What Does "Rank Up" Mean in Gaming?
Ranking up in video games is the thrilling process of climbing competitive ladders and gaining status in a game‘s community. But ranking systems vary wildly between different games. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore ranking up terminology, advantages, strategies, history, and controversies.
A Brief History of Ranking Systems
Chess rankings were some of the first skill-based ratings. The Elo rating system, named after its creator Arpad Elo, calculates relative skill levels based on head-to-head results. Elo demonstrated the statistical basis for ranking chess players in a scientific paper published in 1960.
Elo ratings established concepts like volatility and expected outcomes that modern video games adapted. League of Legends developers cited Elo ratings as inspiration for their competitive ladder. But modern games evolved more complex ranking algorithms to account for variables like teamwork.
Ranking Up Vocabulary
Here are some common gaming terms related to rankings:
- Elo – Rating system adapted from chess to games like Overwatch
- MMR (Matchmaking Rating) – Hidden skill rating used for matchmaking
- LP (League Points) – Points earned in League of Legends competitive
- Pips – Small unit of MMR exchange during matches
- Promos – Promotion series to rank up in League
- Duos – Playing ranked with a partner
- Solo Queue – Playing alone without premade teammates
- Grinding – Playing extensively to gain rating
- Smurfing – Using alternate accounts against lower ranks
- Sandbagging – Intentionally losing to lower rating
Understanding ranking lingo lets you better navigate competitive communities. Now let‘s examine why players are so motivated to rank up in popular games.
Motivations for Ranking Up
Here are the major motivations and incentives that make ranking up so satisfying:
- Matchmaking – Being matched with and against equally skilled players
- Self-improvement – Quantitative milestone for personal growth
- Social status – Bragging rights and reputation
- Unlocking features – Ranked modes, cosmetics, rewards
- Competition – Test skills against best players
Quantifying skill makes multiplayer gaming more enjoyable. Getting stomped by veterans or stomping noobs both undermine the competitive experience. Rankings enable balanced matchmaking.
How Ranking Systems Work
While implementations differ, ranking systems share common concepts.
- Players start at a default rank
- Winning matches against comparable opponents raises rank
- Losing drops rank
- The magnitude of rating change depends on:
- Opponent ranks (higher stakes against better players)
- The predicted probability of winning based on ranks
- Significant rank improvements happen through promotion series
- Ranks are grouped into tiers (e.g. Gold) and divisions (Gold 1)
By integrating concepts like uncertainty and volatility, modern systems provide granular skill measurement. Next we‘ll compare genres.
Ranking Systems by Game Genre
Ranking methodology varies based on a game‘s design.
First-Person Shooters
In team-based shooters like Valorant and Overwatch, individual performance matters. But prioritizing teamplay reduces toxicity. Ranks are organized into metal tiers.
Example: Valorant
- Tiers: Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Immortal, Radiant
- RR (Rank Rating) gained or lost per match
MOAS
MOBAs like League of Legends and DOTA 2 also utilize tiered leagues. League Points are earned by winning matches. Promotion series gatekeep higher tiers.
Example: League of Legends
- Tiers: Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Challenger
- 100 LP needed for promotion series
Battle Royales
In battle royales like Fortnite and Apex Legends, ranks are based on consistent match placements. Earning more points unlocks higher tiers each season.
Example: Apex Legends
- Tiers: Rookie, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Apex Predator
Fighting Games
Fighting games showcase pure 1v1 skill. Ranks are represented by short numeric ranges like Demon (4000-4199) or God (4300+) in Street Fighter V.
Sports Games
In FIFA and NBA 2K, player ratings represent skill in attributes like passing, dribbling, shooting, etc. Games are based on team overall rating.
RPGs
For single-player RPGs, leveling up happens through gaining XP and collecting loot to boost stats and abilities.
Ranking Up Strategies
Here are tips to rank up quickly in popular competitive games:
- Play with a coordinated team rather than solo queue
- Stick to a small hero pool to develop mastery
- VOD review your replays to learn from mistakes
- Refine your mechanics and game sense through practice
- Maintain a positive mindset – don‘t tilt!
- Take breaks to avoid burnout from grinding
Finding like-minded teammates, ideally friends, leads to greater success through communication and synergy.
Focusing on just a few heroes or agents allows you to optimize decision making for your role. VOD reviewing losses prevents repeating the same errors.
Rank Distribution Data
The following charts illustrate the percentage of players in each tier based on public data from Riot Games and sources like LolSumo.
League of Legends Rank Distribution NA servers (January 2023)
| Tier | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Iron | 11.5% |
| Bronze | 27.4% |
| Silver | 32.3% |
| Gold | 23.1% |
| Platinum | 4.9% |
| Diamond+ | 0.8% |
Lower tiers contain the majority of players. Reaching Gold puts you above around 80% of the playerbase. Only the top 4.9% make Platinum.
Valorant Rank Distribution NA servers
| Tier | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Iron | 15% |
| Bronze | 25% |
| Silver | 35% |
| Gold | 15% |
| Platinum | 7% |
| Diamond+ | 3% |
Valorant shows a similar left-skewed distribution. Just getting to Gold requires above average skill.
Smurfing Controversy
High ranked players creating anonymous alternate accounts to play against lower ranks is called "smurfing".
Pro arguments:
- Lets veterans learn new heroes in lower pressure
- Provides educational content creating new accounts
- Hard carrying games quickly ranks up smurfs
Anti arguments:
- Ruins competitive integrity
- Stomps less experienced players
- Boosts others by duo queueing
Ranking up against smurfs can be frustrating. But developers continue working to detect and separate smurf accounts faster using data like unusually high KDAs.
Looking Forward
As competitive gaming grows, ranking systems will continue evolving. Some ideas for the future include:
- Cross-game rankings for genres (e.g. FPS skill rating)
- New ranking factors like teamwork and communication
- More weight on recent performances
- Public leaderboards to track top players
- Seasonal ladders resets to allow reclimbing
If you want to get on top of the latest trends in ranking systems, bookmark RankedBoost.com to stay up to date on each season‘s competitive environment across major titles.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully this guide provided lots of insights into ranking systems and what it means to "rank up" in modern multiplayer gaming. While the details vary between titles, ranking up fundamentally represents improving your abilities. Setting goals like hitting Gold or Platinum gives structure to the improvement journey.
Competitive gaming thrives thanks to growth-oriented ranking systems. Understanding how they work equips you to chart your own path up the ladder.
So get out there, grind some matches, analyze your performance, and climb the ranks in your favorite games! See you at the top 🙂
