Can I play Valorant ranked alone?

Yes. Competitive is open to solo players once the account is Level 20.

Why can't I queue with three friends?

A group of three has to fit the rank range. If one of you is too far above or below the others, the queue will not start. Immortal 1 and above can only queue solo, duo or as five.

Can I queue with a friend in a much lower rank?

Only inside the range. A Gold player can bring someone up to Platinum, and a Silver player up to Gold. A 5-stack ignores the range but loses rank points.

Can a group of four play ranked?

No. Riot does not allow groups of four in Competitive.

Valorant

Valorant ranked: solo, duo and group rules

Yes, you can queue Valorant Competitive on your own. If you bring friends, Riot limits how far apart your ranks can be, and groups of four are not allowed at all.

The short version

Alone: allowed. You need Account Level 20 to play Competitive.
Duo or trio: everyone has to fit the rank range in the table below.
Groups of four: not allowed.
Group of five: allowed at any mix of ranks, with a rank point penalty if the gap is big.
Immortal 1 and above: solo, duo or 5-stack only.

How far apart can a duo or trio be?

Look at the lowest rank in your group. The highest rank you can bring is in the second column.

Lowest rank in the group	Highest rank allowed
Iron or Bronze	Silver
Silver	Gold
Gold	Platinum
Platinum, Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal or Radiant	One rank higher, same tier (Platinum 2 can queue with up to Diamond 2)

Why not four?

Riot blocks groups of four because the one solo player left on the team has a bad time. Bring a fifth player or drop to three.

What a 5-stack costs

A full group of five can have any mix of ranks, but rank points (RR) are cut when the gap is outside the normal range:

Everyone Ascendant 3 or lower: 25% fewer rank points if anyone is outside the normal range.
One or more players at Immortal 1 to 3: 25% fewer rank points.
One or more Radiant players: 75% fewer, or 90% fewer if anyone in the group is below Radiant.
Five-stacks only match against other five-stacks, so expect a longer wait.

Need people at your level?

The easiest way to stay inside the rank range is to find players who are already close to you.

See Valorant squads looking for players Post your own

Questions

Can I play Valorant ranked alone?: Yes. Competitive is open to solo players once the account is Level 20.
Why can't I queue with three friends?: A group of three has to fit the rank range. If one of you is too far above or below the others, the queue will not start. Immortal 1 and above can only queue solo, duo or as five.
Can I queue with a friend in a much lower rank?: Only inside the range. A Gold player can bring someone up to Platinum, and a Silver player up to Gold. A 5-stack ignores the range but loses rank points.
Can a group of four play ranked?: No. Riot does not allow groups of four in Competitive.

Checked 2026-10-31. Source: Riot Support: VALORANT Competitive Mode FAQ (Riot's page, last updated May 17, 2026). Riot can change these rules in any patch, so check its page if it matters.