Ranking in Valorant: How It Works and How Your Rank Is Determined

Ranking in Valorant is a series of ranked matches after which the game determines a player’s starting rank. During ranking, the game takes into account not only wins and losses, but also the skill level of opponents and individual performance in matches. In this article, we’ll break down how rank calibration works in Valorant, what factors it takes into account, and how to increase your chances of getting a higher starting rank.

Rank calibration in Valorant is a series of initial ranked matches, after which the system determines a player’s starting rank for the new season or upon gaining access to Competitive mode. Based on these results, the game assesses your skill level and matches you against opponents of a similar skill level.

During calibration, the system takes into account not only wins and losses but also your hidden rating (MMR), which Riot Games uses to assess your skill level. Therefore, even with the same number of wins, different players may receive different ranks.

Valorant’s calibration system is designed so that players are always assigned a rank slightly below their actual skill level, allowing you to prove to the system that you can compete among the best.

Ranks are reset every three months at the start of a new Act.

To receive a rank, you must open Competitive mode and play five placement matches. After completing the last match, the system assigns your first rank of the season.

Match results and your previously accumulated hidden rating play a major role in determining your rank. If a player has already participated in ranked matches, calibration usually does not result in a drastic change in rank, but rather refines their position following the start of a new act.

For new accounts, the system additionally analyzes the player’s skill level during their first ranked matches. Once a rank is assigned, players can continue playing and gradually improve it by earning ranking points.

Even on the first calibration, players who have already logged thousands of hours in other shooters can reach the top, but no higher than the Ascendant 3 rank. However, this is only possible if their skill level truly matches a high rank. For older accounts, the final rank also depends on the previous hidden rating.

If you’ve played hero shooters before, try to play your main role and use agents you know well. Wins are more important than flashy stats, so it’s better to focus on the team’s performance than to try to rack up as many kills as possible.

Don’t worry if your rank is lower than expected. After calibration, you can quickly improve your rank by continuing to win matches and playing consistently. In a couple of months, during the next calibration, you’ll be able to achieve a better result.

Players on Reddit have identified the top most significant mistakes: playing with unfamiliar agents, trying to carry the game solo instead of playing as a team, and participating in matches while in a bad mood or with high ping. All of this reduces your chances of successfully completing the placement matches and earning a high starting rank. If you’re feeling tilted, it’s best to get some sleep and return to the game the next day in a good mood.