Fortnite Ranked Explained: All Ranks and How to Climb

Fortnite ranked has eight tiers, from Bronze up to Unreal, and your rank moves based on your placement and eliminations in each match. Battle Royale, Zero Build and Reload each have their own separate rank, so climbing in one doesn't change the others.

All Fortnite ranks in order

How your rank goes up and down

Epic doesn't publish a points table for the ranked ladder, so be wary of any guide quoting exact ladder points. What Epic does say:

• Placement and eliminations both count. Your rank is based on how far you get and how many players you eliminate. Epic also lists damage dealt versus taken, and how far into the Storm you get.
• Late eliminations count for more. An elimination near the end is worth more than one at the start.
• Opponent skill matters. The system considers how good the player you eliminated was.
• First match of the day is protected. A poor first game won't make you drop, and this applies separately in each ranked mode.
• Elite is a floor. Once you reach Elite, you can't be demoted below it for the rest of the season.
• Ranks partly reset. Battle Royale and Zero Build ranks partly reset each season. Ranked Reload resets at the start of each Ranked period, and your starting rank depends on where you finished.

Don't confuse the ladder with Ranked Cups, which have their own published points in each event's rules, or with Power Rankings, a separate tournament-based rating.

How to climb faster

Play for placement first

Since late eliminations are worth more, an early fight has poor reward for its risk. Dying in the first minute gives you almost nothing, whereas surviving gives you more chances to get valuable eliminations later.

Take late fights you can win

Don't hide all game either. Eliminations are one of the main factors, and the most valuable ones arrive when the circle is small. Look for players already fighting someone else, as they're weak and distracted.

Land somewhere quieter

Pick a place with enough loot for your squad and few other drops. Find a landing spot and practice it until the route is automatic.

Play the mode that suits you

Since ranks are separate, you can try each mode. If your building is holding you back, Zero Build may suit your aim and positioning better.

Stop after tilted games

Your first game each day is protected, but the rest aren't. If you've dropped twice, take a break instead of queueing angry. It's a simple habit, and it stops a bad evening from wiping out a good week.

Fix your settings once

Dropped frames lose fights. Spend ten minutes on our best Fortnite settings guide, then leave them alone.

FAQ

What is the highest rank in Fortnite? Unreal. Champion and Elite sit right below it.

Can you lose rank in Fortnite? Yes, below Elite you can drop. Once you reach Elite, you stay at Elite or above until the season ends.

Do ranks reset every season? Battle Royale and Zero Build ranks partly reset each season. Ranked Reload has its own reset periods.

Does my Zero Build rank affect Battle Royale? No. Each mode has its own rank.