Brawl Stars is set to redefine its competitive landscape by bidding farewell to the Power League and ushering in a new era with the introduction of the much-anticipated Ranked Mode. The latest release not only unveils two intriguing Brawlers, Angelo and Melody, but also brings significant changes to the Hypercharge system. The Sands of Time Season offering a rich array of Norse mythology-themed skins and an innovative Trophy Escape mode. However, the new ranked mode is set to replace Power League, promising a fresh experience for players. Let's delve into the details of this exciting addition.
Introducing Ranked Mode in Brawl Stars:
Seasonal Structure: A Brawl Pass-Like Cycle
Ranked Mode operates on a familiar cycle, mirroring the structure of a Brawl Pass season. Each season spans 30 days, and the inaugural season coincides with the Sands of Time theme. A notable change in this mode is that only Brawlers at Power 9 and above are eligible for participation, raising the stakes for players.
Match Fots Across Ranks: From Mega Pig to Power League
The match formats in Ranked Mode vary based on your rank. In the Bronze to Gold tier, matches follow the Mega Pig format – a best-of-one with no bans and a blind pick phase, accompanied by specific modifiers. As you climb from Diamond to Masters, the format transitions to the familiar Power League structure, retaining additional modifiers that spice up the gameplay.
Unified Queue and Adaptative Matchmaking
Say goodbye to separate Solo and Team queues. Ranked Mode consolidates players into a unified queue, potentially reducing matchmaking times. Should a solo player encounter a team during matchmaking, the system adapts, ensuring fairness with random teammates.
Visible Elo and Seasonal Resets: Transparency in Progress
A significant improvement in Ranked Mode is the visibility of Elo points. Players can now track the amount of Elo gained or lost after each match, providing a clearer understanding of their standing. However, it comes with a catch – ranks reset at the end of each season. Playing in the previous season grants a boost, yet the extent of this boost remains uncertain.
Modifiers: Evolving Gameplay Challenges
Ranked Mode introduces new modifiers, steering away from the Mega Pig ones. Quickfire, Time Detonation, Big Friend, Barbed Ammo, and Sick Beats bring unique challenges to the table. The cap of three modifiers per season aims to maintain a balance that is engaging without overwhelming players.
Ranked Stardrop: Cosmetic Rewards
The new star drop, aptly named Ranked Stardrop, exclusively offers cosmetic rewards. Previous season rewards, as well as exclusive skins rebranded as recallers, can be obtained through this system. Players can acquire these skins for free with a higher drop rate, adding a layer of excitement to the progression.
Revamped Report Feature: Enforcing Fair Play
Addressing community concerns, the report feature in Ranked Mode undergoes a revamp. A report button is now available, and players with a bad reputation may face timeouts. The duration of these timeouts remains undisclosed, leaving players curious about the consequences of their reported misconduct.
Additional Changes: A Glimpse into Brawl Stars' Future
Ranked Mode brings forth more than just gameplay alterations. Rank quests, the inclusion of some rank modifiers in Mega Pig, special cosmetics for Fame, animated player profiles, and the return of True Gold and True Silver Skins add more layers of depth and excitement to the Brawl Stars experience.