If you’re a gamer at heart, it is very much likely that you’ll be familiar with the infamous DOTA 2: the hub where old and new players come together to fight in a world with black holes, earthquakes, and even a friendly neighbourhood squirrel. Despite being almost ten years old, the online game still manages to pull in an impressive number of players on a daily basis. It goes without saying that DOTA 2 is undoubtedly one of the most, if not the most, difficult multiplayer game out there on the market. Not only is it demanding but there is always a new strategy or tactic to be discovered.
Like any other competitive game with a high skill ceiling, whilst playing DOTA 2 casually is great, the majority of players want to prove their worth in ranks. However, the game can be challenging especially when it comes to the mechanics and the strategic elements of gameplay that distinguish it from other competitors on the market. Whether you’re a new player ready to embark on the DOTA 2 journey or a returning veteran, it is understandable that the ranking system can seem a little intimidating. That’s why to make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide.
So, if you not only want to climb the ranks, but are also willing to grind for that all-elusive immortal medal that is every DOTA player’s ultimate goal, then you’ve come to the right place!
DOTA 2’s MMR Ranking System
As per standard protocol, the DOTA 2 matchmaking ranking (MMR) system reflects and determines the skills and abilities of each player individually. DOTA 2 MMR ranking uses a numerical score or value that serves as a matchmaking tool, which not only decides what rank you are, but also ensures competitive integrity is held during competitive games. This is because the system is designed to pair equal opponents with one another for fair play. Hence, experienced players cannot team up against lower-skilled players.
This value is therefore used in the DOTA 2 matchmaking: winning can lead to an increase in a player’s MMR, whilst naturally, losing more games will likely lead to a decrease in MMR. Ranked matchmaking also allows players to earn seasonal ranking medals based on their MMR. However, much like any other competitive game, DOTA 2’s ranking system will need to be unlocked over a certain time span. For instance, new players will need to play 100 hours’ worth of casual games before they can be ranked.
As a player, once you’ve unlocked the ranked feature, ten matches will need to be completed in order to get your first rank. This is not based on your performance in the match but is mainly dependent on your win or lose ratio and your overall MMR. After this, players will naturally gain or lose ranks over time as their MMR alters. Ranks will be reset as new seasons come and go.
All DOTA 2’s Rankings
DOTA 2’s complex ranking system uses a hierarchical structure, starting with Herald at the bottom all the way to immortal at the top. Moreover, once you reach a certain value for a particular rank, your rank will change. For example, reaching 770 moves you from Herald 5 to Guardian 1. Apart from immortal, each tier has five sub-ranks within it, the first being the lowest and the fifth the highest. Overall, there are 36 ranks in Valve’s legendary MOBA. When it comes to immortality, there are quite a few rank medals. This is because it depends on where you place on the immortal DOTA 2 MMR leaderboards as a player.
It is important to note that the medal that each player has obtained can be easily seen in their profiles. This makes it easier for other players to identify the exact skill level of their possible opponents.
Here are all of DOTA 2’s rankings:
- Herald: I, II, III, IV, V
- Guardian: I, II, III, IV, V
- Crusader: I, II, III, IV, V
- Archon: I, II, III, IV, V
- Legend: I, II, III, IV, V
- Ancient: I, II, III, IV, V
- Divine: I, II, III, IV, V
- Immortal
The ranking system can be confusing for new players, but it is an essential part of the Dota 2 experience.
