In this article, we’ll take a look at how the Valorant ranking system works and what it takes to rank up.
Valorant is a 5v5 tactical shooter from Riot Games. While it may look like just another FPS game at first glance, Valorant has some unique mechanics that set it apart from other games in the genre. One of these mechanics is the ranking system.
To unlock competitive mode, players first have to play 10 unrated matches first. After you play these 10 games, you’ll be placed into 5 matches. The placement match system helps the game determine where you should begin on the ranking system.
Valorant Ranking System (ranking and tiers)
Players are ranked in Valorant according to these eight divisions:
- Iron
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Immortal
- Radiant (previously called “Valorant”)
The game has twenty ranks in total, six of which have three sub-ranks. You need to complete these tiers to move up the ranks. The last two ranks, Immortal and Radiant, only have one tier each.
Ranking Decay
Some games use ranking decay to encourage players to log in. If you don’t log in for a set period, your rank will start decreasing. Valorant doesn’t use this mechanic, so you can take breaks when you need them. However, if you spend too much time away from the game, you may have to play a placement game to show them what your skill level is now and whether or not you can still compete at your last rank. The placement game gives them the information they need to place you in the appropriate bracket and make sure that you’re ready for battle.
Match Making Rating (MMR)
Your Match Making Rating, or MMR, is a number that’s used to determine how you’re paired with other players in competitive mode. Imagine it as a ladder: your MMR represents which rung you’re on. Riot Games says no two players will ever have the same spot on this ladder. Your rank is simply determined by how well you play with others and is separate from your rank rating.
Rank Rating (RR) Explained
Your Rank Rating is a measure of your competitive success in games. You earn RR points based on wins and your overall performance in the match, with more points awarded in lower tiers. To head into the next tier, you need to amass 100 RR points.
Grinding vs Skill
Valorant ranking system is not about trying to grind your way to the top of the leaderboards like some other online games does. It’s about increasing your skill in-game and leveling up. The game does have some emphasis on the number of wins you get, but it also looks into how you win them. Riot values players who utilize the wealth of skills, Ultimates, and strategies that can be found in-game. They prefer players who don’t just “camp,” or find a way to secure a win over and over again.
