This is Call of Duty: Vanguard Ranked Play
Call of Duty: Vanguard Ranked Play will allow players to compete with each other in a competitive format starting February 17. This competitive playlist makes the esports format of the Call of Duty League accessible to all players. We tell you everything you need to know about Ranked Play in Call of Duty: Vanguard.
In Vanguard's Ranked Play, you play the three game modes Hardpoint, Search & Destroy and Control in 4v4 format. The rules of the Call of Duty League regarding weapons, perks and equipment are in force. The goal is simple: win. Based on your performance you receive a Skill Rating and you end up in a Skill Division. You always play against players of your own level.
Call of Duty: Vanguard Ranked Play trailer
If you prefer to watch a movie, you can! Ranked Play was developed in collaboration with the Call of Duty League. In the video below the organization explains what you can expect from the competitive playlist.
Skill Ratings, Divisions and Tiers
Now that we've explained the basics of Call of Duty Ranked Play, it's time to get into the details. We'll start with the Skill Ratings, Divisions and Tiers.
Divisions
Just like Vanguard's Multiplayer, Ranked Play is divided into seasons. Each season you start by playing five Skill Evaluation matches. In these five matches, your level is determined and then you receive a Skill Rating.
This Skill Rating is a number. By winning or losing a match, your skill rating increases or decreases. This number is visible at all times and determines which Skill Division and Tier you will be in.
In Vanguard's Ranked Play, there are seven Skill Divisions: contender, specialist, advanced, expert, elite, master and challenger. Each skill division has five tiers. Battle your way up to the highest Tier in your Skill Division and then get promoted to a new one!
Maps and Modes in Ranked Play
In Ranked Play you play the game modes Hardpoint, Search & Destroy and Control. When you search for a match, you don't have a say in which mode you play. This is determined randomly. The maps and modes are similar to those in the Call of Duty League.
Hardpoint is played on the maps Tuscan, Bocage, Gavutu, Berlin and Desert Siege. Search & Destroy is played on the maps Tuscan, Bocage, Desert Siege, Berlin and Demyansk. Control is played on the maps Tuscan and Gavutu.
Ranks and Rewards
Ranks
After a season of many victories you will of course want to show off your achievements to the community. This is possible with the exclusive Ranked Play rewards. They are linked to the season in which you earned them. These are the Ranked Play rewards:
- A calling card and emblem with every five Ranks
- The Ranked Royalty Solange operator skin at Rank 50
- An animated calling card and emblem at Rank 50
- An animated calling card and emblem of your highest Skill Division
Within Ranked Play it is also possible to achieve special Ranks. These ranks are a kind of reward for playing the competitive playlist. They show how much experience you have within Ranked Play, but are separate from Skill Rating.
Rules and restrictions in Ranked Play
In terms of rules and restrictions, the same rules apply within Ranked Play as within the Call of Duty League. We'll go over the main rules with you. The details regarding the competitive rules can be found on the website of the Call of Duty League.
It is useful to know that within the competitive playlist all allowed weapons are at your disposal. This also applies to attachments, perks and equipment and ensures a fair fight.
Furthermore, you will notice that you will not encounter LMGs and shotguns in Ranked Play. It is not allowed to use them. This also applies to launchers and combat shields. In addition, numerous perks, attachments and equipment are not to be used.
Players who leave a match early receive a Skill Rating penalty. These penalties increase the more often this occurs. Repeatedly disabling teammates also results in a Skill Rating penalty.
Vanguard Ranked Play Ladder Events
Ladder events allow players to rise in their Ranked Play Rank. Each week there are two ladder events: weekday ladder and weekend ladder. Ladder events are independent of your Skill Rating, Division and Tier.
After you have played five Skill Evaluation matches, you play your first placement match. After this you will be placed in a ladder of 50 players. At the end of a ladder event, stars are awarded. The amount of stars is determined by your position within the ladder.
- First place: five stars
- Top 5: four stars
- Top 10: three stars
- Top 25: two stars
- Top 50: one star
You will need these stars when rising in your Ranked Play Rank. They show how experienced you are and have nothing to do with your Skill Rating. Skill Rating, Divisions, Tiers and Ranks, it can all seem a bit complicated. In the overview of Reddit user TwoTee8 it is all explained.
The Future of Ranked Play in Vanguard
The competitive playlist of Call of Duty: Vanguard is currently still in its beta phase. This means that in the following seasons adjustments will be made and new rewards will be added.
Call of Duty: Vanguard Ranked Play is a step in the right direction for Call of Duty. After all, fans of the franchise have been begging for years for a competitive playlist that can match the success of League Play, part of Black Ops 2. With familiar elements from League Play and competitive playlists from other successful games, it looks like that's about to happen.
