A Novice's Guide to Ranked

Recently I started playing in Smite's Bronze League because like most players, I'm the best around.

 Curse you sudden but inevitable betrayal game stats.

In all seriousness, there's a lot to be done to improve my league play; but for many player reaching level 30 marks a milestone, yet also raises the question of what's next? As someone who wants to progress up the ranks there a number of issues that I should work out before I can play in games with pros like Drew 'Lassiz' Boyd or Shing. Before I started ranked play I regularly watched streams in an effort to understand what factors would be considered important in high level play.

1. Know Your Roles
Getting into ranked matches you not only need to be comfortable with every role but know how to play them effectively. It's fine to have a preferred role but make it known in lobby and try to respect your teammate's calls. The role I see least desired is support, but it is probably the most important role in ranked. You are reliant on your support to secure objectives, set-up kills and peel during a retreat. A well-played support is more indispensable than any damage dealer. As part of knowing your role you also need to have gods suited for each role. With the mastery system you need a minimum of 12 gods at rank 1; I suggest getting at least 4 for each of the 5 roles and makes sure some of the top/common picks are part of your roster.

2. Communication
Communication starts in the pre-game lobby. Discuss your picks and bans with your team; try to get priority picks like Sobek, Mercury, or Tyr, as early in the draft as possible. If you have most gods mastered, let your team know so you can facilitate trades if need be. One of the important things to remember is to not start the 'bm' before the game starts; the game is rarely lost in the first few minutes, but it is never lost before minions even spawn. One of the things I’ve noticed watching the weekends tournaments is how much the teams communicate; there is rarely silence. Always call missing in lane, let your team know your ult is ready, and ping those objectives.

 

 Don't worry, Chaac will shut them up.

3. Ward
The importance of wards seems to be lost on some players but this can't be true in ranked games. With the recent increasing in gold spooling to give 3gps instead of 2gps you earn enough gold for a ward every 25 seconds. Both standard and sentry wards last for 3 minutes or until destroyed. Every 25 seconds you can almost guarantee your safety for the the next 3 minutes and prevent the enemy from stealing buffs or securing objectives. With the addition of Shielded Teleport, wards also help set up incredible gank opportunities.

4. Listen
Every ability is telegraphed by a unique sound effect. Learning these sounds can be life-saving and greatly improve your juking skills. In addition, knowing the sounds means knowing what to expect when walking into an engagement; recognizing that Agni's 'Path of Flames' is on cooldown can determine the outcome of a gank.

5. Objectives Play
After a wipe starting looking to secure a Gold Fury or Fire Giant. If the enemy is grouping well, try to split push towers. If they are defending well, go into their jungle and strip as much experience as possible. A gold deficit is easily overcome by getting a tower or two, worth either 200 or 300 gold depending on the tier. With the recent gold changes playing for kills is less effective than maintaining good farm. If you are behind, play defensively and secure those last hits. No reason to fall further behind by playing too aggressive. Always play for the lategame; it's safer and easier to pull out a win after 30 minutes than it is in the first 20.

As a side note I'd like to address the rising concern over 'bm' and how we as a community should be maturing instead of declining. As an avid viewer of Smite streamers, some of the best and most respected members are very vocal on the importance of etiquette during games. I've seen Lassiz go 0-4 and believe me he is harder on himself than anyone else. If one of the best players can admit to having a bad game, then we should be more forgiving of other players. One of the things I admire about watching Lassiz or Anatoliy 'Anatoliy' Alekseyenok stream is the sportsmanship shown between teams. Whether they are playing with or against their friends they are always playing their best and maintaining a degree of professionalism.

As I said, I'm certainty not the best player and I've had a few games where I've clearly been the weakest on my team. However, ending my first league season even (9/10, close enough) I feel confident that if I improved on a few issues I can progress up the ranks. There are many better players out there, but if you're looking to get into ranked matches, this the best advice I have for you. 

See you in-game. 

If you want to see high level ranked play check out out all of Team Dignitas on Twitch:
http://www.twitch.tv/lassiz   Jungle               
http://www.twitch.tv/thebest_on_smite   Mid Lane        
http://www.twitch.tv/shadowqwe   Duo Support    
http://www.twitch.tv/zap55   Duo ADC   
http://www.twitch.tv/iGAnatoLiy   Solo Lane