What Ranks Can Play VALORANT Together? Steps And Guide
VALORANT, the tactical first-person shooter developed by Riot Games, has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide since its release. One of the game’s most appealing aspects is its competitive nature, offering a ranking system that pits players against others of similar skill levels.
Playing with friends is a common practice in VALORANT, but understanding the rules surrounding which ranks can play together is crucial for an enjoyable gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of what ranks can play VALORANT together and how these rules affect your gaming sessions.
Understanding VALORANT Ranks
Before we explore the intricacies of playing together, let’s review the ranks in VALORANT. The game features nine distinct ranks, each representing a player’s skill level:
- Iron
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Immortal
- Radiant
These ranks form the basis for matchmaking and competitive gameplay in VALORANT.
The Five-Stack Rule: All Ranks Welcome
If you have a full team of five players, commonly referred to as a “five-stack,” you can join a VALORANT match regardless of the ranks within your team. The game permits full teams to queue together, fostering an environment where friends can enjoy the game without rank-related restrictions.
However, it’s essential to understand that while you can queue together with a diverse group of ranks, the game takes rank disparity into account for matchmaking purposes. This means that if your five-stack consists of players with significantly different ranks, the system may pair you with opponents of a similar mix, seeking to create balanced matches.
The Four-Stack Rule: Solo Queue Player Required
In a bid to promote balanced and competitive matches, Riot Games has implemented a rule that restricts the possibility of a four-stack queuing together in ranked matchmaking. This rule means that if you’re part of a four-stack, one player on your team must be a solo queue player.
The reasoning behind this rule is to prevent potential issues arising from a lack of effective communication within a four-stack team when facing off against a five-stack. By including a solo queue player, the matchmaking system aims to balance out the communication dynamics in the match.
The Three or Two-Stack Rule: Ranked Range Restrictions
When queuing with one or two friends, you’ll encounter ranked range restrictions that determine which ranks can play together. Here’s how these restrictions break down:
- Iron and Bronze players can queue with friends up to Silver rank.
- Silver players can team up with friends up to Gold rank.
- Gold players can form a party with friends up to Platinum rank.
- Platinum, Diamond, Immortal, and Radiant players can only play with teammates who are one tier higher or lower.
It’s essential to adhere to these rank range restrictions to maintain fair and competitive gameplay.
Additional Considerations: Immortal and Radiant Players
If you’re an Immortal or Radiant-ranked player, you’ll face some unique restrictions. Players in these high ranks can only queue for ranked matches in the following configurations:
- Solo queue
- Duo queue (with one friend)
- Five-stack (with a full team of five players)
The option to queue with a party of three is not available to Immortal and Radiant players. This restriction aims to ensure that high-level matches maintain a competitive and balanced atmosphere.
Understanding which ranks can play VALORANT together is vital for enjoying the game to its fullest. Whether you’re rolling with a five-stack, teaming up with a few friends, or venturing into solo queue, adhering to the rank rules ensures a fair and engaging gaming experience for all players. So, as you embark on your journey through the ranks of VALORANT, keep these rules in mind to make the most of your competitive adventures.
Also Read: Is Riot Games Working On Making The Valorant Movie?
