New to Valorant? Your Complete Guide to Understanding MMR and Placement Matches

If you’re new to Valorant, you’re probably already excited to jump into the competitive scene and start climbing the ranks. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand the MMR (Matchmaking Rating) system and how placement matches work. These elements are central to your competitive experience, as they determine how you’re matched with players of similar skill levels and where you’ll start your journey.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about MMR in Valorant, how placement matches work, and how they impact your rank progression. Whether you're a first-time player or just looking to understand the system better, this guide will help you get started on the right foot and set you up for success.

What is MMR in Valorant?

MMR is a hidden number that represents your true skill level in Valorant. It’s used by the matchmaking system to pair you with players of similar skill levels. Your MMR isn’t visible to you, but it’s the main factor in determining which rank you’ll be placed in and how much you’ll rise or fall in the rankings over time.

Your MMR is affected by several factors:

• Wins and Losses: Winning games increases your MMR, while losing games decreases it.
• Individual Performance: How well you perform in a match (e.g., kills, deaths, assists, utility usage) can impact your MMR.
• Team Performance: The collective performance of your team also plays a role. Even if you’re a strong individual player, a loss with a poorly performing team will negatively affect your MMR.

The matchmaking system is designed to help players improve over time by consistently matching them with players who are at a similar skill level.

What are Placement Matches?

At the start of each competitive season, or when you first queue up for Competitive, you’ll be asked to play placement matches. These matches are designed to determine your initial rank for the season and provide the system with a better understanding of your skill level.

How Placement Matches Work

• First-Time Players: If you’re new to Valorant and don’t have any previous competitive history, your placement matches will determine your starting rank. You’ll be matched with other first-time players for these initial games.
• Returning Players: If you’ve played in a previous season but haven’t competed recently, you’ll also need to complete placement matches to determine your rank for the new season. These matches will help the system calibrate your MMR based on your recent performance and past rank.

How Many Placement Matches Are There?

You’ll typically play 5 placement matches, but keep in mind that these matches are less about winning and more about evaluating your individual performance and consistency. The system will use the results of these matches to determine where to place you in the ranking system.

What Affects Your Placement?

• Wins and Losses: Your win-loss record during placement matches will obviously affect your starting rank, but it’s not the only factor. The matchmaking system also takes into account how well you perform individually within those matches.
• Individual Performance: If you perform well in your placement matches (i.e., you get good kills, use abilities effectively, and contribute to the team), your starting MMR will be higher. Even a loss may result in a favorable placement if you have great individual stats.
• Team Coordination: While individual performance is key, team coordination still plays a role. The system will look at how well your team works together and adjusts your MMR accordingly.

What Happens After Placement Matches?

After completing your placement matches, you’ll be assigned to a rank that reflects your initial MMR. This is where your rank becomes visible to other players. Your rank will be one of the following:

• Iron
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Diamond
• Immortal
• Radiant

Your rank is a representation of your skill level at that moment in time. However, MMR will continue to fluctuate based on your performance in subsequent games. Winning games, performing well individually, and working with your team can all increase your MMR and move you up the ranks. Losing games or performing poorly can decrease your MMR and demote you to a lower rank.

How to Progress After Placement Matches

Once you’ve completed your placement matches and have your initial MMR and rank, the real work begins. Here are a few tips for progressing:

1. Focus on Individual Performance

• MMR is greatly influenced by your individual performance. Focus on improving your aim, positioning, game sense, and ability usage. Even if your team loses, consistently performing well can still lead to MMR gains.

2. Work on Team Coordination

• Valorant is a team-based game, and communication is key. Learn to communicate effectively with your teammates, use callouts, and strategize together. Even if you’re individually strong, poor coordination can hold your team back.

3. Adapt to the Meta

• The meta in Valorant changes over time, with different agents and strategies becoming more or less effective. Stay up to date with the latest strategies and agent balance changes to stay competitive.

4. Stay Consistent

• Climbing the ranks in Valorant takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you hit a rank plateau or experience a losing streak. Stay consistent, keep improving, and your MMR will reflect your progress.

Tips for New Players to Get Started

• Focus on the fundamentals: Learn the basic mechanics of shooting, movement, and using abilities effectively.
• Play with a team: While Solo Queue can be fun, playing with a group of friends or teammates can significantly improve your coordination and chances of winning.
• Learn from your mistakes: Watch your replays, identify mistakes, and focus on improving your weaknesses.
• Stay positive: MMR can fluctuate, and you may experience setbacks. Stay focused on improving and keep a positive attitude.