How Fortnite New Ranked Point System Works
By Roger on Oct 3rd, 2024, 02:00
Fortnite has had a ranked system for years, forming a core part of its competitive scene. However, recent changes have altered how it works and confused many players. Here's the only guide you need on Fortnite's new Ranked Point System.
Fortnite ranked mode is similar to regular game modes (Battle Royale, Zero Build) but designed for competitive play. Players compete for higher ranks, which reflect their skill level and match them with similarly skilled opponents.
Competing in Ranked and special tournaments can also earn unique rewards and in-game items. While regular Fortnite has skill-based matchmaking, Ranked mode is significantly more challenging. It's perfect for those seeking a challenge and wanting their in-game success to have real meaning, and the new system is familiar to players of other ranked games like Valorant.
Fortnite's Ranked system features 8 tiers, starting from Bronze and going up to Unreal. The ranks are:
Your initial rank is set after one match based on your previous matchmaking history. You gain points each game through eliminations and high placements, working your way up the ranks. Higher ranks start each game with a point deficit.
Previously, it took a few games to determine your rank. Now, one game sets your rank, and you dive straight into competitive play. You can play solo or with a team, and ranked progress is shared equally among squad members. Ranked modes include:
Epic Games recently transitioned Fortnite's ranking system from Arena to a new system that has intrigued many players. This guide breaks down the new system into five key formulas to help players understand how point gains and losses are calculated.
In any ranking system, players can both gain and lose points. Fortnite uses a public MMR (Matchmaking Rating), which is visible as the player's rank. When entering a game, players lose a percentage of points based on their rank.
Higher-ranked Fortnite players, such as Champions, lose a bigger percentage than lower-ranked players. Initially, this percentage was fixed, but Epic Games introduced a consistency bonus to address issues where players would lose points rapidly due to a few bad games. This bonus adjusts the points lost based on recent performance, rewarding players who perform well consistently.
The player's rank who eliminates you also impacts the points lost. Losing to a higher-ranked player results in a minor point deduction while failing to a lower-ranked player results in a larger deduction, similar to how the LoL ranked system works.
Kill points in Fortnite vary based on several factors. Firstly, the rank of the opponent affects the points gained. Defeating a higher-ranked player yields more points. Additionally, the timing within the game matters; defeating enemies later offers more points. This incentivizes players to survive longer and play strategically. Points are shared among players who contribute to a kill based on the damage dealt. This season, there seems to be a cap on the points one can gain from kills to prevent players from excessively farming points through high-tempo games.
Many players have misunderstood placement points. While it is true that higher ranks earn fewer placement points, these points often counterbalance the bus fare (the points deducted upon entering a match). Reaching the top 25 can yield positive points at lower ranks, but playing solely for placement becomes less effective as players advance to higher ranks like Diamond or above. To achieve higher ranks like Unreal, players must balance between kills and placements.
Objectives, such as capturing loot islands or forecast towers, also contribute to point gains. Although the exact points awarded for these actions are not well-documented, they provide a significant boost. For example, capturing the centre island can yield substantial points, making it worthwhile.
Consistency is crucial in the ranking system. At higher ranks, Epic Games expects players to consistently reach the game's later stages. This means avoiding early deaths and ensuring regular end-game appearances. A player's drop spot strategy becomes vital; selecting a reliable and less contested location can significantly impact their ability to survive and gain points consistently.
The ranking system in Fortnite has seen significant changes, impacting strategies for climbing ranks. Instead of merely suggesting high-level strategies like staying focused and adaptive, we've compiled pro tips packed with juicy details from our top Fortnite coaches to help you achieve the highest rank.
Firstly, Epic Games reduced the penalty for early-game deaths, making it less punishing to die off spawn. The consistency bonus has been weakened, and kill points have increased, particularly in Elite and Champion ranks. Players are now encouraged to focus on strategic fighting due to the meta shift towards quicker eliminations and the prominence of explosives.
For early-game success, prioritizing shields and quick looting is crucial. Players should consistently land at the same spot to master the loot path and reduce RNG reliance. The preferred loadout includes an AR, a pump shotgun, an SMG or LMG, and either two sets of meds or one set of meds with an explosive weapon. In mid-game, gaining high ground and avoiding prolonged fights are essential. Players should also be aggressive if they have a health advantage, especially in team modes.
End-game strategy involves using items like grapplers for better rotation and exploiting the effectiveness of grenade launchers against boxed-up opponents. Experience and adaptability play significant roles here. The top Fortnite coaches recommend W-keying and aggressive plays in lower ranks (Bronze to Diamond). However, in higher ranks (Elite and Champion), playing for the win with strategic kills is more effective. The best game mode depends on personal skill and available teammates; solos are best for strong individual players, while duos and squads rely on the quality of teammates.
Fortnite coaching can be a game-changer for players aiming to improve quickly and climb the ranks efficiently. A skilled coach provides personalized guidance, identifying and addressing individual weaknesses while refining overall strategy. Through one-on-one sessions, coaches can offer tailored advice on positioning, building techniques, optimal loadouts, and insights into game mechanics and meta shifts. This focused training helps players develop a deeper understanding of the game, enhances their decision-making skills, and boosts their confidence in competitive scenarios. By learning from experienced professionals, players can accelerate their progress, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve higher ranks more swiftly than they would on their own.
Ranks reset every Fortnite season, but previous progress influences the new rank tier. Battle Royale and Zero Build each have separate rank progressions, requiring separate efforts. The available squad sizes for Ranked modes may also change each season.
The Ranked system shows a distribution weighted towards higher ranks. Elite is the most populated and is currently the average rank, followed by Diamond and Platinum. Lower ranks, like Bronze, have fewer players. Unreal is presently the least populated but will grow as the season progresses.
Demonstrate your dedication and skill to unlock rewards such as cosmetic items and the coveted Burn Bright mode. Climb the ranked ladder to earn these exclusive benefits.
New Epic accounts must complete a quest (outlasting 500 opponents) to access Ranked play. All other Fortnite accounts have immediate access to Ranked mode.
Understanding and adapting to these changes can help you climb the ranks and compete with the best in Fortnite's new competitive landscape.
