Hey everyone, Elias here from rivalsector.com, your home for everything gaming. Today, I’m diving headfirst into the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of The Finals’ competitive mode. We’re going to break down the entire ranked system from the ground up. If you’re looking to graduate from casual cashouts to the big leagues and prove you’re a top-tier contestant, you’ve landed in the right spot. I’ve been grinding the ranked tournaments, learning the ins and outs of the system, and I’m here to give you the complete briefing.
The Finals’ ranked mode is a true proving ground. It’s where strategy, gun skill, and teamwork collide in the most spectacular fashion. Embark Studios has designed a system centered around a transparent Rank Score (RS), where every win and every loss directly impacts your journey up the ladder. It’s not just about playing a lot, it’s about playing smart and playing well. The climb is challenging, but the prestige and rewards are well worth the effort.
So, sync up with your squad, double-check your loadouts, and let’s dissect what it takes to climb from Bronze to the legendary Ruby rank.
Gaining Access: Your Ticket to the Big Leagues
Before you can even dream of seeing your name on the leaderboards, you need to prove you’re ready for the challenge. Embark has implemented an entry requirement to ensure that players jumping into ranked have a solid grasp of the game’s core mechanics, maps, and classes. To unlock Ranked Tournaments, you first need to play a total of 60 rounds in the standard, unranked game modes like Quick Cash or Bank It.
Think of these 60 rounds as your training montage. It’s the perfect time to experiment with different builds, learn the map layouts, and get a feel for the game’s unique physics and destruction. Once you’ve completed your 60 rounds, you’ll gain access to the ranked playlist where you’ll begin your journey with a series of placement tournaments. These initial matches are crucial as they determine your starting Rank Score, so bring your A-game.
The Climb: Understanding The Finals Ranks and RS
The competitive structure in The Finals is a classic tiered system that’s all about accumulating Rank Score (RS). There are six distinct leagues, starting with Bronze and culminating in the exclusive Ruby tier for the top players in the world. Your progression is simple: win matches and perform well to earn RS, and climb to the next league once you hit the required threshold.
Here is the official breakdown of each rank and the Rank Score you need to achieve it:
| Rank Tier | Rank Icon | Required Rank Score (RS) |
| Bronze |  | 0 – 9,999 |
| Silver |  | 10,000 – 19,999 |
| Gold |  | 20,000 – 29,999 |
| Platinum |  | 30,000 – 39,999 |
| Diamond |  | 40,000+ |
| Ruby |  | Top 500 Players |
As you can see, the path is clearly laid out. Diamond is the highest achievable rank through pure RS accumulation. Breaking into the Ruby rank, however, requires you to be among the top 500 players in your region. This means you not only have to reach a high RS but also consistently outperform other top players to maintain your spot. It’s the ultimate goal for any serious competitor in The Finals.
The Rules of Engagement: How You Earn (and Lose) RS
Your Rank Score is the lifeblood of your competitive journey. So, how is it calculated? At the end of each ranked tournament, your RS is adjusted based on two key factors:
- Your final position in the tournament. This is the most significant factor. Simply put, the longer you survive and the higher you place, the more RS you will gain. Winning the whole tournament provides the biggest boost, but making it to the final round will always yield a positive gain. Conversely, getting knocked out in the first round is the surest way to lose RS.
- Your team’s Rank Score relative to the other teams in the tournament. The system also takes matchmaking into account. If your team manages to defeat squads with a higher average RS than your own, you’ll receive a larger RS reward for your victory. On the flip side, losing to a team with a significantly lower RS will result in a more substantial penalty.
This system rewards both consistency and the ability to punch above your weight. It encourages a playstyle that prioritizes survival and objective play over simply chasing high elimination counts. The format for ranked tournaments currently features 24 players (eight teams of three) in a multi-round knockout bracket, ensuring every match is a high-stakes battle for survival.
The Spoils of Victory: Seasonal Ranked Rewards
What’s a competitive grind without some exclusive loot to show for it? Embark sweetens the deal by offering unique cosmetic rewards each season based on the highest rank you achieve. That’s right, even if you have a bad streak and drop down a rank, you’ll still get the rewards for your peak rank that season.
While the exact rewards change with each new season, they typically follow a pattern of increasing prestige. Here’s what you can generally expect to unlock:
- Bronze: An exclusive sticker to customize your contestant or weapons.
- Silver: A unique weapon charm to dangle from your favorite gun.
- Gold: A stylish weapon skin that shows off your accomplishment.
- Platinum: A more intricate animated weapon skin or charm.
- Diamond: A highly coveted weapon skin and other premium items, like a player background.
- Ruby: The most prestigious rewards in the game, including an exclusive animated weapon skin and charm, cementing your status as one of the best.
These cosmetics are a fantastic way to display your skill and dedication from the previous season.
Pro Tips for Climbing the Ladder
Navigating the ranked playlist requires more than just good aim. Here are some essential tips to help you maximize your RS gains and climb efficiently:
- Prioritize Survival: Since your final placement is the biggest factor for RS, your team’s number one priority should be advancing to the next round. Don’t take unnecessary fights. If you can secure a cashout and defend it without a full-on brawl, that’s a win. Play your life and know when to disengage.
- Build a Cohesive Team Comp: Ranked mode locks your loadout for the entire match. This means team composition is critical. A balanced squad, typically a Heavy for defense and destruction, a Medium for healing and utility, and a Light for flanking and fast objective plays, is a great starting point. Communicate with your team before the match to ensure you have a synergistic lineup.
- Master Communication: Callouts are key. Use the ping system effectively and communicate with your teammates over voice chat. Announce enemy positions, your ability cooldowns, and your strategic intentions. A well-informed team is a successful team.
- Control the Late Game: In the final round, nerves are high and one mistake can cost you the tournament. Stay calm, manage your resources (gadgets, specializations), and focus on controlling the cashout station. A well-placed dome shield, a timely heal, or a strategic zipline can make all the difference.
The Finals’ ranked mode is a well-designed, competitive experience that truly rewards skilled play. The transparent RS system lets you see exactly where you stand and what you need to do to progress. The climb is tough, the competition is fierce, but reaching that next rank is one of the most satisfying feelings in gaming today. So, get out there, start your placements, and put these tips to the test. Maybe I’ll see you in a Ruby-tier lobby one day. For more guides, hardware reviews, and deep dives into games like The Finals, be sure to keep it locked here at rivalsector.com and check out our Gaming Insights category. Good luck in the arena!
