In Riot Games’ Valorant, ranked play is the heartbeat of competition. To keep the ladder fair, engaging, and free of stagnation, Riot uses a system of periodic rank resets. These resets ensure that players must continually prove their skill, while also preventing rank inflation over time. As of 2025, Valorant operates on a true Season-based format, with multiple reset points built into each year.
Current Rank Reset Schedule
Riot’s system combines hard resets, soft resets, and seasonal structure:
- Yearly Season Reset (January): At the start of every new Season, all visible ranks reset. Players must complete placement matches to reestablish their rank. While past performance and MMR (Matchmaking Rating) carry over, the placements determine where you land.
- Midseason Reset (June/July): Roughly halfway through the year, Riot applies a second hard reset. Like the yearly reset, this requires new placements and recalibrates the ladder to keep competition sharp.
- Act Soft Reset (~Every 2 Months): At the start of each Act, players face a soft reset. This doesn’t clear ranks entirely but temporarily hides them. After one placement match, your rank reappears — usually close to your previous standing, adjusted slightly for matchmaking accuracy and inactivity checks.
What Resets Mean for Players
For many, a reset can feel like both a challenge and an opportunity. Key takeaways include:
- Hard resets clear visible ranks, forcing fresh placements but still accounting for your hidden MMR.
- Performance matters: Strong placement results can vault you higher than before, while poor performances can drop you.
- Soft resets are less dramatic, ensuring matchmaking stays accurate without heavily altering progression.
Ultimately, resets encourage consistency. You can’t simply coast on past achievements — each split tests your improvement.
Why Regular Resets Matter
Riot’s multi-layered reset system serves several competitive goals:
- Prevents rank inflation, where too many players cluster at the top.
- Keeps matchmaking fresh, especially for returning or casual players.
- Rewards improvement, giving grinders regular chances to climb.
- Maintains engagement, with each Season and Act bringing renewed purpose.
For pros and casuals alike, resets create clear milestones — anchoring Valorant’s esports ecosystem and motivating everyday players.
Final Thought
So, how often does Valorant’s rank reset? In 2025, players can expect:
- Two hard resets each year (January and June/July).
- Soft resets at the start of every Act (~every two months).
This cadence ensures Valorant’s ranked ladder remains dynamic, competitive, and fair — a system designed to test skill not just once, but throughout the year.
Written by:
Christian