MMR Reset Guide: How Season Changes Impact Your Rating and How to Prepare

As each new Valorant season rolls around, one of the most significant events is the MMR reset. MMR, or Matchmaking Rating, is the hidden rating that determines your skill level, and it plays a huge role in how you’re ranked at the start of each season. With season changes come resets in your MMR, which can leave many players wondering how their rating will be affected and what they can do to prepare.

This guide will break down how the MMR reset works, what to expect during a season change, and the best strategies to set yourself up for success when your rating is recalculated.

What is MMR and Why Does It Reset at the Start of a New Season?

MMR is a hidden value in Valorant that represents your true skill level. Unlike your visible rank, MMR is constantly fluctuating based on your performance—whether you win, lose, or how you perform during the match. MMR is used by the game’s matchmaking system to pair you with players of similar skill levels.

At the start of each new season, Riot Games resets MMR to give players a fresh start. This is done to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all players, as your performance during the season’s early matches determines your new starting point for that season. MMR resets allow Valorant to balance the ranking system and prevent players from being unfairly matched with others based on outdated ratings.

How MMR Reset Affects Your Rating

The MMR reset at the start of a season doesn’t completely wipe your MMR; instead, it adjusts your rating within a certain range. Here's what to expect:

1. Placement Matches After the Reset

After a season reset, you'll be required to play placement matches. These matches are crucial because they set your initial rank for the new season. MMR after the reset is influenced by your performance in these placement matches. Winning placement matches will result in a higher starting rank, while losing placement matches may result in a lower starting rank.

2. Resetting Your Visible Rank

Your visible rank (Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.) will also be affected by the reset. After the MMR reset, most players will find themselves placed in a rank lower than where they finished the previous season. This ensures that the ranking system stays competitive and prevents players from starting the season with an inflated rank.

3. Adjusting Your MMR Over Time

Once you’ve completed your placement matches, your MMR will gradually adjust based on your performance throughout the season. MMR increases or decreases depending on whether you win or lose matches and how you perform individually in those matches. Players who consistently perform well in ranked play will see their MMR rise over time, while those who underperform will see it drop.

4. Performance-Based Adjustment

Keep in mind that MMR is not solely based on winning or losing. If you perform exceptionally well, even in a loss, your MMR may rise slightly. On the other hand, a poor performance, even with a win, may cause your MMR to drop. This system ensures that your MMR reflects your skill, rather than just your win-loss ratio.

How to Prepare for the MMR Reset

Knowing how the MMR reset works and what to expect can help you approach the start of the new season with a strategy. Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re prepared and can climb the ranks faster:

1. Review Your Past Performance

Before the reset happens, take some time to review your gameplay from the previous season. Identify areas where you can improve—whether it’s aiming, map awareness, utility usage, or teamwork. Understanding your weaknesses and focusing on them during the new season will help you perform better in placement matches.

2. Focus on Consistency in Placement Matches

Your placement matches will play a huge role in determining where you start the season, so it’s important to perform consistently. Try to stay focused on playing your best, even if the match is difficult. Winning placement matches will help you start the season on the right foot, but MMR also takes into account individual performance. So, always give your best effort.

3. Practice Your Aim and Mechanics Before the Reset

Aiming and mechanical skills are foundational in Valorant, and improving them can have an immediate impact on your MMR. Spend some time in aim training maps or use aim trainers like Kovaak’s FPS Aim Trainer to sharpen your reflexes. Starting the season with better mechanical skills will make it easier to climb the ladder quickly.

4. Communicate and Coordinate with Your Team

In Valorant, teamwork and communication are just as important as individual skill. If you want to improve your MMR, make sure you're actively communicating with your team. Focus on strategies like callouts, rotations, and sharing information about enemy positions. Coordination can turn the tide of a match, and better team play often leads to higher MMR.

5. Stay Positive and Avoid Tilt

The MMR reset can be frustrating, especially if you’re not placed where you’d like to be. However, staying positive and focusing on improvement is key. Don’t get discouraged if you lose a few placement matches or have a rough start. Stick with it, stay focused on learning, and your MMR will rise over time.

Ready to track your MMR and prepare for the season reset? Use mmrvalorant.com to analyze your performance, track your MMR progress, and set clear goals for the new season. Start today to gain an edge over your competitors and climb through the ranks with data-driven strategies!