Decoding Emerald Rank: A Comprehensive Guide to Competitive Tiers

Emerald rank is a relatively new addition to the competitive landscapes of games like League of Legends (LoL) and Rainbow Six Siege (R6). In both games, Emerald rank is positioned squarely between Platinum and Diamond. It aims to alleviate ranking distribution issues and provide a more granular skill assessment for players on the competitive ladder. It represents players who are consistently skilled, showing strong game knowledge and mechanical ability, but haven’t quite broken into the top echelons of Diamond.

Understanding the Significance of Emerald Rank

The introduction of Emerald wasn’t arbitrary. Game developers recognized a significant skill gap between Platinum and Diamond, leading to frustrating experiences for players on the cusp of Diamond. By inserting Emerald, the games aim to:

• Improve ranking distribution: To prevent the “bottom-heavy distribution” where a large percentage of players are clustered in lower ranks (Bronze and Silver).
• Provide a more accurate skill assessment: Players at the higher end of Platinum or lower end of Diamond often found themselves mismatched. Emerald helps to segment these players more effectively.
• Create a more balanced competitive experience: Players within Emerald are more likely to be of similar skill, leading to fairer and more engaging matches.
• Provide an intermediate goal: Emerald creates a more achievable milestone for Platinum players striving to reach Diamond, boosting motivation and engagement.

In essence, Emerald serves as a crucial bridge, allowing players to progressively hone their skills and climb the competitive ladder more smoothly.

Emerald in League of Legends

In League of Legends, Emerald has been introduced to address a long-standing issue with ranking distribution. Previously, a large percentage of the player base was concentrated in Bronze and Silver. This meant that even players with significantly different skill levels were grouped together, leading to uneven matches and a frustrating experience.

Emerald in LoL aims to represent a skill level that’s similar to the percentage of players that Platinum used to represent. It’s a tier for players who demonstrate consistent game knowledge, decent mechanics, and a solid understanding of team play. They aren’t necessarily one-trick ponies; they are versatile and adaptable.

What It Means to Be Emerald in LoL

An Emerald player in League of Legends typically:

• Has a strong understanding of their primary role.
• Can effectively farm and manage resources.
• Knows when to rotate and help their team.
• Demonstrates good map awareness.
• Understands basic counter-picks and itemization.
• Minimizes deaths and makes calculated risks.

Emerald in Rainbow Six Siege

Similar to League of Legends, Rainbow Six Siege also introduced Emerald to bridge the gap between Platinum and Diamond. The ranks in R6 can often feel like a massive jump in skill, requiring a significant time commitment and a refined understanding of the game mechanics.

Emerald in R6 is for players who have mastered the fundamentals of the game. They have excellent map knowledge, understand operator synergies, and demonstrate a high level of teamwork and communication.

What It Means to Be Emerald in R6

An Emerald player in Rainbow Six Siege typically:

• Has excellent map knowledge and callouts.
• Understands operator roles and counter-picks.
• Demonstrates strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Has good aim and gun control.
• Can effectively use gadgets and abilities.
• Understands strategic positioning and rotation.
• Has consistent game play.

Emerald: A Stepping Stone, Not the Destination

It’s important to remember that Emerald is a stepping stone on the path to higher ranks. While it signifies a significant level of skill, it also represents an opportunity for continued improvement. Players in Emerald should focus on refining their gameplay, identifying areas for growth, and continuing to learn from their experiences. For educators and researchers interested in competitive gaming and learning, the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable resources and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Emerald Rank

1. Is Emerald a high rank?

Emerald is considered a mid-high rank. It’s above the average player, demonstrating competence and skill, but it’s not among the highest ranks like Diamond or Champion.

2. Is Emerald after Platinum in R6?

Yes, Emerald is the rank directly after Platinum in Rainbow Six Siege.

3. Is Emerald after Platinum in League of Legends?

Yes, Emerald is the rank directly after Platinum in League of Legends.

4. Can Emerald rank decay?

In League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege, rank decay generally only affects Diamond and higher ranks. Emerald players typically don’t have to worry about decay.

5. What percentage of players are in Emerald?

The percentage of players in Emerald varies depending on the game and season. The goal of adding the Emerald rank was to mimic the percentage of players formerly in Platinum. Keep checking official game updates for current stats!

6. What is needed to get to Emerald rank?

To reach Emerald rank, you need to consistently win matches, improve your Matchmaking Rating (MMR), and demonstrate a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies.

7. What is the lowest rank in Rainbow Six Siege?

The lowest rank in Rainbow Six Siege is Copper V.

8. What is the lowest rank in League of Legends?

The lowest rank in League of Legends is Iron IV.

9. What is the highest rank in Rainbow Six Siege?

The highest rank in Rainbow Six Siege is Champion.

10. What is considered high ELO in League of Legends?

Generally, anything above 1700 ELO is considered high ELO in League of Legends, although this threshold can vary slightly depending on the season and server.

11. What is the most common rank in League of Legends?

Historically, Silver has been the most common rank in League of Legends, representing a significant portion of the player base.

12. What is MMR and how does it affect ranking?

MMR (Matchmaking Rating) is a hidden value that represents your skill level. The game uses your MMR to match you with players of similar skill and to determine how many rank points you gain or lose after a match.

13. What is the average rank in Valorant?

The majority of Valorant players are in the Silver and Gold tiers.

14. Is Emerald a girl name?

Yes, Emerald is also a girl-given name of English origin, meaning “green gemstone.”

15. How does Emerald improve the ranked experience?

Emerald improves the ranked experience by:

• Providing a more granular skill assessment.
• Reducing the skill gap between ranks.
• Creating fairer and more balanced matches.
• Giving players a more achievable goal to strive for.

By addressing the issues with ranking distribution and skill disparity, Emerald has become a valuable addition to the competitive ecosystems of League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege, fostering a more engaging and rewarding experience for players striving to improve their skills.