TL;DR
- Valorant features 22 ranks across 8 tiers with unique progression mechanics for each skill level
- Competitive mode requires reaching account level 20 plus completing 5 placement matches
- Rank Rating (RR) determines advancement with different rules for Immortal/Radiant tiers
- System changes in Episode 4 replaced win requirements with account level progression
- Strategic preparation and agent mastery significantly impact initial placement and climb speed

Since Valorant’s debut in 2020, Riot Games has continuously refined the competitive ranking framework to enhance match quality and player experience. The 2022 ranking structure represents the most polished iteration yet, designed to accurately reflect skill levels while providing clear advancement pathways.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe they can immediately access ranked matches upon installing Valorant. However, the system requires players to demonstrate fundamental game knowledge first. This preparation period allows Riot’s matchmaking algorithms to establish an initial MMR baseline, ensuring you’re placed in appropriate competitive environments from your very first match.
Valorant’s competitive ladder comprises 22 distinct ranks organized into eight primary tiers. Each tier contains three sub-ranks except for the pinnacle Radiant rank, which stands alone as the ultimate achievement. The numbering convention follows an intuitive pattern where lower numbers indicate higher standing within each tier.
The complete Valorant rank spectrum for 2022 includes:
- Iron 1
- Iron 2
- Iron 3
- Bronze 1
- Bronze 2
- Bronze 3
- Silver 1
- Silver 2
- Silver 3
- Gold 1
- Gold 2
- Gold 3
- Platinum 1
- Platinum 2
- Platinum 3
- Diamond 1
- Diamond 2
- Diamond 3
- Immortal 1
- Immortal 2
- Immortal 3
- Radiant

Radiant represents the absolute peak of competitive achievement, reserved for an elite group of players who demonstrate exceptional skill consistency. Top-performing Radiant competitors in each region gain additional recognition through public leaderboards that display their regional standing.
Every sub-rank operates on a 100-point Rank Rating (RR) scale that players must complete to advance. This translates to requiring 300 total RR points to progress through an entire tier. The specific RR awarded per match depends on multiple performance metrics including individual contribution, elimination count, round differential, and hidden MMR calculations.
For competitors ranging from Iron through Diamond tiers, rank promotion occurs automatically upon accumulating 100 RR within your current rank. However, Immortal and Radiant ranks introduce regional competition mechanics where advancement depends on achieving specific RR thresholds relative to other players in your geographic region.
Pro Tip: Focus on winning rounds decisively rather than chasing kills, as round differential significantly impacts RR gains. Players who consistently win matches by larger margins typically advance faster through the ranks.
Valorant restricts competitive queue access to ensure participants possess adequate game knowledge. New account holders must first reach account level 20, which involves substantial time investment in unranked matches learning agent abilities, map layouts, and core mechanics.
Upon achieving level 20, players must complete five placement matches to establish their initial rank. These matches carry significant weight in determining your starting position, so thorough preparation is advised.
Before Episode 4’s system overhaul, players needed ten unranked match victories to unlock competitive mode. The current account level requirement ensures comprehensive familiarity with Valorant’s core systems before entering ranked competition.
Common Mistake: Many players rush to level 20 without properly learning multiple agents or map callouts, resulting in poor placement match performance and lower initial ranks.
Action Checklist
- Master at least 2 agents from different roles (controller, duelist, sentinel, initiator)
- Learn basic callouts for all competitive maps in rotation
- Practice crosshair placement and economic management in unranked
- Reach account level 20 through consistent unranked play
- Prepare strategically for placement matches with rested mental state
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Here’s all you need to know about Valorant ranks in 2022 Master Valorant's 2022 ranking system and competitive unlock requirements with expert strategies
