Climbing the competitive ladder in Valorant is no easy task, particularly when you reach the higher tiers known as Immortal and Radiant. Although these two ranks may seem similar, there are more significant differences between them than just a name or flashy badge. You must first comprehend the foundations of Valorant’s ranking system in order to fully appreciate what sets Radiant apart from Immortal.
The Fundamentals of Heroic Ranked Play
You must reach account level 20 in order to unlock Ranked mode before you can even consider Immortal. Riot Games shook things up by scrapping the old rule about needing 20 unrated games. Now, the focus shifts entirely to your account level. If you met the criteria before this switch, consider yourself lucky—you can jump right in without waiting.
Valorant’s ranking ladder consists of nine main tiers, each more intense than the last. Up to the elite Radiant rank at the top, the first eight each have three subdivisions, such as Iron I through Iron III. Achieving 100 Rank Rating (RR) points per tier is necessary to advance through Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Ascendant.
The Real Workings of Ranking
The real difficulty starts when you enter the competitive queue. To establish their starting rank, newcomers must compete in five placement matches. In order to maintain a new competitive environment every season, veterans from prior Acts typically maintain a soft reset, dropping a rank or two.
Losses erode your RR, while wins increase it. In the meantime, who you face is subtly determined by a hidden Matchmaking Rating (MMR). Achieve Platinum and anticipate facing opponents with comparable skill levels. Immortal and ascendant? Get ready for the most difficult competition.
The Grind Gets Real: From Immortal I to Immortal III
You enter Immortal I and become a member of Valorant’s exclusive circle after hitting Ascendant III with 100 RR. The rules of the game change here, though, as you must reach region-specific RR thresholds rather than advancing through predetermined RR increments.
Players of Immortal and Radiant must prove themselves with placement matches in every new episode. The first act requires five matches, while the subsequent acts only require one, but with a steep 90% RR reset. No exceptions apply to Radiant players; if their RR falls too low, they risk being dropped back to Immortal.
North American Regional RR Thresholds for Immortal Ranks:
Immortal II: 90 RR
Immortal III: 150 RR
Brazil Regional RR Thresholds:
Immortal II: 90 RR
Immortal III: 230 RR
Know your region before grinding interminably because thresholds vary across the globe.
How to Become Radiant
Radiant is a rarefied status that is only available to the top 500 players in each region; it’s not just another advancement. In Immortal rank, hitting a minimum of 450 RR is mandatory—but don’t be fooled, reaching that threshold alone doesn’t guarantee you a spot in Radiant. Staying Immortal means you haven’t cracked the elite top 500 players yet.
Now, flip the coin: if you fall off the leaderboard or your RR dips below 450, Radiant won’t hesitate to pull you back down a notch.
It’s not just about points; it’s a never-ending struggle for dominance.
Demotions: The Shocking Truth of Elite Competition
Radiant players may find themselves back in Immortal if they lose enough RR. If an Immortal I player hits zero RR, they run the risk of falling all the way to Ascendant III. As you climb, every loss becomes more painful, necessitating constant skill and focus.
Highlighting the Main Distinctions in Ranking Mechanics
Regional RR thresholds determine immortal ranks; Radiant needs 450 RR and a top 500 leaderboard standing.
Leaderboard Presence: Immortal is typically not publicly visible on global leaderboards, whereas Radiant is.
Both compete against the best, but Radiant matches are more intense, competitive, and harsh.
Prestige: Radiant represents the highest level of consistency, mechanical accuracy, and game sense.
Concluding Remarks
You have demonstrated that you are a top-tier Valorant player if you have an immortal rank. Bright? That’s a whole other level—a world of local celebrities. Because the competitive landscape is always changing, maintaining your lead calls for more than just skill—it also calls for flexibility, strategic thinking, and unwavering willpower.
Understanding the subtle distinctions between these ranks is essential, whether your goal is to advance past Immortal or pursue the coveted Radiant badge. You’ll be more prepared to navigate Valorant’s intensely ranked battlefield if you can master this.
