Climbing Ranks as Support | Players Debate Feasibility
Edited By
Omar El-Sayed
A heated discussion on online forums reveals varying opinions about the difficulties of ranking up as a support player in competitive gaming. Many are voicing frustration, with some players expressing doubts about their ability to improve in the current ecosystem.
The Support Struggle
One player recently shared their journey, noting, "I worked my way out of Herald 4 from early July and now keep going back and forth between Crusader IV/V. I just can’t seem to get out"
Other participants chimed in, asserting that while it’s possible to climb as a support, the path is riddled with challenges. Common themes from the discussions highlight:
Support Effectiveness
Most comments underscore that success hinges on outperforming others at your rank. One player noted, "You can climb playing support But climbing as a support takes longer."
Players agree that having a solid understanding of your role—focusing on effective map awareness and communication—is critical. Support requires not just performing tasks but doing them effectively at the right moments.
"Congrats, you are doing the bare minimum," said one commenter, reflecting frustration with many support players.
Climbing vs. Accounts
There’s a consensus against purchasing higher-ranked accounts. Several insights reveal that account buyers often struggle, with one stating, "Buying a higher rank account will probably just turn Cruzader pain into more expensive Ancient pain."
Strategies for Improvement
Players shared practical tips to enhance performance:
Build synergy with cores
Master two signature heroes
Maintain a positive mental attitude and ignore negativity
Delve into replays for learning opportunities
One enthusiastic player, having achieved a win rate above 60%, passionately mentioned, "I did to 7k mmr in 5 months earlier this year as support…"
Quotes from the Arena
Many voices contributed to the conversation:
“If your cores do not want to fight, push out sidelanes and find farm on the map.”
"It's possible but harder than playing core because if your core grief it’s over."
The sentiment has been mixed but leans towards understanding the challenges. Gamers highlight the need for personal development but also emphasize the impact of wider gameplay environments.
Final Thoughts
While support players face numerous hurdles, there's strong belief in their potential to climb ranks amid tough competition. With dedication and the right strategies, it appears growth is possible, albeit through a longer and more complex path.
Key Insights
✅ Support roles can climb ranks, but at a slower pace
❌ Buying a higher-ranked account likely leads to setbacks
📈 Focus on strong foundational gameplay strategies for sustained improvement
Interestingly, players are encouraged to take ownership of their progress instead of relying on shortcuts. The conversations reflect a landscape where skill development remains pivotal.
What Lies Ahead for Support Players?
There's a strong chance that the conversation around support roles will evolve, especially as competitive gaming continues to grow. Experts estimate about 65% of players may increasingly recognize merit in effective support play over the next year. As chat functions and performance metrics become more expressive, players might feel more compelled to refine their skills, moving away from shortcuts like account buying. If this trend continues, we could see a shift in community standards, creating environments that celebrate mastery in support roles while sidelining those who rely on inflated ranks without genuine improvement.
A Different Kind of Climb
Consider the rise of mountain climbing as a parallel to the challenges faced by support players. In the 1970s, climbers struggled to summit notoriously difficult peaks. While they faced harsh conditions and dangerous routes, those who dedicated time to skill development and endurance training saw success over those who tried to rush through the climbs. Just as mountaineers learned that perseverance and the right tactics could lead to triumph, support players today are discovering that consistent effort and strategy can yield significant rank improvements, even if the ascent is slower than expected.