Everything You Need To Know About Ranks, MMR & ELO in Smite

How Smite's MMR System Works

I'll be honest, Smite's MMR system is a bit tricky. In essence, MMR is how good the game thinks you are. This is separate from rank, although the two do correlate with each other somewhat. It's important to know that both Rank and MMR are not universal across every game mode. Smite tracks the rank and MMR differently for the different game modes. A Master in Conquest might not be a master in Joust and vice-versa.

Because MMR is technically an appraisal of your skills, it can vary wildly from player to player. That is why sometimes, even if you and a buddy play the same amount of games, you still end up with drastically different MMRs. Let's take a look at how this correlates to Ranks.

How Ranks Work in Smite

Ranks are basically the "ladder" that you have to climb to get to the top. These tend to be more accurate when it comes to assessing a player's skill. To rank up, you basically have to collect Tribute at the end of a match. When you win a match, you gain Tribute, when you lose a match, you lose Tribute. Simple as that. Oh, and don't worry about losing Tribute early on. You don't start losing Tribute until you reach Silver.

There's also a third value that isn't very transparent, and that's Variance. Variance is basically a wide estimation of where you are as a player. If MMR is the precise estimation, Variance is basically the game guessing "Hmm, is he a Bronze or a Silver?" Variance is the reason why two identical players can have wildly different MMR and Ranks. The more ranked games you play, the less Variance you'll have. I.e. the estimates will get more accurate.

FAQs About Ranked

These are the most common FAQs about the ranked system in Smite. For a detailed breakdown of how to rank up in Smite, check out our aptly named article on the topic. 

1. Does Ranked give out rewards?
   Yes, rewards are handed out at the end of every ranked season and are based on the player's achievements during that season. Rewards are also handed out at the end of each Split.
2.  How much Tribute is required to rank up?
   To rank up you'll need to earn 100 Tribute points. At lower ranks, you may even jump up a few ranks occasionally. 
3. Is Smite Ranked crossplay?
   Yes, payers from different platforms can be matched together in ranked.
4. Does my rank in one game mode influence my placement in another game mode?
   No. The game will not place you higher in another game mode just because you have a higher rank in another game mode.
5. Can I be demoted multiple ranks?
   No. You may occasionally jump multiple ranks, but you can't be demoted multiple ranks.
6. Is there a rank reset at the end of the season?
   Yes. Ranks are reset at the end of each season.

Characteristics of Bronze Rank in Smite

Bronze Rank is the starting rank in Smite. However, you can't jump right into it as soon as you download the game, as Smite has certain ranked requirements. To be specific, you have to have reached Level 30, and mastered at least 20 Gods. So, you better learn how to level up fast in Smite if you want to get there in a timely manner.

For Conquest, the starting Rank is Bronze III, with an assigned MMR of 1500 MMR. Remember, MMR is just your matchmaking rating, so don't sweat it too much. Joust and Duel players likewise start at Bronze III and with 1500 MMR to their name. From there, you have to collect Tribute to advance through the ranks.

Characteristics of Silver Rank in Smite

By the time you reach Silver, you might notice that your MMR has dropped a little. Don't worry, this is actually quite normal. The reason the game starts you at 1500 MMR is because it wants to test your mettle, Bronze and Silver players understandably don't perform that well, so their MMR tanks.

It's actually quite interesting, but the average rank and MMR in Smite is somewhere in the Silver range. Most players never invest enough time to get out of that range. However, those that do are met with even greater challenges ahead. Fun!

Characteristics of Gold Rank in Smite

By the time you reach Gold rank, you should be somewhere in the 1200-1500 MMR range. That's where most Gold-ranked players are located. This rank is actually quite a hop-up from the previous. It's here where the enemy team really becomes ferocious, so don't worry if you lose the first few games, it's just part of the learning curve.

The reason Gold is so exciting is because of the varying skill level that different players bring to the matches. The player's MMR shifts rapidly in Gold, so don't sweat it too much. All that you have to be concerned with in Gold is to improve as a player, and hopefully maintain those win streaks. Also, keep in mind that only the top 72% of Joust and Duel players qualify for Gold.

Characteristics of Platinum Rank in Smite

Platinum is where it gets interesting. It's usually in Platinum where the true legends of Smite are decided. Most Platinum players fall into the 1500-2000 MMR range. In Platinum, ranked games are an exciting and sometimes arduous ordeal. You really have to bring your A-game if you want to succeed in Platinum. It's here where most players stop climbing the ladder, which is really eye-opening.

Only a true masochist would want to rank up faster in Smite just to play among Platinum players. I'll be completely honest with you. No matter how much I tried, I could never make it to Platinum, which just shows the level of dedication you have to have to reach this level. Only the top 40% of Joust and Duel players qualify for Platinum. That makes it sound easier than it actually is.

Characteristics of Diamond Rank in Smite

Diamond rank is where things get really interesting. The top is extremely competitive, however, the second step from the top is even more competitive. By the time you've reached Diamond, you should know every trick in the book when it comes to Smite. You've studied all the Smite tips and tricks, you've watched all the guides, and now it's time to put all that knowledge into practice. Most Diamond players are in the 2000-2500 range.

The skill gap between Diamond and Masters players is relatively small. Usually, the only advantage Masters have over their Diamond counterparts is time. Masters have spent more time in high MMR ranges, and, as a result, they've had the opportunity to practice much more than the average Diamond player. Only the top 16% of Joust and Duel players can be considered Diamond-ranked.

Characteristics of Master Rank in Smite

Master. Huh, that sure has a good ring to it. Don't it? It's also quite a special place. After all, even Anakin Skywalker couldn't reach the rank of Master, no matter how much he tried. And if Anakin Skywalker can't reach Master, then is there any hope for us mere mortals? Most Masters have 2500+ MMR, which is an astronomical number when you consider how much time you have to invest to reach that.

Only the top 2% of players ever reach Master. That is a shockingly minute amount. One thing that you'll notice at this rank is that matchmaking gets really tricky. Another thing that you'll notice is that you'll constantly be playing against the same players, all competing for the cherry on top title of Grandmaster. What is so special about Grandmaster anyway?

Characteristics of Grandmaster Rank in Smite

Oh, nothing. Just the fact that only 50 players in the world are qualified to be Grandmasters. You heard that right. Out of millions of players, only 50 will hold the title of Grandmaster at a given time. The MMR rating of Grandmasters is through the roof. Grandmasters have an average MMR in the 3000+ range, which is just inconceivable for the average player.

Since Grandmaster is the highest Rank in Smite, obviously, lots of players are competing for it. Specifically, every player that is currently in Masters. 2% may not seem like a lot, but compared to 50 people it's quite a sizable bunch of people. If you qualify to be a Grandmaster, you better be ready to find tooth and nail every day to keep that position.