In Overwatch 2 (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch) there is currently confusion. Players are trying to climb the ranks of Season 1 and find themselves in unexpectedly low places. MeinMMO has inquired about what is going on and received a response from Blizzard.
What is the problem? Since the release of Overwatch 2, there has been a major topic in the community, whether the ranked system of the new shooter might be broken. Many players report that they have been placed in Silver or even Bronze ranks.
This has even happened to players who were previously among the 500 best in their region. Normally, Overwatch’s system takes previous ranks into account and ranks players higher after placement matches accordingly.
But that was not the case with Overwatch 2. Almost everyone started somewhere in Bronze, the lowest rank, where mainly beginners usually hang out. This was not a pleasure for either the pros or the “real Bronze players”.
This is what Blizzard says: We asked Blizzard whether the ranked system is actually broken or if this is a deliberate change. Here is the response:
All players who were ranked in the competitive mode of Overwatch 1 received an adjusted rank with the “Competitive 2.0” system. Overwatch 2 is a very different game, so we used a formula that allows returning players to redefine their rank when starting in the new competitive.
In a blog post, it is further stated that there was a bug with the rankings. Thus, even with the new ranked system, it was probably not intended to start so low.
However, a bug fix is said to have resolved this. It should now be easier for players to climb to their intended rank, and those who are playing their first matches should also be correctly ranked right away.
Overwatch 2 received a completely new ranked system. The most important information about the hero shooter can be seen here in 43 seconds:
7 Wins – Still No Promotion
Players, however, have another complaint. Overwatch 2 has introduced a new system for ranking up:
- instead of gaining points for each match, wins and losses are accumulated
- if you win 7 games, your rank is adjusted accordingly
- if you lose 20 matches or finish them in a draw, your rank is also adjusted
The point here is that you do not directly rank up or down, but receive an “adjusted rank”. This also means that after 7 wins, you can remain at the same level or even drop down.
It is absolutely unclear which factors the new ranking depends on. Many fans complain that this quickly diminishes motivation for ranked play. After all, one cannot estimate whether it is even worth continuing to play. If you are going to remain at the same rank anyway, there is no point in trying.
We asked Blizzard whether the system is intended to be this way. A response is still pending.
If you still want to try your hand at the ranked mode, you can find our tier list with the best heroes in Overwatch 2 here.
