How Long Does It Take to Reach Level 20 in Valorant?

Here's a breakdown of what it takes to get to level 20 in Valorant, the XP you earn in different game modes, and tips to speed up the leveling process.

When Does Ranked Unlock in Valorant?

Ranked mode in Valorant unlocks when you reach account level 20. Before this update, players were required to complete a set number of matches (usually 10) to enter Ranked mode. However, Riot Games changed this requirement to account level 20 to ensure players had more experience and game knowledge before jumping into the competitive scene.

This update ensures that players entering Ranked have spent enough time learning the mechanics, maps, and agents, which helps create a more balanced and fair competitive environment.

XP Required to Reach Level 20

To reach level 20, players need to accumulate a total of 423,200 XP. The journey from level 1 to 20 is no small feat, as it typically takes 40-70 hours of active gameplay, depending on how well you perform.

Breakdown of XP per Game Mode

1. Unrated Mode
   Valorant’s standard mode, Unrated, offers a reliable way to farm XP while playing full matches. The XP breakdown is as follows:

   1. Per Round Win: 100 XP
   2. Per Round Loss: 50 XP
   3. Match Completion Bonus: 2,100 XP for completing a full match.

   An average Unrated game lasts about 30-40 minutes, with 13 rounds required to win. On average, you can expect to earn 4,000 XP per match, and around 6,800 XP per hour. To reach 423,200 XP, you’ll need about 106 matches, which equates to around 62 hours of gameplay.

2. Spike Rush
   Spike Rush is a shorter game mode that lasts about 8-10 minutes, making it ideal for players who want to grind XP quickly.

   1. Per Round Win/Loss: Not applicable (fixed rounds).
   2. Match Completion Bonus: 1,000 XP.

   While the XP per match is significantly lower than Unrated, its short duration means you can complete multiple Spike Rush games in the time it takes to finish one Unrated game. You can expect around 6,000 XP per hour, requiring 423 matches to reach level 20 in approximately 70 hours.

3. Deathmatch
   Deathmatch is a free-for-all mode with no objectives, focused on practicing gunplay.

   1. Match Completion Bonus: 900 XP.

   Although Deathmatch doesn’t offer as much XP as other modes, it's a great way to warm up and still gain XP. You can expect around 900 XP per 10-minute match.

4. Escalation
   Escalation is a fast-paced, team-based mode where players progress through different weapon levels.

   1. Match Completion Bonus: 800 XP.

   Like Spike Rush, Escalation is quick, with matches lasting about 10 minutes. You can farm around 2,400-3,200 XP per hour in this mode.

5. Custom Games and Practice Modes
   Unfortunately, no XP is awarded for custom games, training exercises, or practice modes. To earn XP, you must participate in the core game modes mentioned above.

Best Ways to Maximize XP Gain

To reach level 20 faster, you’ll need to focus on a few strategies that maximize XP per hour:

1. Daily and Weekly Missions
   These missions offer significant XP bonuses. Completing them is key to leveling up quickly:

   • Daily Missions: 2 missions per day, awarding 2,000 XP each.
   • Weekly Missions: Three weekly missions, awarding between 10,000-21,000 XP each.

   Prioritize finishing these missions every day and week to accelerate your leveling.

2. Focus on Winning Rounds
   In Unrated, you earn double the XP for winning rounds compared to losing. While you can’t always control the outcome, communicating with your team and improving your performance can help you win more rounds and increase your XP per match.
3. Grind Spike Rush for Quick Gains
   While Unrated offers higher XP per match, Spike Rush allows you to complete more matches in a shorter time. If you’re looking for a more casual, quick way to grind XP, consider alternating between Spike Rush and your daily Unrated games.
4. Avoid AFK Penalties
   Going AFK (away from the keyboard) or leaving matches early can result in penalties that limit or negate XP gains. Make sure to finish each match to ensure you get your full XP rewards.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Level 20?

On average, you’ll need 60-70 hours of gameplay to hit level 20. The exact time depends on your game mode preference and the daily & weekly missions you complete.

• Playing Unrated Matches:
  If you win about half of your rounds, you can expect to earn around 4,000 XP per match. With an average match length of 35 minutes, that’s about 6,800 XP per hour. This means you'll need around 106 matches or about 62 hours of gameplay to reach level 20.
• Farming Spike Rush:
  Spike Rush games are much shorter, so you can complete more matches in the same time frame. Expect about 6,000 XP per hour, requiring around 423 matches to reach level 20 in about 70 hours.