TL;DR
- Running accuracy with rifles will be reduced in Patch 2.02 to reward strategic positioning over reckless play
- High MMR players will see improved RR gains (40+ instead of 35) and faster rank convergence
- Queue time reductions for top players will discourage alternate account usage
- Players with MMR above their rank will climb faster with reduced games needed
- Seasonal rank reset issues are being investigated for future updates
The recent Ask Valorant development blog revealed significant gameplay adjustments scheduled for implementation across upcoming patches. These changes represent Riot’s ongoing commitment to refining the competitive experience.
Last month, the development team announced plans to modify movement shooting mechanics, specifically targeting rifle accuracy during sprinting. This adjustment addresses a core gameplay imbalance where aggressive rushing tactics often yielded unexpectedly precise results, contradicting Valorant’s emphasis on tactical positioning and angle control.
Following community feedback, senior designer Jon Walker and producer Ian Fielding confirmed that running accuracy modifications for rifles will debut in Patch 2.02. This change reinforces the importance of deliberate movement and strategic site control over impulsive aggression.
“We’re implementing these adjustments incrementally to prevent overwhelming system changes that might force players to completely relearn fundamental mechanics,” the development team emphasized, highlighting their methodical approach to gameplay evolution.
Valorant’s development team will continuously monitor these modifications and make additional refinements based on player data and community response.
Valorant Episode 2 Ranking Update
Competitive integrity receives major attention as developers tackle a concerning trend among elite players. High-ranked competitors discovered they could accelerate rank progression by utilizing secondary accounts, bypassing extended queue times and achieving faster ladder advancement. This pattern became particularly noticeable following Patch 2.01’s deployment.
To counter this exploitation, Riot will enhance the matchmaking algorithm’s emphasis on MMR (Matchmaking Rating). Top-tier players will experience shortened queue durations, eliminating the incentive to abandon primary accounts. Additionally, they’ll leverage their established MMR to accumulate rank rating more efficiently.
Upcoming patches will strengthen MMR convergence effectiveness. Players who achieved Immortal+ status in previous seasons maintain elevated MMR values, enabling increased RR gains per victory and reduced losses per defeat compared to lower-rated counterparts. This refinement also assists skilled players trapped in inferior ranks to reach their proper competitive tier more rapidly when demonstrating superior MMR.
A Riot senior competitive designer elaborated on Twitter to clarify community confusion. Essentially, competitors with MMR exceeding their current rank will witness RR increases of 40+ points rather than the current 35-point ceiling.
“This translates to requiring fewer matches to attain your appropriate competitive standing,” the developer clarified.
Essentially, you’ll receive increased RR or reduced losses when your MMR surpasses your current rank (conversely applies when below). Currently, we observe approximately 35 points as the average “High RR Gain” – post-adjustment we’ll see 40+. This simply means playing fewer games to reach your deserved rank.
— EvrMoar (@RiotEvrMoar)
January 28, 2021
Riot’s development team is additionally investigating another prevalent player grievance: beginning new competitive seasons at significantly lower ranks than previously achieved. This issue should see resolution in the near future, with comprehensive details expected around Episode 2 Act II.
Strategic Implications: These changes reward consistent performance over shortcut tactics. Players should focus on maintaining high individual performance rather than seeking system exploits. The improved MMR convergence means skilled players will spend less time grinding through ranks below their actual skill level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t abandon your main account due to queue times – the upcoming changes specifically address this. Avoid the temptation to create smurf accounts, as the revised system will more accurately reflect true skill levels.
For those struggling with rank progression, consider reviewing our Complete Guide for fundamental improvement strategies that work across competitive shooters.
Action Checklist
- Adjust movement strategy to prioritize positioning over running accuracy reliance
- Focus on consistent individual performance to maximize MMR gains
- Review weapon proficiency using our Weapons Unlock guide principles
- Monitor RR gains post-update to understand new progression pace
- Study agent roles and abilities with our Class Guide for tactical advantages
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Riot developers shine light on upcoming ranking changes Valorant's upcoming ranking improvements address running accuracy, MMR optimization, and competitive integrity