Rocket Arena, like other PvP games, has a Ranked mode for those who want more competitive experiences when playing. Modes categorized into multiplayer titles aren't new, but Rocket Arena wants to be its own beast and approach competitive play in a unique style.
If you're curious about Ranked mode, we're here to help. Let's see how it works in EA's 3v3 third-person shooter.
Do I need anything specific to access Ranked mode in Rocket Arena?
Ranked mode is a playlist accessible to all players from the start. You don't have to meet any prerequisites to try it out, but it's worth familiarizing yourself with the controls and playstyle of a certain character in social mode before entering the leaderboard.
Ranked mode will officially begin at the start of Season 1 on July 28. There is a preseason available to get you a feel for how it works right now, so give it a try and see if it's something you want to participate in.
The types of games available in Ranked are Knockout, Rocket Ball, and Mega Rocket. Treasure Hunt is only for social playlists.
How many ranks are there and are they reset?
There are 50 ranks in Ranked mode. Each has a specific badge that you will earn once you progress. You start at the top and you can move up through the ranks by simply winning competitive matches.
However, you can also lower a leaderboard if you lose too many matches. You can also lose your current rank if you quit games early, so be aware that there is a drop-out penalty if you lose your temper during ranked matches.
Your rank, and how far you can progress in the game, is calculated via your skill value. Skill is similar to Matchmaking Ratings (MMR) in other PvP titles, and is calculated in Rocket Arena code based on your performance in matches.
Your skill value will be higher than your rank to begin with, but as you progress your rank will eventually match your skill and may even exceed it. It also helps determine who you should be matched with and whether your rank should go up or down after each game.
Finally, the leaderboards are reset at the start of each season. Once Season 1 is over and Season 2 has started, you will return to Rank 1. This makes the playing field more level for all newcomers who start playing at the start of Season 2 or subsequent seasons.
What are artifacts and objects?
Artifacts are game-modifying items that you can equip your characters with. Each hero can have up to three artifacts equipped but, while their levels may vary in social mode, in ranked mode they are locked to a specific level. Again, this creates a level playing field, especially for newcomers.
Since Ranked mode allows you to gain experience points (XP), you can unlock and increase artifacts. Higher level artifacts are only usable in social playlists, so don't think that you can have a level two artifact on the leaderboard if you see it leveling up after a specific match.
Items, on the other hand, are scattered around the maps and can be used to your advantage. Social playlists randomize what items are in each match, but Ranked games are made up of the same items in the same spawn locations. Items available in Ranked are Speed Boost, Bomb, Travel Mine, and Magnet.
How does matchmaking work?
Rocket Arena's algorithm will try to match players of similar rank and skill level, but this won't always be the case. The servers will also prioritize matchmaking games with other games, so if you and two friends are on a team, you will face teams that regularly play together.
Be aware that if your friends rank higher than you, you may be matched with opponents who are better than you. This can affect your rank and how high you can climb the ranks to reach rank 50 before a season ends.
