In Valorant, a game made by Riot Games that is very popular, the word “boosted” is often used. If you are in the Valorant scene, you might have heard this word from other players. So, what does “boosted” actually mean here?
The Meaning of “Boosted” in Valorant
In Valorant, “boosted” means a player got help from someone better at the game or used outside help to get a rank that is higher than what they can do alone. A “boosted” player gets to a higher rank by using help from friends or by paying for someone to help, instead of earning it by playing well themselves.
Ways players get boosted
Friend Help: A common way players get boosted is by a friend who has a better rank. This friend plays with the lower-ranked player, helping them win games and get up the ranks quicker than they could alone. This can mean the lower-ranked player gets to a higher rank without really getting better at the game.
Paid Help: Some players choose to pay for help where skilled players will boost their account. These services say they can make your rank go up fast for money. A skilled player will take over the account, win games, and then give the account back once they hit a set rank. This is often seen as bad by many players in the community and by Riot Games itself.
Cheating: Some players cheat by using software like aimbots or wallhacks to get a better rank. Cheating is not always called “boosting” but can lead to players getting ranks that don’t match their skill.
The bad effects of being boosted
Getting boosted can look like an easy way to go up in rank, but it has serious downsides for the players and the Valorant community as a whole.
Boosted players can throw off the game’s balance. Valorant is a game based on skill where ranks show how well a player can play. Someone boosted beyond their skill will likely not be able to keep up with their rank, leading to hard and unfair matches for both them and their team.
Players who are boosted often feel stuck in a rank where they can’t play well. This can cause anger and make the game no fun. Since their skills don’t fit their rank, they will face players who are truly better, which means they lose often and have a bad time overall.
The biggest problem with boosting is what it does to other players. When a boosted player is in a higher rank, they might not do well, making their team lose more. This can create a bad time for teammates, especially in ranked games where players put in a lot of time to earn their ranks in a fair way.
How riot games deals with boosting
Riot Games does not take boosting lightly. They have put in place rules to find and punish players involved in boosting. The game lets players report those they think are boosting. Also, Riot has strong tools to find cheaters and bad behavior to deal with accounts that are involved in boosting.
Punishments can include a timeout from the game, short bans, or even permanent bans, especially for those using paid services or cheating. Riot wants fair play and gives rewards to players who earn their ranks the right way.
How to not get boosted
If you want to get better at Valorant, the best way is to work on your skills. Here are some tips:
Improve Your Skills: Play often and work on key skills like aiming, tactics, talking with your team, and knowing the maps. Watch guides or streams from top players to learn.
Find a Team: Teaming up with players who want to win can help a lot. Working with others can lead to more wins than playing solo.
Be Consistent: Being steady in your play is key to improving in Valorant. Winning more often and not getting too upset will help you move up in rank over time.
To sum it up, being “boosted” in Valorant means getting a higher rank by using help from others or cheating. Although it may look good for those wanting a quick rise in rank, boosting causes unfair edges, less fun, and a bad time for others. It is important to focus on your own growth and fair play to make it up the ranks and earn your spot in the Valorant community.
