Valorant, a first-person shooter by Riot Games, needs good teamwork and smart plans. The ranked mode helps keep the game fair while letting friends play together. It is key to know which Valorant ranks can join forces to get the most from ranked play while keeping balance.
Each rank, apart from Radiant, breaks down into three sub-levels (like Gold 1, Gold 2, Gold 3). Players go up or down ranks based on how well they do and their Matchmaking Rating (MMR).
The party system in Valorant helps fair matchmaking by setting limits on rank gaps in a team. This means it decides which ranks can pair up. These limits change based on the highest rank in the party.
Rank rules in Valorant
Here is how rank gaps work for teams:
Iron to Diamond: Players can team up if their ranks are within two tiers. For example:
An Iron 3 can queue with Bronze 1 or Bronze 2.
A Platinum 1 can team up with Gold 3 or Platinum 3.
Ascendant to Immortal: The gap shrinks, letting players join only within one rank. For instance:
An Ascendant 2 can pair with Ascendant 1, Ascendant 3, or Diamond 3.
Radiant: Radiant players have even stricter rules. They may only team with Immortal 1, 2, or 3, which keeps the game highly competitive.
The number of players in a party also plays a part in matchmaking:
Solo and Duo Queues: Solo or duo players find matches with others that have similar skills.
Full Five-Stacks: Teams of five can skip some rank rules, but they might deal with tougher penalties:
Ranked Rating (RR) penalties: High-ranked players in a five-stack may earn less RR for a win or lose more for a loss.
MMR balancing: Five-stacks may meet tougher foes to balance the game since they may have better teamwork.
Riot’s Fairness Measures
To keep things fair:
The matchmaking system works to form balanced games where both teams have the same chance to win.
Smurf detection cuts down on unbalanced games from skilled players in lower ranks.
Riot is always watching and changing the system based on player input.
If you want to boost your ranked games with friends:
Talk Clearly: Use in-game chat or outside tools to stay in sync.
Warm Up Together: Play in unranked games to build good teamwork.
Adapt to Rank Gaps: If ranks differ a lot, think about playing with friends who are closer to your skill level.
Play Full Teams: Going as a full five-stack can be great if your group works well.
Updates to the Ranked System in Episode 7
Riot often refreshes the ranked system to make matchmaking better. In Episode 7, they added new rules for fair games:
Tighter Rank Gaps: The allowed gap for higher ranks has shrunk more.
Smurf Prevention: Players caught smurfing might face rank changes or penalties.
Valorant’s rank limits balance letting friends play together and keeping fairness. By knowing the rules and adjusting how you play, you can enjoy ranked games with your team without losing match quality. Whether you are moving up the ranks alone or with friends, good teamwork and smart plans are key to winning.
Now that you know how Valorant ranks can team up, gather your squad, plan, and take on the battlefield!