It's wild to think we're in 2025 and I'm still grinding Apex Legends ranked matches, but honestly? That Season 17 overhaul from two years ago continues to haunt the competitive experience. I remember when Respawn first dropped the rework—everyone was hyped for something fresh. Instead, we got this messy system prioritizing survival over skill, where hiding in a bush (we call it 'ratting') feels more rewarding than actually fighting. The worst part? After multiple tweaks, the core issues remain: inflated ranks, meaningless matchmaking, and zero incentive to play aggressively. It's heartbreaking seeing a game I love struggle with something as fundamental as ranked integrity.

The Great Rank Inflation Disaster

Remember when hitting Diamond or Masters actually meant something? Now, the ranked distribution charts look like a balloon ready to pop! That flat 35 LP entry cost for every tier (instead of scaling costs) means anyone can slowly crawl upward by avoiding fights. Check out this wild rank distribution spike from Season 17—it’s only gotten worse:

And here’s the kicker: Masters became a hard ceiling unless you’re top 750 Predator material. That’s like telling marathon runners they can’t cross the finish line because 'elite' spots are full. Ranked should feel like climbing a mountain—each step harder than the last—not waiting in line for participation trophies 🏆.

Why Flat LP Costs Ruined Competitive Integrity

Let’s break down why this system fails:

Old System (Pre-S17)	New System (S17+)
RP entry cost scaled with rank (higher risk)	Flat 35 LP entry for all ranks
Rank gaps increased (e.g., 2400 RP Silver→Gold)	Fixed 1000 LP gaps between EVERY tier
Kills/placements had clear weight	Vague "bonus LP" for kills, massive placement bias
Genuine skill progression	Ratting strategies dominate lobbies

I’ve lost count of how many teammates I’ve seen crouch-walking around the map’s edge. Why? Because placement trumps everything. You gain LP just by outlasting others, even if you’ve got zero kills and hid in a supply bin all game! Respawn claims hidden MMR balances things, but when Bronze players face Predators because their "visible rank" is fake? Yeah, that’s not MMR working—that’s chaos.

People Also Ask: Your Burning Questions

🔍 Why did Respawn make these changes?

Officially, they wanted ranked to be "more accessible." Unofficially? Many blame EA’s 2023 QA layoffs. Without proper testing, flawed designs went live—and two years later, we’re still suffering bandaids instead of surgery.

🔍 Can you still enjoy ranked in Apex?

If you treat it as a casual hide-and-seek simulator? Sure. But if you crave competitive integrity? Nope. The thrill of hard-earned rank-ups is gone when Diamond lobbies feel like Silver gameplay.

🔍 What’s the #1 thing Respawn should fix?

Scrap flat LP costs and fixed gaps. Bring back scaled challenges—if you’re in Diamond, fights should matter more than camping!

The Hidden MMR Mirage

Respawn keeps insisting hidden skill ratings will save matchmaking, but look at this Masters/Predator inflation chart:

If MMR worked properly, ranks wouldn’t balloon like this! We’ve got players in Diamond who can’t win 1v1s against Golds from the old system. It’s demoralizing grinding for a badge that lost its meaning. I miss when ranking up required mechanical skill, game sense, AND nerve—not just patience to avoid gunfire.

Final Thoughts: A Plea to Respawn

At its core, ranked should reward courage and skill—not punish them. Right now? Pushing fights is mathematically stupid. Hiding gets you LP; taking risks gets you killed early. After two years of this, I’m tired of choosing between fun and progression. Respawn, please—give us a ranked system that respects competitive players again. Revert the flat costs. Make kills matter visibly. And for goodness’ sake, stop letting rats inherit the arena. 🐀💥

🔥 What’s your ranked horror story? Drop it below—let’s make sure the devs hear us! 🔥