Ranked Matchmaking

Hey everyone,

My first post here, so it might already be in a thread and I just couldn't find it (is there a search function?)

I've played about 150 hours on DOTA2, and I'm almost at level 13 -- when I can play ranked. Is it worth jumping into ranked right away?

I play some friends a lot, and they are a little further away from it. Should I wait for them?

What's the big differences between ranked and pub in terms of the game and community?

I wouldn't jump into Ranked, it's not worth it to start right away and end up with a low MMR. Being lvl13 or lvl300 doesn't make a difference. It's when you get to the point where your Teammates and opponents start using advanced tactics like Smoke Ganks, Warding and Dewarding, running Tri-Lanes, etc. that you know you're ready for Ranked. By that point, you should find yourself at 3-5k MMR.

There are no real differences between Ranked and regular play. You're just playing to win a higher number than you already have in Ranked, so use Regular Matchmaking to experiment, learn and have fun.

If you want a place where games are better coordinated and where DOTA really becomes a Team game, look for a good Clan/Guild/whatchamacallit that hosts lobby games regularly, there's a lot out there for different types of skill levels and preferred game modes, etc.

P.S. The only search function for this site is opening another tab and using Google...high tech stuff here 8{3

There really is no difference between ranked and regular pubs. All you do ranked for is to get a high mmr, and quite honestly mmr is not a reflection of your actual skill. I know friends who won all 10 of their entry games and only got an mmr of 2300 it all depends on who you face.



^ This. There are great clans and guilds in-game where you'll meet great people who know the game. If you are looking to play ranked I would really recommend playing with a good group of mates. In my opinion that is the best and most fun way to enjoy.

See you on the battlefield,

-BK

It really depends. If you're already in high skill brackets (I THINK dotabuff showed this?) then you probably can without much problems.

If not, I would get at least 200 wins under my belt - you're prepared for rank if you're capable of playing all roles (especially support) to a decent level AND be patient with the community. Ragers can do well in ranked but if you haven't got out of the point where you ***** about your teammates doing well without giving them constructive criticism then you'll just get stressed out in ranked.

There's almost no difference at all. There tends to be more parties/stacks in unranked, and you get (slightly) fewer trolls in ranked.

i wouldnt play ranked after only 150 hours. i would try to atleast have 500 games.

Here is some advice I have learned.
My friend calibrated and at lvl 13 and got ~1000 mmr.
We both then told another friend not to calibrate at lvl 13.. what does he do?
Calibrate and get ~950 mmr.
So to answer the question. Don't calibrate till u get advanced tactics as mentioned above.

Thanks! I'll probably hold off until I can play with the friends I play with now, and maybe a little bit after that too.