Understanding valorant ranks - a complete guide

Af Simon - 01 May 2025

Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical shooter, has rapidly become one of the most popular competitive games in the world. With its blend of precise gunplay and unique agent abilities, it offers an engaging experience for players of all skill levels. A key part of its competitive nature comes from its ranking system, which determines how players are matched and how they progress. In this guide, we’ll delve into the Valorant Ranks to help you understand how they work and what each level represents.

What Are Valorant Ranks?

Valorant’s rank system is designed to assess and match players based on their performance and skill. Ranks range from the lowest tiers to the most elite, giving players goals and achievements to strive toward. There are currently nine main ranks, each (except for the top rank) consisting of three tiers.

Full List of Valorant Ranks

  1. Iron (Iron 1, Iron 2, Iron 3)
  2. Bronze (Bronze 1, Bronze 2, Bronze 3)
  3. Silver (Silver 1, Silver 2, Silver 3)
  4. Gold (Gold 1, Gold 2, Gold 3)
  5. Platinum (Platinum 1, Platinum 2, Platinum 3)
  6. Diamond (Diamond 1, Diamond 2, Diamond 3)
  7. Ascendant (Ascendant 1, Ascendant 2, Ascendant 3)
  8. Immortal (Immortal 1, Immortal 2, Immortal 3)
  9. Radiant (Top 500 players per region)

Each of these ranks requires a combination of match wins and personal performance to advance. While winning is the most important factor, performing well - such as getting kills, assists, or clutch rounds - can influence how quickly you climb.

How the Ranking System Works

The ranking algorithm in Valorant considers several variables to determine your progression. It's not just about winning - individual performance plays a big role in how much Rank Rating (RR) you gain or lose.

Rank Rating (RR)

When you play competitive matches, you earn Rank Rating points. A win generally grants between 10 and 50 RR, while a loss results in a drop of 0 to 30 RR. You need 100 RR to climb to the next tier. However, once you hit the Immortal and Radiant ranks, the ladder becomes more competitive and RR gains are tied more closely to your overall placement amongst other high-ranking players.

Placement Matches

To receive an initial rank in Valorant, new players must win a set number of placement matches. As of the latest updates, players need to win five placement games after playing a series of unranked matches. Your initial performance in both win/loss and in-game impact during these matches determines your starting rank.

Tips for Ranking Up

Climbing the Valorant rank ladder can be challenging, but with focus and consistency, it's achievable. Here are some tips to help you rank up faster:

  1. Play with a team: Coordination and communication are easier with a premade group.
  2. Master a few agents: Get comfortable with agents that suit your playstyle and learn their abilities inside and out.
  3. Warm up before matches: Use the practice range or aim trainers to get in the zone before jumping into ranked.
  4. Communicate effectively: Call out enemy positions and strategy without tilting or flaming teammates.

Understand Your Role

In Valorant, not every high kill game guarantees ranking up. Playing your role well - whether it’s initiating, supporting, or anchoring a site - can contribute significantly to a team's success and positively impact your rank progression.

Conclusion

The Valorant ranking system rewards players who consistently perform, adapt to their roles, and contribute to team success. Whether you're grinding out of Silver or striving to reach Radiant, understanding the system is essential. By tracking your progress and improving your gameplay, you'll find yourself climbing the ladder with purpose and precision. For a detailed breakdown of each rank and tips to reach the next level, visit the full Valorant Ranks guide.