In late 2021, Riot Games, the powerhouse behind the tactical shooter Valorant, implemented a significant change that reverberated throughout its competitive community: the outright removal of four-player pre-made teams, or “4-stacks,” from the Competitive queue.
This decision, detailed in Patch 3.10, fundamentally altered how many players grouped up for ranked matches, drawing both praise and criticism from the diverse player base.
The Problem: A Lone Wolf Among Four
At the heart of Riot’s controversial move was a deep concern for the solo queue experience. Data and extensive player feedback consistently painted a grim picture for the lone fifth player unexpectedly matched with a 4-stack.
These solo players frequently reported feeling alienated, excluded from crucial team communications (which often occurred over external voice chat), and, in unfortunate instances, even targeted as a scapegoat by the larger pre-formed group.
The disconnect fostered by these unbalanced team compositions, Riot argued, directly undermined overall game quality and contributed to a rise in reported toxicity.
Beyond Communication: Abuse and Alienation
The negative impact of 4-stacks extended beyond mere communication breakdowns. There were documented cases where four-player groups would collectively mass report a solo player for minor in-game disagreements or perceived misplays, potentially leading to unfair penalties or warnings for individuals simply trying to compete.
Moreover, the prevalence of 4-stacks utilizing private voice channels meant solo players were often left in the dark regarding team strategies, callouts, and even casual in-game banter. This exclusion fostered feelings of frustration and alienation, transforming what should be a team-based competitive experience into a lonely endeavor for the fifth player.
A New Landscape: From 4 to 5
The ban on 4-stacks wasn’t an isolated change but part of a broader overhaul of party size restrictions in Valorant’s Competitive queue. Players now have specific options for queuing:
- Solo (1)
- Duo (2)
- Trio (3)
- Full Stack (5)
The reintroduction of unrestricted 5-stacks (with calibrated ranked rating gains/losses and match balancing) aimed to give larger groups of friends the freedom to play together without imposing a negative experience on a random solo player. This ensures that no individual is forcibly placed into a match alongside a large group already operating with its own established communication and camaraderie.
Community Reactions and Future Monitoring
The Valorant community’s response to the 4-stack removal was, as expected, mixed. Many solo players applauded the change, viewing it as a crucial step towards fairer matchmaking and a healthier competitive environment. For them, it represented a victory for individual player integrity.
However, some regular groups expressed disappointment, as their pre-existing four-person squads were now compelled to either drop a member or actively seek a fifth player to continue playing ranked together. Despite these varied reactions, Riot Games has affirmed its commitment to closely monitor the impact of these changes, indicating a readiness to make further adjustments as the competitive landscape evolves.
Conclusion: Balancing Fun with Fairness
Valorant’s decision to remove 4-stacking from its Competitive queue was a targeted effort to improve fairness, communication, and the overall quality of the competitive experience. By eliminating a scenario that frequently disadvantaged solo players, Riot aimed to mitigate toxicity and foster a more inclusive environment.
While the move sparked debate, it underscores Riot’s ongoing commitment to balancing the enjoyment of group play with the integrity of individual player experience—a continuous challenge in the dynamic world of online team-based games.
Written by:
Christian