Valorant's Premier tournament mode has finally released with Episode 7 Act 2, where you can now compete with your friends! So let's check out everything you need to know about the Valorant Premier mode.
About two years back, Riot initiated the "beta" experiment for the next chapter of competitive Valorant. This new mode aims to offer a more intense competition compared to the usual competitive matches players partake in.
With its global beta completed, the Premier Competitive mode has now been rolled out for players to dive in and explore.
Valorant Tournament Premier Mode Explained
The Valorant Premier Mode serves as an intensified "ranked queue". For those familiar with CS, think of it as akin to Faceit or ESEA. Its primary goal is to quench the thirst of avid competitive players, pushing their abilities further.
This mode is seen as a stepping stone for budding pro players, allowing them to hone their skills before diving deep into the competitive scene. According to Leo Faria, the Head of Esports for Valorant, Premier will eventually become "the path to the VCT Challengers leagues", suggesting it might soon replace the current open quals system.
Join VALORANT Game Director Andy Ho and Global Head of VALORANT Esports Leo Faria for some exciting updates coming to Premier during its official launch and in 2024.
— VALORANT (@VALORANT) August 25, 2023
We're playing for real now. You in? pic.twitter.com/giUws6u6qQ
Valorant Premier: Who Can Play
While there aren't many requirements to be able to play Premier, there are specific guidelines to ensure fair and competitive matchmaking.
Here's what you need to know:
- You must validate & link your phone number to your Valorant Account (This is to counter smurfs)
- Your account should be able to participate in regular competitive matchmaking (i.e., not banned)
Expanding on the second point: If you've faced a game ban, experienced a "Vanguard Intervention", or have any Competitive or Communications restriction in the past month, you won't be able to play Premier mode. If any such restrictions arise during your weekly or playoff games, you'll be disqualified for that stage's duration.
- Grab yourself some free items for Valorant with Prime Gaming !
Pro Players Won't Have Access To Premier
Beginning with Stage 2 of Ep. 7 Act 3, professional players actively listed in a roster for the Challengers League or International League will not be allowed to join Premier. This decision makes sense, considering these players have already established their prowess in the competitive scene, avoiding any unnecessary mix with rising talents.
How You Can Play Valorant Premier Mode
The Premier Mode functions as a Team vs. Team setup, so forming a team is essential. Teams must comprise a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 players to engage in the competitive mode. Once your team is set, you'll be assigned a division, where you'll participate in a blend of weekly and tournament-based matches. If you emerge victorious in the Season, you'll earn the prestigious "Premier Champion" player title.
What Is Valorant Premier Mode's Schedule
For scheduling, weekly matches are typically set at 7 PM in your local time, but could occasionally shift between 7 and 9 PM. The "Team Hub" is where you can check specific timings. Teams can play two matches on each map, and a weekly reset takes place every Tuesday. If you're pressed for time, both matches can be squeezed into a single day, provided you join the queue early and it's still open.
How You Can Fix "Unable To Queue" Issues in Premier
If you're encountering problems while trying to queue in Premier, it's high time you addressed them.
If you're faced with this problem, ensure that you've checked off everything from the list below:
- Confirm all team members have validated their numbers through SMS
- Ensure all players belong to the same Premier team
- Check that no player is subject to: Coms ban, Game Ban, Vanguard disturbance, or a Competitive queue restriction.
- Ensure the queueing window is open
- Make sure your party consists of 5 qualified players
- Ensure your team is currently enrolled
- Ensure you haven't exceeded the weekly matches limit
- If queuing for a tournament, ensure your team has amassed the necessary points for tournament qualification