Deadlock Ranked Mode Explained: All You Need to Know

If you are looking for a competitive kick in Valve’s new MOBA shooter Deadlock then you will need to start your ranked journey. Unlike ranked modes in other multiplayer games, plenty of things are different here. From matchmaking limits to different ways to calibrate your rank, you must know a lot of things before jumping into your first Deadlock ranked game. So, if you want to learn all about the ranked mode in Deadlock, then keep reading as we explain everything in detail.

How to Unlock Deadlock Ranked Mode

Before you can play ranked games, there are some criteria you must follow. This includes unlocking the ranked mode, eligibility, and timings. To unlock the ranked mode in Deadlock, you must play 50 normal games. This does not include private or co-op bot games.

Once you have unlocked ranked, you will need to select a schedule. Then, you must wait till your time comes to queue in a ranked game. You cannot queue ranked games if you have voice or text bans in place due to misconduct in previous games. This means you must have a better behavior record to be eligible for ranked matchmaking. Furthermore, you can only matchmake solo as there is still no party queue option in Deadlock ranks.

Deadlock Ranked Mode Timings

The Deadlock ranked queues start on Tuesday, October 15th at 8:00 PM GMT. The ranked queue will be available daily via the “Play Ranked” option in-game from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 10:00 PM PT for US gamers. For every region, the ranked queue will be divided into three time slots.

You can only change regions once per week if you do not want to compete in your region. To check and select a timeslot in the rank queue, follow the simple steps mentioned below:

• Go to the Play option and click Select Schedule.
• From the schedules, select your preferred timing.
• Click the Set Schedule button to be eligible for ranked matchmaking.

Deadlock Medals and How Ranks Work

The Deadlock ranked mode is still in the early phase. During this phase, the ranked games are only limited to solo queues. To get your first-ever ranked medal, you must complete a minimum of 7 games.

Once you have played enough games, you will receive a new rank medal on the following Tuesday. The first calibrated rank medal will be distributed on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 8:00 PM GMT.

In Deadlock’s ranked mode, there are a total of 11 medals, each divided into 6 levels. These medals will be displayed to all players in the ranked lobby and in the player history tab. We will be adding the medal tiers and images once ranked mode goes live.

To give out the medals, Deadlock will run a different algorithm than any other multiplayer game, like Dota 2 or Valorant. This algorithm will calculate everyone’s performance together at the same time based on the games you’ve played, how the opponents you played against ended up faring in subsequent games, etc.

Instead of evaluating skill based on individual games, the system will assess overall skill level over a week’s worth of matches. Once the algorithm runs through all players’ gameplay, medals will be updated accordingly once a week.

How to Prepare for Deadlock Ranked Grind

Now that you know everything about the ranked mode, you must make some preparations before you face that gyro Haze or unkillable Shiv:

• Know all the heroes: Before you jump into ranked games, you must know about Deadlock heroes and their abilities. This will help you learn about the different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of each character. If you understand what all their abilities do, it will be easier for you to counter or master them.
• Use public build: In case you’re finding it hard to make a Deadlock build, it can take a lot of time away. That is why, we suggest you use a public build and learn the ways from there. Once you have more knowledge about the curiosity shop items, you can easily pick the best item for your heroes.
• Complete 50 games before ranked mode starts: One limitation the ranked mode has is the 50-game completion criteria. That is why, you should complete them before the rank games start. The best way to complete 50 games is by getting souls fast and dominating the lanes in Deadlock.
• Believe in yourself: Remember that MOBA games are never lost until your last objective is destroyed. This means you always have a chance to come back from any situation. Always pick the heroes you are comfortable with, dominate the jungle, and play with your team in the late game. Even winning a mid-boss fight or Spirit urn duel can change the course of your game.
• Keep eyes on the minimap: Another key part of winning Deadlock games is how you keep track of your minimap. The minimap helps you locate teleporters, shops, jungles, enemies, and much more.

You can also ping and draw on minimap to help your teammates know about your next move. This is an easy way to communicate with your team, helping you set up ganks. You need to be consistent with checking the minimap will increase your rank win percentage in Deadlock.

That is everything you need to know about ranked mode in Deadlock. Still have doubts? Ask away in the comments below.