)

The fastest way to find a match is through automated matchmaking:
  1. Go to the Play page (/play)
  2. Select your preferred game mode (Competitive, Wingman, or Duel)
  3. Choose your region
  4. Click Find Match to enter the queue
  5. Wait for the system to find opponents
  6. Accept the match when found and check in
Matchmaking availability depends on your platform’s configuration. If matchmaking isn’t enabled, you can create or join custom matches instead.

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Option 2: Join an Open Match

Browse and join matches created by other players:
  1. Navigate to the Play page
  2. Scroll to the Open Matches section
  3. Click on any match to view details
  4. Click Join to enter the match lobby

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Option 3: Create a Custom Match

Create your own match with custom settings:
  1. Go to Matches → Create (/matches/create)
  2. Choose between:
    • Pick-up Game (PUG): Players join individually
    • Team vs Team: Select two teams to compete
  3. Configure match options:
    • Match Type: Competitive, Wingman, or Duel
    • Best Of: Bo1, Bo3, or Bo5
    • Map Selection: Pick maps or use veto system
    • Region: Select server region
    • Privacy: Public or Private
  4. Click Create Match
<FormField name="pug">
  <FormItem>
    <FormLabel>Pick Up Game</FormLabel>
    <FormDescription>
      Players join individually and teams are balanced automatically
    </FormDescription>
    <Switch v-model="form.values.pug" />
  </FormItem>
</FormField>

<FormField name="type">
  <FormLabel>Match Type</FormLabel>
  <Select v-model="form.values.type">
    <SelectItem value="Competitive">Competitive (5v5)</SelectItem>
    <SelectItem value="Wingman">Wingman (2v2)</SelectItem>
    <SelectItem value="Duel">Duel (1v1)</SelectItem>
  </Select>
</FormField>
5

Join a Tournament

Compete in organized tournaments for a more competitive experience:

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Finding Tournaments

  1. Visit the Tournaments page (/tournaments)
  2. Check the Open for Registration section
  3. Or browse tabs:
    • Live: Currently running tournaments
    • Upcoming: Tournaments accepting registrations
    • Finished: Completed tournaments

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Registering for a Tournament

  1. Click on a tournament to view details
  2. Review tournament information:
    • Format (Swiss, Round Robin, Single/Double Elimination)
    • Start date and time
    • Number of teams/players
    • Match settings
  3. Click Register to join
  4. Wait for the tournament to start
Tournament formats vary:
  • Swiss: All teams play a set number of rounds with skill-based pairing
  • Round Robin: Every team plays every other team
  • Single Elimination: Lose once and you’re out
  • Double Elimination: Get a second chance after your first loss

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Creating a Tournament

If you have Tournament Organizer permissions:
  1. Navigate to /tournaments/create
  2. Fill in tournament details:
    • Name and Description
    • Start Date/Time
    • Tournament Format
    • Match Settings (type, best of, maps)
  3. Click Create Tournament
Tournament Form Example
<FormField name="name">
  <FormLabel>Tournament Name</FormLabel>
  <Input v-model="form.values.name" />
</FormField>

<FormField name="start">
  <FormLabel>Start Date</FormLabel>
  <Popover>
    <Calendar v-model="startDate" />
  </Popover>
  <Input type="time" v-model="startTime" />
</FormField>
6

In the Match Lobby

Once you’re in a match, you’ll enter the match lobby:

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Lobby Features

  • Real-time Chat: Communicate with other players
  • Voice Chat: WebRTC-based voice communication
  • Team Rosters: View lineups for both teams
  • Check-in System: Confirm your presence when match is ready
  • Map Veto: Participate in map selection (if enabled)
  • Region Veto: Vote on server region (if multiple regions available)

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Match Flow

1

Check-in

When the match is ready, you’ll need to check in within the time limit. Click the Check In button when prompted.
2

Map Veto

If map veto is enabled, teams take turns banning and picking maps from the map pool.
3

Server Connection

Once the match starts, you’ll receive connection details:
connect 123.45.67.89:27015; password your_password
Copy this command and paste it into your CS2 console.
4

Play the Match

Join the server and play! Match stats are tracked automatically and updated in real-time.
Enable the CS2 developer console in your game settings. Press ` (backtick) to open the console and paste the connection command.

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Next Steps

Now that you’ve completed your first match, explore more features:

View Features

Discover all of 5Stack’s features and capabilities

Matchmaking Guide

Learn more about the matchmaking system

Team Management

Create and manage your own team

View Your Stats

Track your performance and statistics

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Common Issues

  • Clear your browser cookies and cache
  • Make sure you’re logged into Steam in your browser
  • Try using a different browser
  • Ensure your Steam profile is set to public
Matchmaking may be restricted based on:
  • Your account role (minimum role requirements may apply)
  • Temporary bans or cooldowns
  • Platform configuration (matchmaking may be disabled for certain game modes)
Check Settings → Account to view your role and any active restrictions.
If you can’t connect to a match server:
  • Ensure CS2 is running and up to date
  • Check that you’ve enabled the developer console
  • Verify your firewall isn’t blocking CS2
  • Make sure you’re copying the entire connection command including the password
Language changes are applied immediately. If content isn’t updating:
  • Refresh the page
  • Clear browser cache
  • Check if the translation exists for that section
5Stack supports 16+ languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Need more help? Check out the User Guide for detailed documentation or visit the GitHub repository to report issues.

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