VALORANT Ranking System
VALORANT is one of the most famous games in the world right now, and there is strong competition between players from all around the world. All that competition is held in a competitive system, but do you know how the VALORANT Ranking System works? Today, we will answer all the questions you have in your mind!
What is the VALORANT Ranking System: Explained
Before you set out on your competitive adventure in Valorant, there are some prerequisites you should be aware of. To access ranked mode, also known as competitive mode, you'll need to reach account level 20. If you're wondering how to level up quickly, here's a pro tip: for every 5,000 AP earned, you'll gain one account level.
Valorant's ranking system comprises nine distinct tiers, with Radiant sitting atop the hierarchy. These tiers are further divided into three segments, except for Radiant. Here's how the ranks are structured:
- Iron – Iron 1, Iron 2, Iron 3
- Bronze – Bronze 1, Bronze 2, Bronze 3
- Silver – Silver 1, Silver 2, Silver 3
- Gold – Gold 1, Gold 2, Gold 3
- Platinum – Platinum 1, Platinum 2, Platinum 3
- Diamond – Diamond 1, Diamond 2, Diamond 3
- Ascendant – Ascendant 1, Ascendant 2, Ascendant 3
- Immortal – Immortal 1, Immortal 2, Immortal 3
- Radiant
How does the VALORANT Ranking System work?
Now that you've got the basics, let's dig into how VALORANT's ranking system functions. To kick things off, your rank is "Unranked" with a question mark when you enter competitive mode. To determine your initial rank in VALORANT, you'll need to play five placement matches. Keep in mind that the highest rank you can attain through placement games is Ascendant. Remember that your VALORANT rank resets at the end of each episode, typically spanning three acts and lasting around six months.
Duos and trios can queue together within a specific rank range. If the lowest-ranked player in the group is Iron or Bronze, the highest rank allowed is Silver. For Silver, the maximum is Gold, and so on. The same rank disparity rules apply to Platinum and higher ranks. For example, a Platinum 2 player can queue with someone within one tier above them, up to Ascendant 2. Solo queueing is allowed in ranked games, but party queueing has restrictions. Groups of four are not permitted at any rank level to ensure a level playing field for solo players.
Which ranks can play together?
The first question is, can you play VALORANT with any rank? Yes, but not in Rated games, is the simple answer. You can play as many Swiftplay, Unrated, Team Deathmatch, and other games as you like, but not Rated games. This implies that as an Ascendant, you can always trample on adversaries in Deathmatch if you queue with an Iron, but the Iron player is unlikely to have a good time. This is due to the rankings leveling out with the skill level of your opponents and the rest of the people in the lobby that both of you entered.
Iron and Bronze players may play with any Silver player, whereas Silver hardstuck players can play with any Gold player. This implies that Silver players have the biggest dispersion throughout the ranks, as they may play with four distinct ranks: Iron, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Then, Gold players can play with Platinum players.
However, it becomes more intriguing after Platinum. This is due to the fact that in Platinum, Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant, you can play with anybody who is one tier above than you. This implies that a Platinum 3 player may play with any rank up to Diamond 3, and an Ascendant 2 player can queue up with an Immortal 2 player but not an Immortal 3 player.
There is one major exception to the above criteria. You may still play VALORANT rated together if you have a five-stack of players of various rankings. This comes at a 25% Rank Rating (RR) penalty, which means you'll gain less RR when you win and lose less RR when you lose compared to a "normal" match under the previously described rank regulations. This implies that a Silver player may play ranked with an Ascendant if they have a team of five players.
What is Rank Rating (RR) in VALORANT?
Rank rating, known as RR in Valorant, is your ticket to climbing the competitive ladder. To move from one rank level to the next, you'll need to accumulate 100 RR. For example, to progress from Iron 1 to Iron 2, you must gather 100 RR. This rule holds true up to the Ascendant 3 rank in Valorant.
Once you reach Immortal 1, things become more competitive. You'll start with 10 RR and compete for RR based on your regional ratings, which are frequently updated. To attain the esteemed Radiant rank in the Europe region, you'll need a minimum of 550 RR and must secure a spot among the top 500 players in your region.
Regional Leaderboards
Valorant offers a ranked leaderboard within the game for fiercely competitive souls. This leaderboard is region-specific and relies on your account's regional location. It showcases the top 500 players in every region. You must participate in at least one ranked competitive game weekly to maintain your position on this leaderboard.
How to play ranked in VALORANT
Let's discuss how to get started now that you understand the ranking system. When you unlock the competitive mode, you'll start with the "Unranked" badge with a question mark. You must play five placement matches to get your first rank in Valorant. It's important to understand that the greatest rank you may achieve through placement matches is Ascendant.
What is Act Rank in VALORANT?
Valorant's competitive structure is divided into episodes comprising three acts or seasons. At the end of each act, your act rank is determined. This rank is solely based on your victories in ranked matches. Whichever rank level has the most wins before the act concludes becomes your act rank.
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