This article brings you the most effective ways to hit level 20 in the shortest time, helping you jump into ranked mode right away.
To play ranked modes in Valorant, players must first reach level 20. Leveling up can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. As a result, some players opt for the shortcut of buying a Valorant account. However, for those who want to progress from the start, there are some ways to speed it up. If you’re itching to level up quickly and jump into competitive play, this guide is for you. We've put together the most effective strategies, tips, and tricks to help you gain AP faster and hit level 20 in the shortest time.
Leveling up fast in Valorant requires more than just playing matches—it's about playing smart. By choosing the right game modes, leverage the perks of being a new player, and consistently completing tasks, you can drastically shorten the time it takes to hit level 20. Below are some of the most effective methods to speed up your progress.
To level up quickly in Valorant, focus on earning Account Points (AP). This point is different from Experience Points (XP), which can be used for unlocking agent-specific items and battle pass rewards. Each level requires 5000 AP, and you gain AP simply by playing matches. For every 6 seconds spent in a match, you receive 1 AP, regardless of the outcome. In addition, just participating in a match gives you a base of 1 AP.
One of the most effective ways to maximize your AP gain is by securing your First win of the day, which rewards you with a generous 1000 AP. This bonus is available once every 22 hours and applies to all game modes. Be sure to claim it daily for a significant boost.
Winning matches also adds a 50 AP bonus on top of your base earnings. While you still earn AP even if you lose, consistently winning can speed up your leveling progress.
If your account is level 10 or below, Riot Games provides an extra AP boost to help you climb faster. During this period, you earn 40 AP per minute instead of the usual 10, and each victory grants a 200 AP bonus. This beginner-friendly incentive makes it much easier to reach higher levels early on.
In short, play regularly, aim for daily wins, and make the most of bonus AP opportunities. With consistent effort, you'll hit level 20 and unlock competitive play much faster.
Spike Rush is the ideal game mode if you want to level up quickly in a short amount of time. Each match only lasts about 10–12 minutes and can end even faster if you secure an early win. Despite the short duration, Spike Rush still provides a solid amount of XP and AP compared to the time spent. Each win can earn you 50 AP, which is on par with longer game modes. Thanks to the shorter rounds and reduced pre-round waiting time, you can easily play 5–6 matches within an hour. With its fast pace and simple mechanics, Spike Rush is not only time-efficient but also less stressful than full-length matches. It’s a great choice for players who want to have fun while gaining XP quickly.
Also read: All Valorant Maps, Ranked (2025)
Valorant provides a system of daily and weekly missions that grant players additional XP upon completion. These tasks refresh regularly and offer high XP rewards for completing simple objectives. Most daily missions can be finished in 1–2 matches, with each mission giving up to 4000 XP. Winning Spike Rush or Escalation games helps complete these faster. Weekly missions offer even more, around 25,000 XP per challenge. They may take more time but bring a big XP boost.
To level up efficiently, check your missions before playing and focus on completing them during each session. Note that modes like Deathmatch and Escalation may not contribute to some weekly missions, so choose your game mode based on the requirements of each task.
Reaching level 20 in Valorant usually takes about 2 to 3 days of focused gameplay, meaning you play consistently for several hours each day. However, the exact time varies depending on your skill, experience, and the game modes you choose. Winning matches and performing well will help you level up faster. On the other hand, if you lose often or have limited playtime, it may take longer.
Reaching level 20 in Valorant takes time, consistency, and grinding. Although the above methods can speed up the process, it still demands regular effort from players. But if you don’t want to spend countless hours leveling, then buy a ranked-ready Valorant account at PlaySwap. PlaySwap offers reliable experience with fast delivery, full refund guarantee and 24/7 live chat support, helping you begin your ranked journey immediately.
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