athen
Inkling
Hey everyone, this is going to be the first long document that I post onto Squidboards! My name is Athen, I'm a competitive player that specializes in the Splatana Wiper and Dynamo Roller. I play around a high level, and I'm here to talk about something I've always wanted to discuss: the X-Battle Ranking System.
X-Battle itself is a controversial topic, as it brings up many things from the way it distributes points, matches weapon compositions, rotations, and more. I want to focus on the distribution of points, and ranking up/down in general. I want to preface this with saying that I am not a professional with data and math, and I'm only here to give ideas. I should also apologize in advanced if these feels a bit all over the place, as it's my first time writing a document on a topic like this. If you, or anyone else, has something to say about this, whether it be that you disagree, or that you have your own idea, please feel free to comment! I take all criticism! With that out of the way, let's begin.
Achieving X
I want to start with the way you get into X-Battle. I think this plays the largest role in the flaws of this system. Why? Because I think it's too easy to get into "X Rank" and I also think that it having its own playlist is unnecessary. Let's take a look at Anarchy Battle (series). Your rank in this mode carries through every rotation, no matter the mode. This means that you are in the same rank no matter what. This is a good feature, and should stay the same within X-Battle. Some may disagree because they see some modes as inferior to others. I would agree if the gap was that large, but I don't think it is, at least in a solo environment. Splat Zones tends to be THE competitive mode, but "competitive" and "solo" do not intertwine. That's why I think it is okay for X-Battle to share ranks between rotations. (I should say that I don't like the rotation system, but that's a different topic).
Ranking Up
Next, let's look at how you rank up in Anarchy Battle (series). Win 5 to triumph, lose 3 and you're out. Once you begin a series, a certain amount from your point total is cut out, and you gain a certain amount of points for however many wins and losses you receive. I honestly don't see why this isn't already in for X-Battle. You don't lose points for losing matches, but if you lose more than you win, then you're not going to gain as much. This is good because it gives the player more control with their matches with the badge system applying more points the better you play in a given match, and losing doesn't feel as detrimental, especially since winning is more rewarding. You might argue that since X-Battle is supposed to be harder that it shouldn't have this level of leniency when ranking and deranking players, and I kind of agree. As I've stated, I'm not an expert with math and all of that, but I'd expect "X Rank" to cut more points than previous ranks for starting a series, and it'd also give a bit less for each win, still keeping the 5-to-win/3-to-lose format. There should also be an in-game document displaying how many points are gained from what badges, win/loss ratios, and ranks. For example, Silver badges would give less points than Gold badges, and less wins would give less points than more. You could even get deeper with specific badges (like higher splat amounts and painting amounts,). This helps players understand how their rank is being effected each time they play a match.
Combining Anarchy and X
Let's go back to the unnecessary separation of "X-Rank" from the C to S ranks. I think reverting back to how Splatoon 2 did it would benefit us more than it did in that game. If you're reading this, I'm sure you already understand how it works, it's just the rank above S+. You'll have to change how many S+ ranks there are and all of that, but we're not here for that. Combining Anarchy (series) and X into one, they should make it so that you aren't shifting to a new ranking system of "X Power" but instead keep the same "Anarchy Power". On the topic of Anarchy, I think every rank should have a certain "Anarchy Power" threshold. For example, C Rank could be 500 Power, S Rank could be 1500 Power, X Rank could be 2500 Power, and so on. This is similar to other ranking systems like Apex Legends and Overwatch 1.
Calculations
Whenever you reach X-Battle, you must conduct 5 placement matches, and then your X Power will be calculated. I do not like this feature (for X Rank). Why? Most of the time it isn't consistent, and winning doesn't feel as if it grants higher calculations. At the beginning of a new ranking season, mainly after rank resets, players should be doing calculations no matter their rank. The level of their matches should loosely be based off of population averages, their previous seasonal power, and so on. The better you do, the higher you go. I also think it should show where you're being calculated as you go on in the calculations, just so you have an idea of where you'll be placed if you continue to win or lose. What I just explained doesn't sound too different from what we already have, and you'd be correct, I just do not think Nintendo actually implemented it as well. Calculations feel random or predetermined. No matter how many wins or losses, you may be placed similarly to how you were calculated last season.
Ending
In conclusion, the current system for entering and progressing through X-Battle has flaws, mainly how easy the attaining X Rank is and the unnecessary separation of ranks within different modes. To improve the experience, adopting certain features from Anarchy Battle (series), such as a consistent rank across rotations and a more fleshed out point-based ranking system, could provide players more control and a better understanding of their progression. Combining Anarchy and X Rank, utilizing "Anarchy Power" threshold, would simplify the ranking system and create a smoother transition between ranks. Additionally, revisiting the calculation process for your power, ensuring it considers factors like population averages and previous seasonal power, would contribute to a more accurate and satisfying ranking experience. Finally, these adjustments aim to refine the existing system, making it more transparent, fair, and enjoyable for everyone! That's all I have (for now)... Let me know what you think! Is there something I missed? Something you wanna share? I'll try to respond to everyone! I hope you all have an amazing day, see ya!
X-Battle itself is a controversial topic, as it brings up many things from the way it distributes points, matches weapon compositions, rotations, and more. I want to focus on the distribution of points, and ranking up/down in general. I want to preface this with saying that I am not a professional with data and math, and I'm only here to give ideas. I should also apologize in advanced if these feels a bit all over the place, as it's my first time writing a document on a topic like this. If you, or anyone else, has something to say about this, whether it be that you disagree, or that you have your own idea, please feel free to comment! I take all criticism! With that out of the way, let's begin.
Achieving X
I want to start with the way you get into X-Battle. I think this plays the largest role in the flaws of this system. Why? Because I think it's too easy to get into "X Rank" and I also think that it having its own playlist is unnecessary. Let's take a look at Anarchy Battle (series). Your rank in this mode carries through every rotation, no matter the mode. This means that you are in the same rank no matter what. This is a good feature, and should stay the same within X-Battle. Some may disagree because they see some modes as inferior to others. I would agree if the gap was that large, but I don't think it is, at least in a solo environment. Splat Zones tends to be THE competitive mode, but "competitive" and "solo" do not intertwine. That's why I think it is okay for X-Battle to share ranks between rotations. (I should say that I don't like the rotation system, but that's a different topic).
Ranking Up
Next, let's look at how you rank up in Anarchy Battle (series). Win 5 to triumph, lose 3 and you're out. Once you begin a series, a certain amount from your point total is cut out, and you gain a certain amount of points for however many wins and losses you receive. I honestly don't see why this isn't already in for X-Battle. You don't lose points for losing matches, but if you lose more than you win, then you're not going to gain as much. This is good because it gives the player more control with their matches with the badge system applying more points the better you play in a given match, and losing doesn't feel as detrimental, especially since winning is more rewarding. You might argue that since X-Battle is supposed to be harder that it shouldn't have this level of leniency when ranking and deranking players, and I kind of agree. As I've stated, I'm not an expert with math and all of that, but I'd expect "X Rank" to cut more points than previous ranks for starting a series, and it'd also give a bit less for each win, still keeping the 5-to-win/3-to-lose format. There should also be an in-game document displaying how many points are gained from what badges, win/loss ratios, and ranks. For example, Silver badges would give less points than Gold badges, and less wins would give less points than more. You could even get deeper with specific badges (like higher splat amounts and painting amounts,). This helps players understand how their rank is being effected each time they play a match.
Combining Anarchy and X
Let's go back to the unnecessary separation of "X-Rank" from the C to S ranks. I think reverting back to how Splatoon 2 did it would benefit us more than it did in that game. If you're reading this, I'm sure you already understand how it works, it's just the rank above S+. You'll have to change how many S+ ranks there are and all of that, but we're not here for that. Combining Anarchy (series) and X into one, they should make it so that you aren't shifting to a new ranking system of "X Power" but instead keep the same "Anarchy Power". On the topic of Anarchy, I think every rank should have a certain "Anarchy Power" threshold. For example, C Rank could be 500 Power, S Rank could be 1500 Power, X Rank could be 2500 Power, and so on. This is similar to other ranking systems like Apex Legends and Overwatch 1.
Calculations
Whenever you reach X-Battle, you must conduct 5 placement matches, and then your X Power will be calculated. I do not like this feature (for X Rank). Why? Most of the time it isn't consistent, and winning doesn't feel as if it grants higher calculations. At the beginning of a new ranking season, mainly after rank resets, players should be doing calculations no matter their rank. The level of their matches should loosely be based off of population averages, their previous seasonal power, and so on. The better you do, the higher you go. I also think it should show where you're being calculated as you go on in the calculations, just so you have an idea of where you'll be placed if you continue to win or lose. What I just explained doesn't sound too different from what we already have, and you'd be correct, I just do not think Nintendo actually implemented it as well. Calculations feel random or predetermined. No matter how many wins or losses, you may be placed similarly to how you were calculated last season.
Ending
In conclusion, the current system for entering and progressing through X-Battle has flaws, mainly how easy the attaining X Rank is and the unnecessary separation of ranks within different modes. To improve the experience, adopting certain features from Anarchy Battle (series), such as a consistent rank across rotations and a more fleshed out point-based ranking system, could provide players more control and a better understanding of their progression. Combining Anarchy and X Rank, utilizing "Anarchy Power" threshold, would simplify the ranking system and create a smoother transition between ranks. Additionally, revisiting the calculation process for your power, ensuring it considers factors like population averages and previous seasonal power, would contribute to a more accurate and satisfying ranking experience. Finally, these adjustments aim to refine the existing system, making it more transparent, fair, and enjoyable for everyone! That's all I have (for now)... Let me know what you think! Is there something I missed? Something you wanna share? I'll try to respond to everyone! I hope you all have an amazing day, see ya!
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