Join us as we go through all the intricacies of VALORANT Rank Decay. This captivating first-person shooter (FPS) has intrigued and engaged millions of players through its blend of tactical gameplay and competitive ranking system. Beyond the intense battles and gunfights, one game aspect has left many players puzzled: rank decay.
After all, the many elements of the ranking system can be confusing for both new and veteran players to understand. But don’t worry, because we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll dissect the ins and outs of rank decay in VALORANT and dive into the complexities of ranked matchmaking, rank rating, and more.
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What Is VALORANT Rank Decay?
Rank decay reflects the gradual reduction in your skill rating after a period of gameplay inactivity. Have you ever taken a break from your favorite game only to return and find that you’ve dropped to a lower rank? That’s rank decay in action!
The system ensures the ranked leaderboard stays fresh and competitive with active gamers. But don’t take it the wrong way. It’s not there to punish your inactivity. Rather, it’s intended to capture your current skill level. After all, you may be a bit rusty if you’ve been out of the loop for a while.
Is There Rank Decay In VALORANT?
No, there is no rank decay in VALORANT. Let’s say you’ve been away from the game for an extended period of time. In that case, your displayed rank will remain unchanged—sort of. The catch is that your hidden Matchmaking Rating (MMR) will discreetly diminish.
Jonathan “EvrMoar” Walker, a senior designer for VALORANT, confirmed this in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). But that’s not all. The game’s algorithm also raises your “variance,” which is reportedly Riot’s confidence in a VALORANT player’s MMR. Gnarly.
Basically, higher variance suggests greater uncertainty about a player’s true rank, leading to them being matched with a broader range of opponents. Why? The system tries to recalibrate returning players’ MMRs more rapidly so they aren’t paired with gamers who may be out of practice.
And if you’re wondering what Riot Games defines as an “extended period of time,” you’re out of luck. The specifics around how long you need to be inactive before rank decay sets in are kept under wraps. Apparently “data and machine learning” inform a returning player’s skill.
What Is The Rank Decay Rate In VALORANT?
While there isn’t technically rank decay in VALORANT, the answer to this question is “pretty small.” According to Evrmoar, “There are also limits to how much [Riot Games] let the decay set in, and it’s something [Riot] are always looking to improve or tweak. You probably play too often to notice it.”
Rank vs. Act Rank: What Are The Differences?
Rank is a reflection of your skill. It’s easily accessible, too. Your party members can see it, it’s viewable in the tab menu, and it’s shown on the summary scoreboards. We’ll touch on this in more detail later, but it comprises nine divisions and influences your Act Rank over time.
On the other hand, Act Rank is like a season recap of your skills and it mirrors your performance throughout an entire Act. Instead of a running average, it pinpoints your highest-ranked win or what the pros at VALORANT like to refer to as your “proven skill.”
Visual enthusiasts will appreciate the pyramid representation, where each triangle signifies a ranked match win. The apex triangle? That’s your crowning point—your best performance during the Act. In short, Act Rank offers a more holistic reflection of your in-game performance.
What Is Rank Rating?
Rank Rating (or “RR” for short) is a numerical value that tracks a VALORANT player’s progress within their current rank. After they rank up, the player will receive an initial RR and proceed to earn or lose points based on the outcome and performance of competitive matches.
Players earn 10 to 50 RR per win, while losses can deduct up to 30 RR per ranked match. Draws also have an RR value. If you want to get promoted to a higher rank, you’ll need to accumulate 100 RR to move up to the next tier or division (up to Ascendant 1).
On the other hand, if you lose a competitive game, your RR will take a knock and you could drop to a lower rank tier. Hitting 0 RR will result in a demotion. Note that your RR can also take a beating if you go AFK or queue dodge a ranked game.
How Does MMR Fit Into Rank Decay?
As mentioned, while your visible rank in VALORANT doesn’t decay due to inactivity, your hidden MMR does. This is what Riot Games uses to match you with opponents. If you’re inactive, your MMR decreases slightly to suggest potential skill rustiness.
You’ll likely face varied opponents when you return. This is linked to your MMR “variance,” which represents the game’s uncertainty about your skill. However, demonstrating your previous skill level allows quick MMR recovery.
What Are The VALORANT Ranks?
There are nine main rank divisions in VALORANT:
- Iron
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Ascendant
- Immortal
- Radiant (highest rank)
Except for the Radiant rank, each division is further subdivided into three tiers.
For example, the Immortal division is broken into Immortal 1, Immortal 2, and Immortal 3. As players improve and demonstrate consistently better performance, they will be promoted and receive a new rank.
Players must first play 10 unrated games to unlock competitive mode, provided they have reached an account level of 20 or higher. There’s then a requirement to engage in five placement matches before they grind it out in the VALORANT ranked mode.
Climbing the rank ladder in VALORANT is not just about winning games; it’s also about honing mechanical skills, teamwork, and strategic gameplay.
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VALORANT’s intricate ranking system offers players a unique blend of competition and challenge. More than simply rising in the ranks, the game requires you to maintain consistency, adapt to the game’s evolving dynamics, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Equip yourself with this knowledge, rally your team, and pave your path to Radiant glory. But why stop there? Use your VALORANT expertise to dive into the world of VALORANT live betting. The best part? Thunderpick offers a range of crypto esports betting options!
