What Ranks Can Play Together in Valorant?

What are the ranks that can play together? Can gold play with bronze in Valorant? What ranks can queue together? Can I play with friends as we play competitive matches in ranked mode? These are common questions among players who want to learn more about how Valorant rank disparity works.

If you're unfamiliar with Valorant, it's a strategic, tactical first-person shooter game by Riot Games. Like other games that feature competitive play, it has a structured ranking system. The way the Valorant ranking system works is that it calculates players based on their gameplay skill level and a few other factors. It'll pit players against players of similar levels as a method to keep the competitive game matches fair. Our article will cover what ranks in Valorant can play together, so you have a better understanding of how the ranking system and Valorant work.

How the Valorant Ranking System Works

Before you can play ranked games in Valorant, you first have to reach account level 20 by playing a series of unrated placement matches. Then, you need to play 5 matches for the game to start your rank rating journey. All newly registered Valorant players need to play enough games to be able to unlock competitive rank mode. You can't play ranked games until you've convinced the game that you've learned how to play Valorant well enough to compete in Valorant ranked matches. If you need some help to reach level 20 fast, read this EB24 blog to learn how to do it.

Once you've graduated to play ranked Valorant, the game will assess your rank and hidden MMR (matchmaking rating). It'll determine which players from the game lobby will queue together in Valorant just before a match starts. It should be noted that if you want to play Valorant with your friends in ranked mode, you won't be able to play together if your ranks are too far apart.

Overall, there are nine ranks in the Valorant rank distribution system. It starts with Iron and ends with Radiant. From Iron to Immortal, there are three levels between their respective ranks. They each start at level 1, then 2, and then finally 3. After this, the ascension between immortal and radiant ranks boils down to who are the truly best players in the game.

Let's explain how the rank disparity in Valorant works further:

• Iron: 1, 2, 3

• Bronze: 1,2,3

• Silver: 1,2,3

• Gold: 1,2,3

• Platininum: 1,2,3

• Diamond: 1,2,3

• Ascendant: 1,2,3

• Immortal: 1,2,3

• Radiant (this is as high as it goes, and it's reserved for the top 500 players per region.)

What's the Act Rank Difference from Regular Rank Rating?

What's an Act Rank? It's a progression similar to Valoran's regular ranking system but reserved for each Act during an episodic period of the game. They're based on events that usually feature three acts. Each act rank is your highest win, called "Proven Mastery." You'll see your progress during an act from the mini triangles that appear in what starts as a hollowed triangle. The topmost triangle dictates your highest-ranked victory and will officially determine your Act rank. It runs separately from the overall Valorant ranking system, and it works while in competitive mode.

Who Can Play Together in Valorant?

What Valorant ranks can play together? Who can play with whom is based on Valorant rank restrictions. This includes the ability to team up with other players across different ranks. Riot Games determines who can play Valorant together to maintain a balanced gaming experience for players. Most players in Valorant expect to play together in ranked mode, which is fair enough and just for everyone.

Valorant is a team-versus-team environment. Who can play with whom starts with whether it's a 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 setup. Let's discuss this further:

Playing Valorant Together 5 vs. 5

Also known as a full stack, this teamplay environment has 5 players team up against another 5 players. This setup allows all players, regardless of tier or rank, to play together. So if you're asking, "Can bronze play with gold in Valorant?" the answer is yes.

This also means gold players can play with silver friends in Valorant. You can play with anyone here. However, there are certain restrictions you need to consider. If the difference between the involved players is too great, the queue times to play with ranked players may take longer. That's because the game needs to find another team that's similar to what's in your party. Also, if you're aiming to climb the ranks fast, this isn't the way to do it. The progression will be slower as the RR (rank rating) may be adversely affected. This is especially true if you're teaming with players based on rank levels like Immortal or Radiant.

Playing Ranked Games 4 vs. 4

Known as four-stack, players looking to play ranked matches with this setup won't be able to do so. Why? According to Riot Games, communication-related issues can adversely impact the gameplay experience. It is reasoned that a solo player and four players who already know each other can manipulate the queuing process. Since one member of the team would be queuing alone, communication among the party members can potentially give them an unfair advantage over their opponents.

Can Friends in Valorant Competitive Play 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3?

Can friends ranked Iron play with Silver (and Bronze) friends in competitive mode? Yes. If you're as low as Iron 1 and your friend is as high as Silver 3, you can play Valorant from the same lobby. If players on the team are Silver and Gold, they can play together. However, can Silver play with Platinum here? No, they can't. The way ranks work here is that Gold can play with players up to Platinum, and that's it.

What about Platinum ranks and what ranks can they play with? Platinum can play with Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant players. However, players ranked Immortal or higher must either play alone, in pairs, or with a full stack (5) party. They won't be able to play 3v3.

Taking all of this into consideration, let's chart out how the overall "what's allowed" works, according to the game's rank-based system:

• Iron and Bronze can play with Silver

• Silver can play with Gold

• Gold can play with Platinum

• Platinum can play with Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant (with only 1 tier higher in rank)

• Immortal and Radiant can only play solo, 2vs, and 5v5 in competitive mode

What About Playing Solo?

Players can play solo, and it is recommended if you're looking to improve your play style and skills. However, you need to play together with ranked players if you expect to reach your goals in Valorant, especially if you want to climb from the lower ranks to something higher.

Potential Complications While Playing with Friends

As important as it is to know what ranks work with each other on Valorant, it's also important to understand the potential issues friends may encounter. The most common issue is rak disparity. If the difference is too big, this causes game-related issues (usually balancing and queuing). Another problem could stem from a friend who's been banned or suspended from ranked games. This is usually the consequence stemming from insulting other players or AFK (away from keyboard) behavior.

How Can I Play with Ranked Players (That Are Friendly)?

As ideal as it is to play with friends on Valorant, sometimes finding the right teammates to suit your competitive gameplay style isn't so easy. If you find your friends are ranked much higher than you, you may want to consider a professional rank boosting service by EB24. There are also coaching services by EB24 that can help improve your gameplay, especially if you have friends who are ranked way higher than you. You can also check the EB24 Marketplace to buy a Valorant account that has a similar rank to your friends. (You might even score some cool skins to go with it, too.)

The marketplace is also a great platform for players looking to sell their Valorant accounts. Maybe you have one you're looking to part with?

And, what if you have friends who are under the Valorant age allowance to play the game? You may want to look at our EB24 blog covering that issue (recommended).