Valorant currently does not have any ranked lists, everyone is just playing for “fun”. However, contrary to initial assumptions, the release of a ranked system is likely still coming in the beta. After initial speculation, there is now concrete information about the ranked system from the developers.
Update 29.04. 2020: We have updated this article from April 17 with more information and patch 0.49.
What is a ranked system? In competitive games, like League of Legends or Counter-Strike, it is common to offer special ranked leagues. Players progress based on their performance, earn rewards, and frequently face appropriate opponents.
Ranked lists are therefore very popular among players who do not just want to play for fun but also want to be rewarded for their performance and compete against others. Many fans of Valorant are asking when a ranked mode will finally appear.
Release, Badges and League Structure – What We Know So Far About the Ranked Mode
What does Riot say about the release of the ranked mode? For a long time, it was assumed that the ranked mode would not be included in the beta of Valorant but would be one of the release features in summer 2020.
Meanwhile, the ranked mode has appeared in Valorant. You can find all important information about it here.
How is the ranked mode structured? There are eight ranks:
- Iron
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Immortal
- Valorant
Each of these ranks has three subdivisions. Only the last rank, Valorant, is represented as the ultimate professional rank with only one level. Thus, the absolute elite of the game is expected to be found there.
When is the ranked mode coming? According to the developers, the new mode should start after update 0.49. The patch is now available, but the ranked mode according to Riot is still inactive. They want to wait until everything runs stable. Additionally, the mode will only be available in the North America and Europe regions initially.
How can you participate in ranked matches? You need to have beta access to Valorant to participate in ranked matches. Then you must have played at least 20 matches in the unranked mode to gain access to the ranked matches.
How can one rise or fall in rank? To rise or fall in ranks, the game will evaluate several factors:
- Win or loss?
- Good/bad performance in the game?
- Good/bad teamwork
If someone plays poorly and loses, they lose more points than a generally good player who only narrowly loses after a tough match with their team. Especially in higher ranks, teamwork is supposed to be heavily weighted, while personal performance is clearly secondary.
The developers also want to analyze data more intensively to find out if, for example, a “smurf” is on the loose. This is a very good player who deliberately starts with a new account to farm the little noobs on the lower ranks.
How long do you keep your rank? If you do not log in for 14 days, your rank will no longer be displayed. However, if you play again, the rank reappears. It does not expire.
What happens after the beta? The ranked lists will be deleted after the beta. However, there will be new ranked lists in the release version.
What if I want to play with friends? You can play in ranked matches with friends, but only if you are not more than 2 ranks above or below them.
Will Valorant Get a Ranked Mode Like League of Legends?
This is how ranked leagues in Valorant could work: Insightful readers have already discovered similarities to the ranking system of League of Legends, which also comes from Riot. Therefore, it is likely that Valorant may later use a similar system. It would look something like this:
- A ranked season divided into several “splits”. At the end of a split, there are rewards, and at the end of the season, progress is reset.
- Each player receives points at the end of a ranked match – added or deducted depending on their performance. If you accumulate 100 points, you enter a promo series where you need to win three times. Then you rise one level in rank.
- Conversely, you can drop in rank if you fall below 0 points. However, you start the lower level with 75 points.
- The higher you rise in the ranks, the better rewards, such as skins, are offered at the end of the splits. So it is worth trying to be as high as possible in the rankings.
However, keep in mind that this information about the league’s structure is purely speculative for now. But given the success and long lifespan of LoL, it is quite likely that Riot will stick to proven patterns.
How does Valorant fare as an eSport? There has already been a first tournament with pro players and streamers in Valorant. Although there was no money involved, there were some spectacular gaming moments. Riot’s new 5vs5 shooter is expected to have an exciting future in eSports if such events continue to occur soon.
