Valorant, a game by Riot Games, has drawn many players from all over the world with its mix of skills, team play, and special abilities. One key part of the game is its ranked mode, where players must do placement matches to find out their first rank.
What is the placement system?
In Valorant, placement matches are the first few games that players play to find their rank. Unlike the casual mode, ranked play pits players against others with similar skill, giving a fair fight. After finishing some placement matches, players get a rank that shows how good they are at the game.
To start your ranked play, you need to do five placement matches. These matches are key because they set your rank and help the game know where to place you in the competitive game list.
Factors affecting placement rank
Many things affect your rank, and it’s not just about wins. Here’s what the game looks at:
Win/Loss Record: Winning is good, but it’s not all that matters. A big win is better than a small win, and a close loss might not hurt you as much as a bad loss.
Performance: How you play in those matches is very important for your rank. Valorant looks at scores like kills, assists, deaths, damage done, and even if you were the best player in the match to see how well you did. Even if your team wins, if you play poorly, you might get a lower rank than you want.
Matchmaking Rating (MMR): MMR is a secret rating that helps pair players in ranked games. Your MMR goes up or down based on your wins, losses, and how well you played, which affects your rank. This rating changes after each match and can change a lot during placement.
Teammates’ MMR: The system also looks at the MMR of your teammates and the opponents. If you win against better players, your rank will likely go up. On the other hand, losing to worse players can drop your rank.
Placement match guidelines
In placement matches, you will face players of different skills. Your aim should be to win but also show that you can work with your team, play well, and handle the game’s challenges. Even if you lose, you can still play well enough to get a decent rank.
Here are some points to think about:
Communication: Teamwork is key. Valorant stresses team play, so talking with your team about your plans and goals can make a big difference. A team that works well is more likely to win, even if not all players do great.
Stay Consistent: Doing well in all matches is better than one great match and a bad one. It helps to keep a steady skill level in all games.
Don’t Be Discouraged by Early Losses: Placement can be hard, especially if you lose some matches early on. The system looks at your overall play, so don’t give up after one or two losses. Keep trying.
After you finish your placement matches, you will get a rank, which can go from Iron 1 (the lowest) to Radiant (the highest). This rank can change as you keep playing and winning or losing matches, which affects your MMR.
Tips for success in placement matches
Warm-Up Before Playing: Make sure to warm up before you start ranked games. Spend time in practice or deathmatch to get better at aim and speed.
Play with Friends: Playing with friends or teammates can help a lot in your placement matches. Good teamwork and clear talk can really help in ranked games.
Focus on Your Role: Pick a role you know well and work on getting better in that area. Whether you are an attacker or defender, picking a few agents can help boost your game.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Placement matches can be tough, especially when you want a good rank. Keep calm and don’t get upset, as a clear head helps you make better choices and play well.
Knowing how Valorant’s placement works can help you set good goals for your game time. While wins matter, how you play, being steady, and working with your team is just as key to getting a better rank. Stay positive, keep on improving, and remember your rank can always change with every match, so focus on getting better rather than just the final score.