Mastering Valorant’s Top Ranks: From Ascendant to Radiant

Climbing the ranked ladder in Valorant is more than just winning games — it’s about consistency, adaptability, and understanding how the system actually works. Whether you’re hovering in Ascendant or chasing Radiant, here’s a full breakdown of the top-tier Valorant ranks and how you can get there.

🎯 How Placement Matches Work

Every new Episode or Act resets part of your ranked progress — but how much depends on your previous performance.

• At the start of a new Episode: You’ll be required to play 5 placement matches. No matter your past rank, the highest you can be placed is Ascendant 1.

• For Act 2 and Act 3: Only one placement match is needed. However, if you were Immortal or Radiant previously, your initial Rank Rating (RR) will drop significantly — often up to 90%. That means even Radiant players might start back in Immortal.

This reset is Riot’s way of shaking up the leaderboard and making sure only active, high-performing players stay at the top.

🧠 How Ranking Up Works in Immortal Tier

Once you reach 100 RR in Ascendant 3, you're promoted to Immortal 1. Unlike the lower ranks, progress through Immortal and into Radiant relies solely on your win/loss ratio and round differential — not individual performance.

Here’s a region-based breakdown of the RR needed to climb:

This means reaching Immortal 2 or 3 is easier in smaller regions, while larger player bases like Europe or North America require more RR due to stiffer competition.

🏆 What It Takes to Reach Radiant

Radiant is not just a rank — it’s the pinnacle of competitive Valorant, and reaching it requires more than just grinding wins.

You need:

1. A minimum Rank Rating, specific to your region (see table above).

2. To be among the Top 500 players in your region.

Even if you meet the RR requirement, you won’t reach Radiant unless your RR is high enough to surpass other players in the leaderboard. This adds an extra layer of competitiveness that separates Radiant from the rest.

⬇️ Can You Get Demoted?

Absolutely. Promotion and demotion work differently in the top ranks compared to lower tiers. Here’s how you can lose your spot:

• Immortal 1 → Drop below 0 RR and lose another match.

• Immortal 2 or 3 → Fall under the required RR threshold and lose.

• Radiant → Drop out of the Top 500 leaderboard or below the minimum Radiant RR for your region.

Demotion is a real risk, especially if you’re on a losing streak or take a break while others keep climbing.

📈 What Affects RR in Immortal & Radiant?

In Iron through Ascendant, your RR gain is influenced by both your performance and match results. But in Immortal and Radiant, only these things matter:

• Match result (win or loss)

• Round differential (how close or dominant the match was)

• AFK penalties or dodging queues will reduce your RR significantly

There’s no bonus RR for top fragging or MVP status in these ranks. Every round and every match counts equally.

🏅 Leaderboards & Activity Rules

Valorant’s leaderboard system tracks the Top 500 players in each region. To stay on the board:

• You must play at least one ranked match every 7 days

• Inactivity will remove you from the leaderboard until you play again

This ensures that Radiant players remain active and competitive — no resting on your rank.

📝 Quick Recap

• You can only place as high as Ascendant 1 during new Episode resets.

• Immortal ranks require set RR thresholds based on region.

• Radiant demands both a high RR and a leaderboard position.

• No performance-based RR gains exist in Immortal/Radiant — only win/loss and round diff matter.

• Demotion is possible at every stage of top-tier play.

• Staying active is mandatory to maintain a spot in Radiant or on the leaderboard.
  

  ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  What’s the highest rank you can be placed into after a reset?

  After Episode resets in Valorant, the maximum placement rank is Ascendant 1, regardless of your previous tier. This ensures a fair climb for everyone.

  How do I reach Radiant in Valorant?

  To reach Radiant, you must:

  1. Achieve the required Rank Rating (RR) for your region.

  2. Be among the Top 500 players in your region's leaderboard.

  It’s not enough to win — you need to outperform hundreds of others.

  Do kills or MVPs help you rank up faster in Immortal or Radiant?

  No. Once you're in Immortal or Radiant, your RR depends only on wins, losses, and round differential. Individual stats like frags or MVPs don’t affect your climb.

  Can I lose my rank in Immortal or Radiant?

  Yes. You can get demoted if you:

  • Hit 0 RR and lose again (in Immortal).

  • Drop below your region’s RR threshold.

  • Fall out of the Top 500 leaderboard (for Radiant players).

  How do I stay on the Radiant leaderboard?

  To remain visible on the leaderboard, Radiant players must play at least one competitive match every 7 days. If you go inactive, you’ll disappear from the rankings until you return.