Valorant Ranks Order, Distribution, Ranking System Explained

A detailed and hierarchical ranking system structures Valorant's competitive scene. It has been designed with great attention to detail to appeal to players at all skill levels. This system is not just a measure of progress but a testament to Riot Games' commitment to creating a competitive environment. It rewards skill, strategy, and teamwork. Understanding the nuances of this ranking system is essential for anyone aiming to navigate the competitive ladder effectively.

Highlights

• Comprehensive Guide to a Valorant's Ranking System
• The entire list of available Ranks and Tiers
• Explanation of the Acts and Episodes Structure
• Description of the less evident ranking mechanisms
• Matchmaking Mechanics rules definitions

An Overview of Valorant's Ranking System

One of the most crowded Ranks

Valorant's structured tier system starts from the entry-level Iron tier and goes up to the elite Radiant Rank. Except for Radiant, each tier is divided into three sub-ranks. In a nutshell, the ranking system includes:

Rank Rating (RR):

• Visible to players;
• Increases with match wins and decreases with losses;
• Affects current Rank;
• Players accumulate RR to advance in Rank.

Act Rank Rating (ARR):

• Reflects the highest Rank a player has won during an Act and their performance across their best matches within the Act;
• It is shown on the player's Act Rank Badge;
• Acts as a visual record of the peak skill level achieved in an Act.

Matchmaking Rating (MMR):

• Hidden from players;
• Creates balanced matches;
• Based on overall wins, losses, and individual match performance.

The Hierarchy of Ranks and Tiers

Valorant Ranks Distribution

All competitive ranks in Valorant are divided into nine tiers, ranging from Iron to Radiant. The following Ranks and sub-ranks structure Valorant's competitive ladder:

1. Iron: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
2. Bronze: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
3. Silver: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
4. Gold: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
5. Platinum: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
6. Diamond: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
7. Ascendant: 3 sub-ranks, 100 RR threshold.
8. Immortal: 3 sub-ranks, with the RR threshold specific to the regional leaderboard.
9. Radiant: The highest Valorant Rank includes no sub-ranks, with the RR threshold particular to the regional leaderboard.

Rank Group / Percentage

Iron - 6.3%

Bronze - 17.5%

Silver - 22.9%

Gold - 21.1%

Platinum - 16.2%

Diamond - 10.1%

Ascendant - 4.3%

Immortal - 1.0%

Radiant - 0.02%

Demystifying Rank Rating (RR), Act Rank Rating (ARR) and Matchmaking Rating (MMR)

RR (Rank Rating)

The numerical value that tracks a player's progress up and down the competitive ladder.

Act Rank Rating (ARR)

A player's badge shows the peak Rank achieved in an Act.

MMR (Matchmaking Rating)

A hidden numerical value representing a player's skill level. Valorant's matchmaking system uses it to pair players of similar skill levels against each other for fair distribution. Unlike RR, MMR is not directly visible to players.

Ranking Mechanics Inner Workings

Act Rank

Players ascend through the Valorant Ranks by accumulating RR. In general, reaching X RR in a given Rank will promote a player to the next Rank.

MMR Influence

If a player's MMR is higher than what is typical for their Rank, they get more and lose less, encouraging them to reach a Rank more suitable for their MMR.

Regional RR Thresholds

Ascending through Immortal Two and beyond Valorant Ranks requires players to surpass specific RR thresholds that are determined regionally. For instance, to progress through the Ranks at the Immortal level, players must reach RR numbers that align with the competitive standards of their region.

Higher Rank Complexity

To achieve the Radiant or Immortal Ranks, players must exceed the regional RR threshold and be among the top 500 players in their region. For example, a player could have an RR higher than the regional threshold but still be ranked as Immortal three if they are outside the top 500.

Acts and Episodes Structure

Acts and Episodes divide the game's competitive cycle. Each Act spans roughly two months. This provides a fresh competitive slate for players to showcase their skills. It allows a recalibration of the ranking system.

Valorant rewards players at the end of each Act based on their Act Rank Rating (ARR); rewards are exclusive cosmetics, with higher tiers offering more prestigious items.

• Acts: two-month periods where players can climb the Ranks and achieve a high Act Rank.
• Episodes: six-month periods. They comprise three Acts, providing a larger competitive canvas for players.

Unlocking Ranked Play

Competitive Play Starts

Ranked mode matches in Valorant become available to players once their account reaches level 20. This ensures players have a firm grasp of gameplay mechanics and map layouts. Therefore, all in the competitive arena have a foundational understanding of the game mechanics and strategies.

Monitoring Valorant Rank Progress

Valorant's rank-tracking system visually represents a player's competitive accomplishments. It shows their highest Rank achieved and the total number of wins within an Act. Players can track it through the in-game Career tab.

Earning Valorant Ranks

Ascending the Ranks requires accumulating RR points, and achieving a specific RR within a Rank results in promotion. But, the stakes rise upon reaching the Immortal Rank. The system becomes more stringent: players must exceed regional RR thresholds to advance. Each new Act and Episode involves Rank recalibration (Soft Reset).

A "Soft Reset" at the start of a new Act mildly adjusts players' ranks to realign with their current skill levels. That serves better distribution, maintains competitive balance, and reflects existing player skills.

Teaming Up for Competitive Mode Matches

Competitive Mode Results Screen

Valorant allows players to form premade groups for competitive matches. The game has adjusted rules to ensure balanced gameplay. This flexibility reflects Riot Games' commitment to a competitive environment, individual skills, and collaborative team strategy.

Players can queue for competitive matches with friends. The system adjusts to accommodate team sizes using MMR mechanics to ensure balanced play and fairness. It houses teams of varying sizes and adjusts RR gains and losses to maintain match integrity. That introduces specific rules for all five-player teams.

Summary

The ranking system in Valorant not only enhances the matchmaking process by pairing players of similar skill levels for fair and competitive matches but also serves as a motivational tool. It sets clear goals and milestones for players, encouraging them to improve their skills and deepen their understanding of the game.

This system plays a crucial role in fostering a competitive community, as it promotes teamwork and strategic gameplay, enriching the gaming culture. Additionally, it offers players a sense of personal achievement and recognition within the game through tangible proofs like Rank badges. Moreover, the system is instrumental in identifying and nurturing esports talent, helping skilled players potentially rise to professional levels.