The Ultimate Halo Infinite Ranking System Guide

Halo Infinite is an astounding, impressive experience, especially for a game that isn't technically even out yet. The surprise release of its Multiplayer (which is sort-of a Beta, but not really) took the world by storm, and got everyone talking about 343 Industries' magnum opus. There has been very little negative feedback, and for good reason, with millions of players launching into the latest installment in the Halo saga, and experiencing everything that its wonderful free-to-play multiplayer has to offer.

Now, with the game being so popular, many are turning to its already outstanding Ranked Modes to take their game to the next level. Ranked Games allow you to play against other Spartans of similar skill to you, after all, so there's a whole lot of challenge involved, and it's enormously rewarding to see your level progress through pure skill. It's an amazing feeling to get rewarded for your hard work, but it's not without its challenges. So, without further ado, we're going to take you through the Halo Infinite Ranking System, how it works, and what to look out for.

What Is the Halo Infinite Ranking System?

Halo Infinite's Ranking System is part of the game's competitive mode, Ranked Arena. As your skill and talents progress and you climb up the ranks, your Rank is basically a sign of your success. It's also an incentive to continue to play, as those of us who want to show off will fight to reach those top-ranks as brutally and effectively as possible. Let's be real, Halo Infinite is a fun-as-hell game, and trying to get better at it is an absolute joy. With that in mind, there's really nothing wrong with adding a bit of competition to it. Let's use that as a jumping off point to explain how Halo Infinite's Ranking System works to you, starting with a look at the Ranks themselves.

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All Ranks in Halo Infinite

Below is a list of all the ranks that you can reach in Halo Infinite. The thing about Halo Infinite Ranks is that they are very versatile, with a number of different Tiers available in each. It takes a lot of work to upgrade all of these!

Onyx is, obviously, your ultimate goal, making you an absolute Halo Infinite legend. Once you've become this powerful in Halo Infinite's Ranked Mode, then you could even say that your power is... infinite. Huh, I'm funny.

How Do You Get Ranks in Halo Infinite?

To start playing within Halo Infinite's Ranking System, you first need to be granted a starting rank. To do this, you must jump into Ranked Arena and play ten matches within the given playlist. The results of these ten matches will then be used as a sort-of test for your performance. You will be given a performance score, and this will then assign you to a specific starting rank. Once you have been granted a starting rank, you can engage in Halo Infinite's ranked games to move up and down the Tiers.

Do Ranks Reset in Halo Infinite?

It is not known whether ranks will reset in Halo Infinite, though it is suggested in-game that your rank will reset each season. This is not such a bad thing, as Halo Infinite's first season is going to be like six-months long, so it really isn't that much to worry about. This is suggested by the Competitive Skill Rank description page, which says that the aforementioned placement matches determine the rank from which you start "for the season".

Keep it cool while bringing the heat. Complete your weekly challenges and unlock the Willow Tea armor coating Ultimate Reward for the Mk. VII! pic.twitter.com/FSFL09cqZZ

— Halo (@Halo) November 25, 2021

Does Halo Infinite Have SBMM?

Halo Infinite does have SBMM, or skill-based matchmaking. This system has been in Halo games since way back in Halo 2, and is used to place players into multiplayer lobbies based on their skill levels and ranks. It's a very controversial feature, as it levels the playing field within matches and makes games more difficult and skill-based for players. The big problem is that SBMM systems rarely work well, and significantly slow down your loading times in online multiplayer games.

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How to Level Up Your Ranks Faster in Halo Infinite?

Halo Infinite's Ranking System is very complicated, but is fundamentally based on your performance. To level up fast, you need to basically be on a win streak. So this means that you are getting plenty of kills, have a positive kill-death ratio, and are doing generally pretty well. It seems that overall wins are slightly less important, though, with many reporting that they are ranking up despite their team losing. To be fair, little is known about the inner workings of Halo Infinite's Ranking System, with the game simply stating the following when you boot up your first ranked match:

CSR [Competitive Skill Rank] measures your ability against opponents of each skill level: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Onyx. Your rank improves when you perform better than expected. Play 10 matches in a ranked playlist to determine your starting CSR for the season.

We do need to wait and see, and continue to trial exactly how Ranking up works in Halo Infinite. It's a very new game, and we have to keep in mind that the Multiplayer is technically still in Beta. That means that big changes could still be to come, with 343 Industries testing and trialing various different features and rank algorithms as they go. It might be a while yet until we have a solid answer to this question, but you can rest assured that the better you play, the better your rank will be.

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What Are the Halo Infinite Ranked Playlists?

In Halo Infinite, there are a number of different Ranked Playlists that are available to those who have been placed, following the initial ten placement matches. Currently they are based on the input methods that each player is using in the game, so whether you are playing with a keyboard and mouse, or a controller. They are as follows:

• Controller: Solo/Due Queue
• Keyboard & Mouse: Solo/Duo Queue
• Cross-Input (both): No Size Limit for Parties

What Are the Halo Infinite Ranked Rules?

There are a number of settings that have been implemented in Halo Infinite's Ranked Arena. They will probably change as the game progresses and 343 Industries discover new things than need to be adjusted, but right now they are the following:

• Start with the BR75 Battle Rifle
• Disabled Combat Sensor / Radar
• Enabled Friendly Fire
• All Matches are 4v4
• Item Spawns are Static
• Grenade Hitmarkers are Disabled

What Are Halo Infinite's Ranked Game Modes?

Halo Infinite's Ranked Arena can be played on a number of different Game Modes and maps. Yet again, we like lists, but this time? This time we think it would be nice to have a li'l table!

What Are the Halo Infinite Season One Ranked Rewards?

As of writing, there are no officially confirmed Ranked Rewards for Halo Infinite Season One. That being said, a number of people on Reddit have made the claim that if you are able to rank all the way up to Onyx, "you get a weapon charm of Carter-259's Helmet from Halo Reach". For the most part, though, it is all about the feeling of achievement you get from becoming a grand master at Halo Infinite. The game is a lot of fun, and it's great to reach that level of skill where the game will honor you with an Onyx Rank. Honestly, that's why you read this article, and now that this article is over, that's what you should go and do...

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