Valorant Premier Mode: Release Date, Divisions, Schedule Rules and More

Valorant Premier Mode is gearing up for a global launch with the release of Valorant Episode 7 Act 2. 

The highly-anticipated Valorant Premier Mode is poised to serve as the stepping stone into the Valorant Champions Tour circuit right from within the game itself. Buckle up as we delve into the comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about this exciting new addition to Valorant.

Join VALORANT Game Director Andy Ho and Global Head of VALORANT Esports Leo Faria for some exciting updates coming to Premier during its official launch and in 2024.

We’re playing for real now. You in? pic.twitter.com/giUws6u6qQ

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) August 25, 2023

 

Riot Games has officially marked August 29 as the landmark date for the global launch of Valorant Premier Mode. This launch coincides with the eagerly anticipated release of Valorant Episode 7 Act 2. However, it’s crucial to highlight that the transition from the Ignition phase to the global Premier will introduce several pivotal changes. While your team, Premier Matchmaking Rating (MMR), and match history will make a seamless migration, your Premier Score, Division Score, and enrollment status will remain exclusive to their respective phases.

A Look into Premier’s Transformation

Jon Walker, a designer on the Valorant Competitive team, sheds light on the aspirations of Premier: “We want to present an even higher goal beyond Radiant that provides the most competition-hungry players with a rewarding challenge beyond ranked.”As the curtains rise on the official launch of Valorant Premier Mode, a host of changes will accompany its evolution:

Weekly Format: Prepare to navigate the competitive landscape across seven weeks, featuring the full competitive map pool. Each week will highlight a specific map, with a maximum of two matches on that map.

Playoff Tournament: Earning a spot in the Playoffs now demands a Premier Score of 675.

Career Tracking: Performance tracking is now extended from stage to stage, with participants receiving a Division crest at the culmination of each stage.

New Divisions: The divisional landscape has undergone a transformation, now divided into Open, Intermediate, Advanced, Elite, and Contender tiers.

New Rewards: Victory brings its own perks, including a Player Card for participating in a Premier match and a Division Gun Buddy and title for clinching the Playoffs.

Eligibility and Roadmap to Premier

Participation in Premier isn’t just a walk in the park. Here are the steps you need to follow to join the Premier action:

1. Verify your account via SMS verification.
2. Establish your MMR through ranked matches.
3. Create a team through the Premier section.
4. Ensure your account isn’t under any bans or restrictions.
5. Champions League and International League team members will have a different path to navigate from October 30 onward.

Navigating Divisions and Enrollment Zones

While signing up for Premier, you’ll be guided to the best enrollment zone with optimal ping. Once your team is set, you’ll find yourself in one of the following divisions based on your top 5 players’ collective performance:

1. Contender
2. Elite (1-5)
3. Advanced (1-5)
4. Intermediate (1-5)
5. Open (1-5)

The Premier Team Hub and Scoring System

The Premier Team Hub is your one-stop destination for standings, qualification details, and squad-related insights. Standings are determined by your scores, with tie-breakers based on the number of matches and rounds won.

Matchmaking, Queues, and Rules

Queue up with your team by clicking “Play” in the Premier Hub when it’s open. Weekly matches generally occur between 7 PM to 9 PM local time. You can play two weekly matches in a week, with the reset happening every Tuesday. You’ll be matched against players with similar MMR and teams from your division.

Premier’s tournament rules closely mirror standard competitive rules with a few twists. Overtime procedures, victory conditions, and sudden death add layers of excitement to the competition. Playoffs call for teams to earn 675 points to qualify for the bracket. The number of Division teams entering the tournament will range from 5 to 8.

The Rewards Await

The rewards system in Premier isn’t just about prestige, but about showcasing your achievements. From crests to gun buddies, titles to player cards, these rewards reflect your journey in Premier.

Premier isn’t just a game mode – it’s a route to pro status. With its integration into the Valorant Champions Tour Circuit, Premier becomes the gateway to the competitive scene, with Contender rank acting as the ticket to Challengers and beyond. With its official launch on August 29, players now have an opportunity to transcend the boundaries of regular ranked play and embark on a journey to pro-glory. 

Header: Riot Games