Immortal vs Ascendant in Valorant: What's the Difference?

Ascendant and Immortal are the two ranks that separate "very good" Valorant players from the top 1%. Ascendant was added in 2022 to bridge the gap between Diamond and Immortal; Immortal sits directly above it as the gateway to Radiant. Here's exactly what separates the two — in skill, rank rating, queue rules, and what each is worth on an account.

Where each rank sits on the ladder

The top of Valorant's ladder runs Diamond → Ascendant → Immortal → Radiant. Ascendant (introduced in Episode 5, 2022) has three divisions and represents roughly the top ~5% of ranked players. Immortal sits above it — also three divisions, but rating-driven — at roughly the top 1%. Above Immortal is Radiant, the capped top ~500 players per region. For the full ladder breakdown, see our Valorant rank distribution guide.

Ascendant vs Immortal at a glance

The real differences that matter

• Skill gap. Ascendant players have strong mechanics and game sense; Immortal demands consistent aim, sharper utility usage, and the discipline to beat players who rarely make free mistakes. The jump from Ascendant 3 to Immortal 1 is one of the most-felt walls in the game.
• How you climb. Through Ascendant you move division by division. Once in Immortal, your Rank Rating accumulates toward the Radiant threshold rather than neat divisions — so progress is measured against the regional leaderboard.
• Queue & party rules. Valorant tightens party restrictions at the top of the ladder, so Immortal+ players have fewer flexible-rank queue options than Ascendant players — premade ranges narrow as you climb.
• Standing & resets. The closer you get to Radiant, the more your position is tied to the act leaderboard, and high ranks must keep playing to hold their place across resets.

What each rank signals on an account

On the marketplace, both ranks command a premium over Diamond, but Immortal accounts sell for more than Ascendant ones for two reasons: rarity (1% vs 5% of players) and proximity to Radiant. An Immortal account with a verified peak is the most valuable rank tier short of a true Radiant account. As always in Valorant, though, rank is a multiplier on top of the skin inventory — a stacked knife collection can outweigh the rank difference entirely. Use our Valorant value calculator to see how rank and skins combine.

Which should you aim for (or buy)?

If you're climbing, Ascendant is a realistic stretch goal for most dedicated players, while Immortal is a genuine top-1% achievement. If you're buying an account, decide what the rank is for: an Ascendant account is a strong, lower-cost ranked base, while an Immortal account is about prestige and being one step from Radiant. Either way, verify the rank with a current screenshot and check the peak — see our valuation guide for what to confirm before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ascendant higher than Immortal?

No. The order is Diamond → Ascendant → Immortal → Radiant. Ascendant is below Immortal; it was added in 2022 to bridge Diamond and Immortal.

What percentage of players are Immortal vs Ascendant?

Ascendant is roughly the top 5% and Immortal roughly the top 1% of ranked players. The gap between them is one of the steepest on the ladder.

Is an Immortal account worth more than an Ascendant account?

Usually, yes — Immortal is rarer and one step from Radiant, so it carries a higher rank premium. But in Valorant, skin and knife inventory often matters more than rank, so a skin-heavy Ascendant account can still out-price a bare Immortal one.

How hard is it to go from Ascendant to Immortal?

It's one of the toughest jumps in the game. Immortal demands consistent mechanics and decision-making against players who rarely give away free rounds, which is why only about 1% of the ladder reaches it.

Comparing ranked accounts? Browse the Valorant marketplace, see what Immortal-tier accounts include, and read the full Valorant rank distribution for where every tier sits.