Deadlock ranked mode is now live with 11 ranks in total, with quite a few conditions to climb the ranked ladder in place. Here’s all you need to know about Deadlock ranked mode and how it works.
Deadlock is in the middle of a seemingly indefinite period, meaning players shouldn’t get too comfortable with how heroes perform or how the map looks right now. Valve has already rolled out plenty of game-changing updates that have significantly altered Deadlock’s appearance since the initial open beta. Now, after nearly two months of testing, Valve has introduced the game’s most competitive mode yet.
Ranked mode went live on October 15, and players have already started grinding for one of the 11 ranks that are called medals in Deadlock. However, like the game itself, Deadlock’s ranked mode is a bit unique.
How does ranked mode work in Deadlock?
Deadlock ranked mode has an algorithm that calculates player performance every Tuesday and grants them a new badge accordingly.
Players are required to win at least 50 standard games to start playing in Deadlock’s ranked mode. Once they do, they must remain active throughout the week to maintain an active badge.
To ensure there is enough data to cross-reference with other players, at least seven games must be played to be eligible for a weekly rank. If fewer than seven games were played in the previous week, the player’s medal will be marked as undefined until enough games are completed and a new medal is earned next week.
Every Tuesday at 8 PM GMT, this “algorithm” will update the ranks of all players in Deadlock based on their weekly performance. Those who win seven games will be promoted to the next rank, and those who win more than that will receive a badge based on their progress.
Since ranked went live on October 15, the first medals will be granted globally on October 22.
What are all the ranks in Deadlock?
Deadlock has 11 ranks, each with four sub-ranks. Here’s the list of all ranks in Deadlock:
- Initiate
- Seeker
- Alchemist
- Arcanist
- Ritualist
- Emissary
- Archon
- Oracle
- Phantom
- Ascendant
- Eternus
New players will start on the rank “Obscurus,” which Deadlock calls the “provisional” rank.

This ranked system is unique in the competitive gaming landscape. While most games are content to use some sort of MMR or have a linear ranking formula, Deadlock’s ever-shifting landscape could make retaining a high rank a constant struggle.
Regardless, the race to Eternus rank and the following contest to maintain that placement will be a treat to watch for fans.