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What are the allowable ranks for team play in VALORANT?

If you’ve been waiting for your friends to join you in some ranked action in VALORANT, you might have encountered a problem. Your ranks may not match up, making it difficult to play together. But don’t worry, we’re here to explain which ranks can play together in VALORANT.

Riot Games divides its player base into different ranks that represent skill levels. While there are some exceptions, Riot aims to ensure fair competition in ranked matches.

Why some ranks can’t play together in VALORANT

VALORANT strives for balanced games, and that’s where ranks come into play. Playing with higher-ranked friends might sound appealing, but it wouldn’t be fair for lower-ranked players. They would struggle to compete in matches against higher-ranked opponents and hinder their teammates’ performance.

What ranks can play together in VALORANT?

VALORANT Ranks in order
There are nine ranks in VALORANT—eight of them split three ways. Image via Riot Games

If you form a full stack of five players, you can queue together regardless of rank. However, if you’re missing a fifth player, your ranks will affect your matchmaking. Here’s a breakdown of who can play with whom in VALORANT:

  • Bronze and Iron can play with Silver ranks.
  • Silver can play with any rank until Gold.
  • Gold can only play with ranks up to Platinum.
  • Platinum, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant can only play with teammates who are one rank tier away from their own.

For Immortal and Radiant players, they can only queue solo, duo, or in a full stack of five. Parties of three are not allowed.