Deadlock ranks form the literal backbone of the game’s competitive loop, marking both progress and matchmaking level across the entire player base. At its core, the ladder is what matters most: medals decide who you queue with and set the pace of your climb up the ranks week after week.

This guide breaks down all Deadlock ranks in order from lowest to highest and how progression works under Valve’s current “one queue” system. We’ll also look at the latest rank distribution numbers, rewards, and a few top tips to fast-track your grind this ranked season.

How Many Ranks Are There In Deadlock?

Deadlock has 11 named medals (basically, “ranks”), each with six subranks. Tier I is the entry point, while Tier VI is the highest step before promotion to the next medal. In earlier builds, medals updated weekly, but since November 21, 2024, ranks now adjust dynamically as your MMR (matchmaking rating) changes.

Here are all Deadlock ranks and tiers (ordered from lowest → highest):

• Initiate (I–VI)
• Seeker (I–VI)
• Alchemist (I–VI)
• Arcanist (I–VI)
• Ritualist (I–VI)
• Emissary (I–VI)
• Archon (I–VI)
• Oracle (I–VI)
• Phantom (I–VI)
• Ascendant (I–VI)
• Eternus (I–VI)

Deadlock Rank Distribution

Below is a snapshot of the current Deadlock rank spread, pulled from Tracklock’s all-time distribution view. These figures are accurate as of October 1, 2025.

Medal	Total	Tier I	Tier II	Tier III	Tier IV	Tier V	Tier VI
Initiate	24.77%	13.47%	1.98%	2.12%	2.27%	2.40%	2.53%
Seeker	17.72%	2.66%	2.80%	2.90%	3.02%	3.12%	3.22%
Alchemist	19.48%	3.26%	3.30%	3.32%	3.29%	3.23%	3.08%
Arcanist	15.62%	2.95%	2.78%	2.63%	2.54%	2.43%	2.30%
Ritualist	10.13%	2.12%	1.97%	1.79%	1.60%	1.40%	1.25%
Emissary	5.28%	1.13%	1.02%	0.90%	0.78%	0.74%	0.70%
Archon	3.85%	0.71%	0.70%	0.67%	0.65%	0.59%	0.54%
Oracle	1.87%	0.46%	0.39%	0.33%	0.28%	0.22%	0.19%
Phantom	0.65%	0.16%	0.13%	0.11%	0.10%	0.08%	0.07%
Ascendant	0.31%	0.07%	0.06%	0.06%	0.05%	0.04%	0.04%
Eternus	0.30%	0.03%	0.03%	0.03%	0.03%	0.03%	0.16%

How Does The Deadlock Ranking System & Progression Work?

Deadlock runs a single primary matchmaking mode (i.e., there’s no distinction between “unranked” and “ranked” games) with medals updating immediately once a player’s MMR crosses a specific threshold.

The Deadlock ranking system is built on a core MMR, with hero-specific adjustments layered on top. If you queue with a hero you haven’t played much, the system will naturally place you into lower-MMR lobbies relative to your core rating.

Under the original ranked system, Deadlock ranks were recalculated on a weekly cadence and required a minimum number of ranked games. While there are no formal placement matches now, early games serve as “soft calibration,” and medal changes are triggered as soon as MMR justifies them.

That said, Valve can run periodic global recalibrations (sometimes monthly) to maintain balanced ranked lobbies. These updates can nudge medals slightly without requiring a full “season reset.” Regional leaderboards also exist, but you must play 50 games in the last 30 days to appear on them.

How To Play Ranked In Deadlock

As of the November 21, 2024, update, all Deadlock matches take place in ranked mode. There are also no prerequisites to join, including no minimum playtime, no placement matches, and no unlock requirements. You can queue in parties of any size, though stricter rules apply at the highest MMR brackets.

Ranked play is available across all major regions, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. In earlier Deadlock test phases, players needed to complete a minimum of 50 games and could only play ranked during set windows—but those constraints no longer apply.

Are There Any Deadlock Ranked & Season Rewards?

Valve has not published a standardized, season-long cosmetic reward track for Deadlock’s ranked mode. Instead, both community discussion and official threads remain focused on matchmaking quality, medal progression, and leaderboard standings rather than exclusive seasonal cosmetics.

How To Rank Up Fast In Deadlock

Deadlock gameplay blends macroplay seen in MOBAs like Dota 2 and League of Legends with hero-shooter gunplay from VALORANT. As such, ranked progress rewards coordinated wins and role stability over flashy K/D.

Here are some tips to help you out:

• Stick to 2–3 mains. Deadlock matchmaking applies hero-specific MMR offsets from your core MMR, so focusing on a few heroes stabilizes difficulty and speeds up learning.
• Play during peak hours. Valve explained that off-hour games are weighted less in evaluations, so queuing at regional prime time tends to produce cleaner lobbies and steadier progress.
• Use the lane-swap prompt. At match start, you can issue or accept lane-swap offers. Locking your macro role early (frontline, pick, or objective pressure) helps session-to-session consistency.
• Watch party rules at high MMR. From Ascendant I and above, high-MMR parties are capped at three players, and wide skill gaps within the group can further reduce your MMR gains.
• Chase wins, not vanity stats. Deadlock ranks are recalculated in weekly batches using your results and opponent quality instead of raw K/D, so clean macro and win impact matter most.
• Play the patch. Meta heroes in Deadlock and S-tier comps like Ivy, Seven, Abrams, Haze, and Warden consistently convert small matchup edges into wins and produce steadier MMR gains.

FAQs

How Does Deadlock Ranking Work?

Deadlock ranks run on a live MMR system that updates instantly after each win or loss. Streaks and match quality adjust how much your rank moves, while hero-specific MMR offsets sit on top of your core MMR to shape matchmaking.

How To Check Deadlock Rank?

Your current medal and subrank will appear on your profile card, in lobbies, and on post-match screens.

How Many Ranks Are In Deadlock?

There are 11 medals in Deadlock, each with six tiers (I–VI): Initiate, Seeker, Alchemist, Arcanist, Ritualist, Emissary, Archon, Oracle, Phantom, Ascendant, and Eternus.

How Do You Earn Rank Rewards In Deadlock?

The main rewards for climbing the ranks in Deadlock are your visible medal and your spot on the leaderboards. Event cosmetics (when available) are typically obtained through limited-time events, challenges, or battle passes, rather than from ranked play.

Is Deadlock Ranked Mode Free?

Yes. Ranked is now the default queue in Deadlock—no separate mode or paid unlock is required.