TL;DR
- Valorant’s competitive designer confirms major ranked system changes coming in Episode 3
- New MMR mathematics will address smurfing issues without complete rank resets
- Soft reset approach prevents chaotic matchmaking while improving rank accuracy
- Changes aim to stop players from being boosted or stuck in incorrect ranks
- Complete reveal scheduled for June 21 livestream before June 22 Episode 3 launch

Prepare for significant adjustments to Valorant’s competitive ranking system in the upcoming patches. The development team is implementing crucial modifications that will reshape how players progress through the ranks.
While Valorant’s ranking mechanics have remained relatively stable over recent acts, competitive designer EvrMoar has alerted the community about substantial upcoming revisions. These modifications won’t completely rebuild the ranked rating infrastructure, but they will profoundly influence the new Act rank structure.
Understanding competitive ranking systems is essential for maximizing your performance. For comprehensive gaming strategies, check out our Complete Guide to competitive gameplay mechanics across different titles.
Player grievances concerning smurf accounts have escalated to critical levels within the Valorant ecosystem. Numerous competitors establish fresh profiles to reset their MMR (Matchmaking Rating), team up with lower-ranked companions, or occasionally for purely disruptive intentions. Regardless of motivation, these alternate accounts have flooded lower-tier matchmaking pools with highly skilled individuals who create significant barriers for legitimate players attempting to advance.
Riot Games has been monitoring these concerns closely, with EvrMoar confirming that comprehensive solutions for rank system improvements are currently in development. The smurfing problem particularly affects Iron through Platinum tiers, where skill disparities create frustrating gameplay experiences.
Many players unknowingly make critical mistakes when dealing with smurfs, such as tilting after encountering obvious alternate accounts or failing to adapt their gameplay strategies. Maintaining composure and focusing on fundamental improvements remains crucial despite these matchmaking challenges.
The development team clarified that impending adjustments will be substantial but won’t erase your current rank entirely. Reconstructing the existing framework from its foundation would create “absolute disorder” and fail to deliver the intended outcomes. Alternatively, a gradual reset approach won’t compel participants to rebuild from zero, prompting the team to enhance the ranking methodology instead.
Completely wiping MMR represents one potential method for revitalizing the competitive tiers, but the developers emphasize this strategy lacks long-term effectiveness. The underlying system architecture would eventually return competitors to their original skill brackets, leaving the core issues unresolved.
“Not only would participants eventually settle into identical positions during the initial Act. You’d essentially cross your fingers that the previous Radiant/Immortal competitor joined your squad rather than the Iron/Bronze players. Each confrontation would become essentially random until elite-tier players accumulated MMR above everyone else,” EvrMoar stated.
This perspective highlights why weapon proficiency and class selection matter significantly in competitive environments. Explore our Weapons Unlock guide for insights into optimizing your gameplay tools.
To discourage players from repeating the MMR calibration procedure, which involves completing both unrated and competitive matches, the development team is refining the system’s computational algorithms. Through measured resetting and strategically adjusting certain participants downward, the framework will guarantee that competitors don’t receive artificial inflation to inappropriate tiers or remain trapped below their actual skill levels.
“Competitive ranking functions as an ascending structure provided the calculations remain accurate. You simply need to demonstrate superior performance compared to opponents to advance. In addition to a controlled reset, the ladder mechanism will adjust your position appropriately.” He elaborated.
The revised mathematical approach focuses on more accurately assessing individual contribution beyond simple win/loss records. Performance metrics, clutch situations, and economic management will likely receive increased weighting in the new system.
Advanced players should concentrate on consistent performance across all match aspects rather than focusing exclusively on victory outcomes. Proper Class Guide principles apply here – understanding your role and maximizing its effectiveness remains paramount for ranking success.
The development team will deliver comprehensive explanations during the June 21 livestream event. These ranking updates should deploy alongside Episode 3, anticipated to commence on June 22. The forthcoming Act promises substantial content including an entirely new agent, corrections for Yoru and additional flashing agents, alongside the previously mentioned competitive enhancements.
Players should anticipate approximately 2-3 weeks of adjustment period as the new system calibrates, with rank stabilization occurring within the first month of Episode 3.
These modifications represent Riot’s ongoing commitment to competitive integrity and player satisfaction within Valorant’s ranked ecosystem.
Action Checklist
- Watch the June 21 developer livestream for complete system details
- Complete your current Act rank goals before Episode 3 launch
- Prepare for initial rank placement matches in new Episode
- Focus on consistent individual performance rather than win/loss only
- Monitor your performance metrics and adapt playstyle accordingly
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