In Riot Games’ competitive shooter Valorant, rank is more than just a badge — it’s a reflection of progression, skill, and placement within the game’s competitive ecosystem.
But unlike some titles where rankings are broadcast publicly in every match, Riot has taken a measured approach to rank visibility. Players can see their own standings easily, but the system is designed to balance transparency with privacy and prevent toxicity.
Where to See Your Rank
There are multiple ways to check your Valorant rank, both during and after play:
- Post-Game Summary
After each competitive match, your current rank is shown on the results screen beneath your Riot ID. This display also includes Rank Rating (RR) changes, indicating how much progress you’ve made toward the next tier. - Competitive Queue Lobby
Before queueing, your current rank icon appears next to your player card. This information is visible to party members but is intentionally hidden from strangers in solo queue, keeping opponents and random teammates from judging players based on rank before a match begins. - Player Profile
By clicking on your player card icon in the client, you can access a detailed profile that tracks your rank for the current Act or Episode, as well as past splits. This allows players to monitor long-term performance and progression.
Rank Visibility in Lobbies & Matches
Unlike other competitive shooters, Valorant does not reveal ranks during live matches:
- No Rank in Tab Menus
The in-game scoreboard (Tab) shows performance stats like kills and assists, but not player ranks. Riot’s goal is to reduce toxicity, lobby dodging, and morale issues that can arise when teammates fixate on rank differences. - Opponents Stay Anonymous
Enemy ranks are hidden until after the match. Only then can players see how their performance stacked up against different competitive tiers.
This design ensures that matchmaking integrity remains intact while minimizing psychological pressure during games.
Changing Rank Display Settings
Players don’t have control over how their rank is displayed. Riot regulates visibility according to its own system:
- There’s no manual toggle to hide or show rank.
- Ranks are only revealed post-match, in lobbies, and on profiles.
- Progress is tracked per individual, not shared across entire teams.
In short, what you see is what Riot allows — and that’s intentional.
Bonus: Displaying Rank on Streams
While in-game privacy is locked down, streamers often want to share their rank publicly. To achieve this, many use third-party tools:
- OBS Plugins and Rank Overlay Widgets can pull rank data linked to Riot IDs.
- These overlays automatically update after each match, adding a professional, informative layer for livestreams without altering the in-game client.
This practice has become especially popular among content creators who want to showcase their grind through ranked tiers to audiences.
Community Perspectives
The community is divided on Valorant’s cautious approach to rank display.
- Supporters argue that hiding ranks during matches keeps focus on gameplay, not egos, and prevents dodging based on perceived skill gaps.
- Critics believe more transparency — such as showing ranks on the Tab screen — would provide clearer expectations and accountability.
Riot, for now, appears firmly committed to limiting in-match visibility in the interest of fostering a healthier competitive environment.
Why Ranks Aren’t Shown Mid-Game
Ultimately, Riot’s decision comes down to player experience. By showing ranks only before matches (to parties), after games, and on profiles, the system encourages competition without unnecessary distractions. This design choice aims to ensure that skill, strategy, and teamwork take priority over assumptions tied to rank icons.
The Takeaway
Valorant offers players multiple ways to check their rank — in post-game summaries, party lobbies, and profile stats — but deliberately avoids broadcasting that information mid-game. For content creators, overlays offer a workaround for public rank display, while regular players benefit from a system meant to protect against bias and negativity.
In the end, Riot’s philosophy is clear: rank should motivate progress, not dictate treatment in the heat of battle.
Written by:
Christian