Darling Riri

From the moment I started playing, it became evident that the matchmaking algorithm is severely flawed. Being pitted against players who are far above my skill level, such as Immortal and Platinum ranks, in my very first games was not only discouraging but also frustrating. The discrepancy in skill levels results in lopsided matches where new or lower-ranked players stand little to no chance. This imbalance undermines the competitive integrity of the game and makes it an unpleasant experience for those trying to learn and improve. The prevalence of smurf accounts exacerbates this issue. Each round feels inundated with players who deliberately create new accounts to dominate lower-ranked games, further skewing the balance. This not only ruins the fun but also creates an environment where genuine players cannot accurately gauge their progress or enjoy fair competition. Adding to the frustration is the sense that the developers prioritize monetization over the player experience. The constant push for microtransactions and premium content gives the impression that the game's design is more focused on revenue generation than addressing core gameplay issues. It's disheartening to see that despite the numerous complaints from the community, little has been done to fix the matchmaking problems or to implement effective measures against smurfing. In summary, Valorant has the potential to be an exceptional game, but the current state of its matchmaking system and the rampant smurfing severely hinder the enjoyment and growth of its player base. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, it remains a game that I cannot recommend. The developers need to shift their focus from monetization to creating a balanced and fair playing environment if they hope to retain and grow their community.