What are Rank Shields in Valorant, Derank Protection 2025

Any player who's played Valorant's competitive mode knows how intense it can be, and maintaining your hard-earned rank can be a real task. Fortunately, along with bug fixes in the recent Valorant patch, Riot introduced rank shields, where players have a safety net against immediate demotion. For instance, if you're going to be demoted from Gold to Silver, it won't instantly drop if you lose the match. This gives you an edge to get your act together and step up your game. To reach your desired rank efficiently, check out a Valorant Boosting service to reach the top.

What do Rank Shields Mean in VALORANT?

An ongoing question is being asked by players of Valorant, "What is Derank protection?". In simple words, rank shields work as a demotion protection system. Rank shields are a feature introduced by Riot Games to provide players with derank protection in Valorant's competitive mode. You're granted two rank shields when you reach Tier 1 of a new rank (e.g., Gold 1). These shields act as a buffer, allowing you to lose matches at 0 RR (Rank Rating) without immediate demotion. It's a system designed to give players a fair chance to stabilize in their new rank before facing the risk of dropping to a lower tier.

How do Rank Shields Work in VALORANT?

Upon reaching Tier 1 of a new rank, players receive two rank shields. If you lose a match at 0 RR, one ranked shield is consumed, and you remain in your current rank. A second loss at 0 RR consumes the second shield. Only after a third consecutive loss at 0 RR, with no shields remaining, will you be demoted to the previous rank. It's important to note that two shields are only granted at Tier 1 of each rank, and new ranked shields do not replenish until you promote to a new Tier 1 rank.

Using and Tracking Your Ranked Shields

Many players don't use their rank shields effectively, which can cause them to lose their position in Valorant's competitive ladder. If you find yourself at 0 RR with shields remaining, consider taking a break to avoid unnecessary losses. The game provides a Rank Details screen where you can monitor your shields remaining, ensuring you're always aware of your derank protection status.

Benefits of the New Derank Protection in Valorant

Ranked Protection has solved an enormous problem, and players adore this new addition because of the multiple benefits it provides, like:

• Reduced Rank Anxiety: Players have a buffer against immediate demotion, and this one more chance provides a more relaxed gaming environment, even in competitive and premier modes.
• Continuing The Grind: Many players in certain ranks, like Platinum and higher, face tougher competition, and elements like bad teams or losing a few bad games can demote them. This shield gives a more accurate reflection of a player's skill and keeps them motivated to improve. However, this doesn't mean players in lower ranks can't face these problems. Often, when a new player doesn't win, they lose motivation quicker, so this system protects their motivation and makes them go further.