Is the VALORANT Ranked System Broken?

Since the release of ranked in Riot Games’ competitive FPS, VALORANT, players have been crying out for changes to already be made to the system. The competitive matchmaking in the game has been a hot topic among streamers, in the VALORANT subreddits, and on Twitter due to its dynamic queue system. Comments from top streamers like TSM Myth, Hiko, as well as VALORANT’s Design Director, Joe “Ziggs” Ziegler have the community buzzing.

Currently, the ranked system is set for a dynamic queue, which means that players who start matchmaking solo can be paired against teams of three, four, or five stacks. Those solo players are almost always at a disadvantage when pitted against these other teams as communication is a key factor in winning any game involving team play. Ali “Myth” Kabbani, a wildly popular Twitch streamer, had a few things to say about the ranked system when talking about it on stream. “The ranked system is really not good in this game, I don’t like it all.” Myth states that the way ranked is set up for the game doesn’t make sense and needs to be changed. This seems to be the voice of the community, as many people have gone to Twitter to complain about how the system should be changed. Myth adds that it doesn’t make sense that solo players or pairs of two players are pit against teams of five who clearly have an advantage when it comes to communication.

Many people in the community say that either the system doesn’t work correctly, or that the system should add some things to what needs to be weighed. The balance of the system seems off as well, some players even reporting that they have ranked up twice after one win. Whereas others play well but their rank doesn’t seem to budge after long periods of play. Things like flashing opponents with Phoenix’s Curveball ability, resulting in a teammate securing a kill, should count as an assist. Maybe equalizing the factors of a players win/loss rate would also help. One thing is certain, players are becoming more and more hostile towards the ranked system as the days go by.

One thing to add is that VALORANT is still in closed beta, so many things are subject to change. Riot Developers have been very open to feedback from the community, and they are also very openly communicating with the players. They understand that some things are currently frustrating to players, and they are trying their best to make sure the ranked system will be perfect upon release. Another thing, the ranks in the closed beta will be completely reset on release as well, so the pressure to gain the highest rank is slightly tapered for now.