Explore the world of Valorant's Competitive Mode and dive into the intricate ranking system. Learn about the different Valorant ranks, matchmaking mechanics, and strategies to climb the ladder.
As an Agent in Valorant, you are no stranger to the adrenaline-pumping battles and the relentless pursuit of victory. Now, it's time to take your skills to the next level and conquer the competitive scene.
In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about Valorant ranks and how to navigate the highly competitive landscape with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned player looking to climb the ranks or a newcomer eager to understand the intricacies of competitive gameplay, we've got you covered.
Competitive Mode in Valorant has recently undergone some improvements, so it's essential to be prepared for the upcoming changes. Let's address some of your most important questions.
We can't just send inexperienced Agents into intense battles without proper preparation. Starting from Episode 4 Act 1, you must reach at least Account Level 20 to access Competitive Mode. However, if you've played at least one ranked match before Episode 4 and your Account Level is below 20, you can still participate in Competitive Mode.
Important Note:
Previously, before Episode 4, you had to win 10 unrated matches to unlock Competitive Mode. However, things have changed. Now, the only way to access Competitive Mode is by reaching the required Account Level mentioned above.
In Valorant, we want to make sure Agents like you have a competitive advantage. That's why we've implemented different ways to assess your skill level. Let's dive into the distinction between Rank and Act Rank to give you a clear understanding.
Rank is probably something you're familiar with if you've been playing Valorant for a while. It serves as a reliable indicator of your skill and standing in matches. You can see your Rank in various places, including the tab menu, summary scoreboards, and it's visible to your party members.
The ranks themselves are as follows: Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant. Except for Radiant, each rank consists of three tiers. The higher the number, the better your rank. Over time, your rank will directly impact your Act Rank.
Now, Act Rank measures your performance throughout an entire Act, which is a defined period of time. It's determined by your highest ranked win, showcasing your proven skill level. It's an important measure of your progress and achievement within that Act.
By understanding the distinction between Rank and Act Rank, you'll have a clearer grasp of how your skill is evaluated in Valorant. Keep pushing your limits, aiming for victories, and watch your Act Rank rise as a testament to your proven abilities.
Now, let's talk about Rank Rating (RR) and how it impacts your journey through the Valorant ranks. RR serves as a visual tool to keep track of your progress as you climb up the ladder. However, it operates differently for the ranks of Iron through Ascendant compared to Immortal and Radiant ranks.
In the lower ranks, from Iron to Ascendant, Rank Rating functions in a specific manner tailored to those tiers. On the other hand, the approach changes for the higher ranks of Immortal and Radiant.
By familiarizing yourself with the nuances of Rank Rating across different rank categories, you can gain a clearer understanding of how it influences your advancement. This knowledge will help you monitor your progress and set goals as you strive to reach new heights in the Valorant ranks.
The good news is that there is no rank decay in Valorant. Your rank will not deteriorate over time.
Now, for those of you in the Immortal and Radiant ranks, there's a slight difference. While your rank itself doesn't decay, your position on the leaderboard can change. So, it's possible to drop in the leaderboard standings, but your actual rank remains unchanged.
Your hard-earned rank will not diminish over time. However, keep in mind that leaderboard positions may shift as other players make progress. Stay focused, continue honing your skills, and maintain your competitive spirit to secure your spot among the top players in Valorant.
You can team up and play Competitive matches with your friends, even if there's a difference in skill levels. However, there are certain restrictions to keep in mind, depending on the size of your group.
If you're playing with a group of 2 or 3 players, there are specific rank range limitations for queuing together. Here's a breakdown of the restrictions:
For parties of 2 or 3, players can queue within the following ranked disparity restrictions:
| LOWEST RANK IN PARTY | HIGHEST RANK IN PARTY |
| Iron and Bronze | Silver |
| Silver | Gold |
| Gold | Platinum |
| Platinum, Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant | Exactly 1 tier higher max (Example: Platinum 2 can queue with up to Diamond 2) |
However, if you have a full group of 5 players (a 5-stack), you are not bound by the above restrictions. You can play together regardless of the rank differences. However, please note that if your 5-stack consists of Iron through Ascendant players, there will be Rank Rating (RR) penalties if any players in the group are ranked outside of the normal party restrictions. For instance, a 5-stack of all Silver and Gold players will not receive RR penalties. On the other hand, a 5-stack with a combination of Silver, Gold, and Ascendant players will face an RR penalty.
Now that you're aware of the party restrictions, gather your friends and enjoy competitive matches together. Work as a team, communicate effectively, and strive for victory as you conquer the Valorant ranks side by side.
When it comes to playing with a premade group in Valorant, there are certain size limitations to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
If you have a group of 3 players or less, you must meet the skill disparity requirements mentioned earlier. This means that the ranks within the group should fall within the specified range to maintain balance. However, groups of 4 players are not allowed because it can lead to an undesirable experience for the solo queue player who ends up on the team.
For players in Immortal 1 and above, there are further limitations. They can only play solo, as a duo with one other player, or as a full 5-stack. This restriction ensures a more balanced and competitive environment for players at higher ranks.
By understanding these premade size limitations, you can make informed decisions when forming your group and ensure a better gameplay experience for everyone involved. Let's respect the rules and strive for fairness and enjoyment in Valorant's competitive matches.
If you have a full group of 5 friends and want to play together in Valorant, you're in luck! You can form a team regardless of your individual skill levels. It means that you can have a mix of different ranks within your group, like 3 Irons and 2 Ascendants, as long as you queue up and play together as a party of 5.
However, when playing as a 5-stack, there are some adjusted rules to consider due to the potential rank differences among the players in your team. Here's how it works:
- If everyone in your 5-stack group is Ascendant 3 or below, the team will receive a 25% Rank Rating (RR) reduction if any players are ranked outside of the normal party restriction ranges.
- If one or more members of your 5-stack group are in the Immortal 1 to Immortal 3 ranks, the team will receive a 25% RR reduction penalty.
- If one or more members of your 5-stack group are in the Radiant rank, the team will receive a significant 75% RR reduction. Additionally, if you have any players in your group who are below Radiant, your potential RR will be reduced by 90% automatically.
These adjustments aim to maintain fairness and balance in competitive matches, considering the potential skill disparities within a 5-stack group.
Now that you're aware of the rules for queueing with a full party, gather your friends, strategize, and have a fun and competitive experience together in Valorant. Remember, teamwork and coordination are key to success, regardless of individual ranks.
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