Placement Matches and New Account Ranking
New competitive accounts start unranked. The first ranked match you play enters you into a calibration period. You'll receive your first rank after your first or second match, though the exact timing varies. The first rank tends to be conservative (often Silver/Gold Nova tier), placing new players in lower ranks initially.
Placement rank is determined by: absolute performance in calibration matches (kills, deaths, objectives), win/loss record during calibration, and match quality (difficulty of opponents). Strong performance in calibration might place you in higher initial ranks, while poor performance places you lower.
The calibration process completes after several matches (typically 5-10). Once you receive a rank, the standard ranking system takes over. Performance-based ranking adjustments become less aggressive after calibration, settling into the ELO-like system of wins/losses determining rank changes.
Smurfing (playing on secondary accounts) receives different treatment. Accounts showing evidence of smurfing (extremely high KDA, winning streaks against low-ranked opponents) are flagged by the system and matched against higher-ranked opponents more quickly. Valve actively works to prevent smurfs from dominating low-rank lobbies.
Key Points
- New accounts placed after 1-2 matches
- Placement conservative (lower initial ranks)
- Performance and W/L determines placement
- Calibration period ~5-10 matches
- System flags obvious smurfs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting high initial rank from playing well
- Expecting placement immediately after first match
- Not understanding calibration conservatism
- Smurfing and expecting low-rank stomping
- Thinking placements are final ranks