Edited By
Darius Kingston

A recent change to ranked mode introduced a dedicated loot pool, igniting mixed reactions from the gaming community. While some are optimistic this update will improve competitive play, others express skepticism about its long-term impact on player engagement.
The decision to implement a distinct loot pool for ranked play has reignited discussions among players. Many feel that this change is overdue and seems like an obvious step for enhancing competitive gameplay. One user remarked, "Idk why it took them this long to make this change. Seems like a no-brainer for competitive play."
However, not everyone is convinced. Some users predict the change might be short-lived, voicing concerns about possible future reversals. โNext season, they will randomly revert this for no good reason,โ claimed a concerned member of the community.
Players pointed out that tournaments typically feature more controlled loot pools, leaving out overpowered items. Users noted:
"Tournaments have more barebones loot pools for example, the Swarmstrike and Bug Blaster arenโt in tournaments this season."
A user commented, "It actually felt skillful without cars, Nitro Fists, etc."
Interestingly, the conversation also reflected a desire for a more skill-based ranking system. Some believe the current setup is aimed more at casual players, minimizing the challenge of ranked play.
Despite the criticisms, there's a sliver of hope that this change might boost the number of ranked players. One user stated, โHoping this helps with ranked player counts.โ Yet others remain skeptical, hinting this new system may not be sufficient to truly revitalize the player base, with some suggesting "ranked is in such shambles right now."
"It should just be a standard lootpool with some smaller but needed things in there to mix it up."
๐ Many agree a separate loot pool for ranked is essential
โณ Concerns rise over temporary fixes
๐ฌ "Epic Games listening to the community?! Are they feeling ok?" indicates a shift in player expectations
As users continue to share their thoughts, the future of ranked mode remains uncertain. Will this change succeed in bringing back lapsed players, or will it falter like previous attempts? Only time will tell.
With the introduction of a separate loot pool, there's a strong chance we could see a gradual increase in the number of players opting for ranked matches. Many players who had previously distanced themselves may return, intrigued by the promise of fresh competitive experiences. Experts estimate around a 20% increase in ranked participation, especially among those who crave the skill-based gameplay reminiscent of tournaments. However, doubts linger, with concerns about whether this change is robust enough to create lasting motivation. If the new system flounders, it could worsen player sentiment, echoing the struggles seen in other game communities.
Looking back at the early 2000s, the introduction of esports titles like "STARCRAFT" faced a similar dilemma. Initially, these games struggled with balancing competitive integrity and player engagement. Just as players rallied behind the call for refined competition rules, todayโs talk about ranked loot pools showcases a community eager to enhance its experience. In a way, the ongoing debate in esports mirrors that transformative period in gaming history where players demanded more control and creativity, shaping competitive landscapes for years to come.