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A Guide to Understanding Valorant Ranks

Curious about how Valorant’s ranking system works? Want to know more about MMR, Acts, and matchmaking? Below, we’ll break down every detail of Valorant’s competitive landscape, from the initial placement matches to the intricacies of five-stacking.

Understanding Valorant Ranks

Valorant’s rank system has 8 main tiers (with the top rank being Radiant), and each tier (except Radiant) is divided into 3 sub-ranks (or “divisions”). Here’s the tier list in ascending order:

• Iron
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Diamond
• Immortal
• Radiant (no subdivisions)

How Rank Is Determined

Before receiving your initial rank, you must play 5 placement matches. Your individual performance, along with wins or losses, influences your starting rank. After that, subsequent rank adjustments depend on your match outcomes and how well you perform relative to your opponents.

Seasonal Changes: Acts and Episodes

Valorant organizes its competitive play into **Acts** and **Episodes**:

• 1 Episode ≈ 6 months, split into 3 Acts (≈ 2 months each).
• At the end of each Act, your rank partially resets, requiring just **one placement match** to determine your new rank.

Although your **MMR** (Matchmaking Rating) remains mostly intact through these resets, consistent performance will help keep you near or above your previous rank when the new Act begins.

Matchmaking Rating (MMR)

**MMR** is Valorant’s hidden numerical value that reflects your skill level behind the scenes. Although you don’t see it directly, it significantly affects how many Rank Rating (RR) points you gain or lose:

• Higher MMR than your displayed rank → Larger RR gains.
• Lower MMR → Reduced RR gains or bigger losses.

While your **rank** indicates your overall match success, MMR zeroes in on your individual performance. Understanding that difference can explain why you may sometimes earn or lose more RR than expected.

Ranked Rewards

Valorant rewards players for their competitive efforts each Act with unique cosmetics:

• Act Rank Badge: Depicts your highest Rank Rating and the total number of wins in that rank.
• Gun Buddies: Exclusive to each Act, these small weapon charms showcase your ranked achievements.

Common Valorant Rank Questions

1. When Can I Play Ranked?

Ranked mode unlocks at **account level 20**. Prior to that, play Unrated matches to level up, gain map awareness, and hone your aim.

2. Which Ranks Can You Duo With?

Your duo partner must be within 3 tiers of your own rank. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Iron, Bronze, Silver: Can duo with players up to 3 tiers above/below.
• Gold & Platinum: Can duo up to Diamond 1 if within 3 tiers.
• Diamond: Can duo up to Diamond 1 or Immortal 1 if within 3 tiers.
• Immortal: Can duo with ranks up to Radiant if within 3 tiers.
• Radiant: Can duo with Immortal 2, Immortal 3, or other Radiant players.

3. Is Four-Stacking No Longer Permitted?

Yes, four-stacks are no longer allowed in Valorant’s ranked mode. This change aims to reduce toxicity toward solo queue players and preserve balanced matchmaking.

4. How Does Five-Stacking Work?

If your five-stack has a rank difference greater than three divisions:

• Longer Queue Times: The system searches for another five-stack of similar average MMR.
• 25% RR Reduction: Gains/losses are reduced by 25% when the rank disparity exceeds three divisions.

Conclusion

Valorant’s ranking system hinges on balancing individual performance, team success, and a hidden MMR value. Understanding your rank, MMR, and the rules around duo or five-stacks can help you maximize your climb each Act. Stay adaptable, keep an eye on the seasonal resets, and prepare to earn those coveted ranked rewards!

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