Fortnite Ranks Explained

Fortnite ranks are a relatively new addition to the game, so it’s understandable that a lot of people will be left wondering how it all works. We’ve got you covered though! In this article, we’ll break down Fortnite’s ranking system to help boost your game and get you climbing the leaderboards in no time. 

Whether you’re a newcomer to the game (we have a whole Fortnite beginner’s guide if that’s the case) or a seasoned player, the ranking system can seem mysterious. But understanding how it works is key to leveling up and dominating the competition. 

We’ll walk you through each of the ranks and show you how the point system operates. We’ll also teach you the best ways to rank up quickly, and give you some pro tips to help you rank up faster. Hopefully, you’ll watch your rank and points rise as your skills improve.

The Different Fortnite Ranks

There are 8 Fortnite ranks in total. They start at Bronze and go up to Unreal; the highest rank you can get. The first five ranks have three tiers within them. Elite, Champion and Unreal ranks have only 1 tier.

Understanding the Fortnite Ranked System

To climb the ranks of Fortnite, you need to know how the ranking system works. Fortnite uses a tier ranking system, where you progress through different ranks as you gain points. 

The Fortnite ranks are:

• Bronze (I, II, III)
• Silver (I, II, III)
• Gold (I, II, III)
• Platinum (I, II, III)
• Diamond (I, II, III)
• Elite
• Champion
• Unreal

The ranked mode in the game now features a ladder of ranks from Bronze to Unreal. From Bronze to Diamond, the ranks are divided into three tiers, with 3 being the highest. Elite, Champion, and Unreal are the top-tier ranks, with Unreal being the ultimate goal.

Once you hit Unreal, you can’t drop to lower ranks for the rest of the season. Instead, your further progress contributes to a global leaderboard.

At the start of every season, your initial rank is shown after just one match. For most players, this initial rank is based on their previous hidden matchmaking performance in the game. Many pro players started around Platinum 3 to Diamond 1. For newer players, the initial rank unlocked will most likely be Bronze or Silver

What are the Fortnite Ranked Modes?

The main ranked modes are Zero Build and the normal Build Mode. There are 4 queue modes; Solo, Duo, Trio, and Squad. For now, all queue modes are available, but this might change from season to season. It’s important to note that your Build and Zero Build ranks will be different, as they are two different game modes.

Chapter 5 has introduced us to Rocket Racing, Lego Fortnite, and Fortnite Festival. Rocket Racing has its own ranked system. This is pretty straightforward; you gain points based on your placement in races, whereby a race win will obviously grant the highest points.

How does the Fortnite Ranked Point System work?

The point system in Fortnite’s competitive ranked mode is complex, but understanding how it works can help you climb the ranks. The two major factors that determine how many points you gain or lose in a match are your placement in the match and your kills.

Placement

The higher you place in a match, the more points you’ll receive. Coming in 1st place nets the most points, while placing 65th or below earns nothing. The exact point values vary each season but generally, a Victory Royale is worth the most, followed by Top 10 and so on. Try to avoid engaging in too many fights early on and instead focus on surviving until the endgame.

Kills

Each elimination you get in a match also awards points, though you get much less points for a kill than for a good placement. The more players left in the game when you get a kill, the more points a kill is worth. Hot-dropping and chasing high-kill games can be risky if you die early, so find the right balance between playing aggressively and passively if you’re focused on ranking up.

Match Type

The type of match also determines the amount of points you’re going to get. Major tourneys like the FNCS Invitational and the World Cup offer the highest point values. Cash Cups and Hype Nights are middle of the road, and regular rank matches are worth the least. Performing well in higher point matches is key to ranking up quickly.

By maximizing your points in all three areas – placement, eliminations, and match type – you’ll ascend the ranks in no time. Keep practicing, review how other top players strategize, and don’t get discouraged if you hit a plateau. With time and dedication, you’ll reach Unreal Rank and beyond!

How To Rank Up Faster in Fortnite

Grind Everyday

“Practice makes perfect”. The more you play, the better you will get. Keep grinding solo, duos, or squads. Play these different modes so you know how to dominate each mode. This will help you to boost your game sense, which is the key to ranking up. 

Avoid Early Game Fights

Early fights in ranked are not fruitful as early game kills don’t award a lot of points that count towards your ranking. It’s better to land at a spot that is not a hot spot. Try to stay alive and engage in the end-game fights as they give you the most points. Be smart when taking fights.

Play for the Win

Try your best to win the game. When you’ve got everything necessary to win, it all comes down to putting your plan into action. One of the crucial aspects of ending a game successfully is being in the right place as the playing area gets smaller due to the storm.

Watch the Pros

Check out streamers on Twitch and videos on YouTube of some of the top-ranked Fortnite players. Study their techniques, strategies, and playstyles to pick up tips on how to improve your own game. See how they build, fight, rotate, and make it to the end game. Try to emulate the pros and high-ranked players. Instead of focusing on their mechanics, try to understand their decision-making. When do they take on fights, and why do they disengage? Understanding how pros think in different situations will help you more than grinding solos mindlessly.

Following these tips and practicing consistently will help increase your skills and rank over time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see fast results. Improving at Fortnite, like anything, takes dedication and patience. Keep at it and your ranking will go up!

FAQs

How often do ranks reset?

Ranks reset at the end of each competitive season in Fortnite, which typically lasts 2 to 3 months. When a new season starts, ranks will reset and you’ll have to play one placement match again to determine your starting rank. Your past performance also impacts your new starting rank, so this rank reset isn’t a hard reset. Consistently placing high and reaching higher ranks during any given season will start you at a higher rank next season.

Can my rank decrease?

Yes, your rank can decrease if you perform poorly in matches. Losing points by placing low or getting eliminated early will lower your rank score. If your rank score drops below the threshold for your current rank, you will drop to the previous rank. The key is to avoid risky plays that could cost you points and focus on consistent placement and eliminations to maintain or increase your rank.

Which modes support ranked?

The following modes support ranked gameplay:

• Battle Royale (solo, duos, squads)
• Zero Build (duos)

Players get separate ranks for Battle Royale and Zero Build modes.

Are there any requirements for playing ranked?

New Epic accounts will need to complete a quest (where you have to outlast 500 opponents) before they’re eligible to play ranked Fortnite. All others Fortnite accounts have access to ranked.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the ins and outs of Fortnite’s ranking system. Whether you’re a new player just starting or a seasoned veteran looking to finally make it to Unreal, understanding how the ranking system works is key to progressing and improving. 

The ranking system can seem complicated, but break it down into small, achievable goals and you’ll be climbing the ranks in no time. Keep practicing, learn from your losses, make it to the endgame more often, and most importantly, have fun! The battle is building – are you ready to make your mark on Fortnite history?