Demystifying Valorant's performance bonus: All you need to know!

Valorant, Riot Games' popular tactical shooter, boasts a ranked system that can be as perplexing as it is competitive. Among the many mysteries players grapple with is the enigmatic Performance Bonus, a reward that often eludes even the most exceptional players.

In this article, we'll talk about the inner workings of this interesting feature, shedding light on its criteria, dispelling misconceptions, and gaining insights from a developer's perspective.

The performance bonus unveiled

The Performance Bonus, according to Riot Games, is an additional RR (Ranking Rating) awarded to players who deliver outstanding performances in ranked matches. Initially introduced in Episode Two, Patch 2.02, its purpose was to encourage exceptional play and accelerate the ranking process, all while discouraging smurf accounts. However, the devil is in the details, as understanding what constitutes a stellar performance has proven to be a challenge for players.

Performance bonus was first mentioned and implemented by Riot back in patch 2.02 (credits: Riot)

The Reddit conundrum

To highlight the dilemma around this topic, we turn to a Reddit post from a Valorant player who expressed bewilderment at not receiving the expected bonus despite securing the Match MVP title with 30 kills in a winning game. This example illustrates the widespread confusion regarding the Performance Bonus and how it is earned.

The hidden rating factor

Crucially, the bonus is not solely based on personal achievements or MVP titles. Rather, it hinges on a hidden metric known as Matchmaking Rating (MMR). To qualify for the bonus, players must meet two conditions: first, they must outperform their usual performance standards, and second, they must outshine teammates and opponents with higher MMR. Thus, the belief that simply top fragging or securing MVP status guarantees a Performance Bonus is a common misconception.

Getting a high amount of kills is important, but not the only factor that ensures a player his performance bonus (credits: Reddit)

Insights from a developer around performance bonus

In an illuminating Reddit discussion, Riot developer EvrMoar shared valuable insights into how this enigmatic feature operates in Valorant. According to EvrMoar, the bonus is exclusively determined by the update to a player's Encounter MMR (eMMR).

This update compares the player's performance to the expectations set by the MMR system. In essence, it's a player's performance against themselves, rather than against their teammates or opponents, that dictates whether they receive the bonus.

If we do our job right, we use machine learning to set up your contributions correctly and how they impact your MMR regardless of kills. Our job is to make sure you get to your rank and have fair matches because our data shows fair matches are what keep people happy and enjoying VALORANT. - EvrMoar

The complexity of performance evaluation

EvrMoar's interview sheds further light on the intricacies of this system. It underscores the importance of teamwork and the multifaceted nature of player contributions. Players often associate duelists with gaining such bonus due to their propensity for securing kills, but this perspective overlooks the broader context of the match and the quality of encounters. Winning, rather than individual performance, remains the ultimate factor in gaining RR and increasing win/loss MMR.

Conclusion

Valorant's Performance Bonus is a subject of ongoing mystery and debate among players. While the desire to be recognized for individual excellence is natural, understanding that the bonus is primarily based on one's performance against their own past achievements and MMR expectations is crucial.

Riot Games' commitment to creating fair and balanced matches, as explained by EvrMoar, underlines the system's underlying philosophy. So, the next time you're chasing that elusive star, remember that it's not just about frags and MVP titles—it's about outperforming your own potential and contributing to your team's success.

Ultimately, unraveling the bonus enigma helps players appreciate the intricate math that shapes Valorant's ranked ladder and ensures a more enjoyable gaming experience for all.