Riot Games is tirelessly fighting against new mechanics that players use to bypass their Smurfer detection system. However, the situation currently seems worse than ever – and is causing frustration in the community.
Smurfing has long plagued the tactical FPS shooter Valorant from Riot Games. Players have been complaining about the problem for years where players create new accounts to play at lower ranks.
These Smurf accounts can often be recognized by missing skins, perfect aim and an uncooperative, toxic play style.
Riot's “Smurf Detection System” promised a remedy, but the community feels little of it.
Low rank lobbies full of Smurfs and Throwers
Many people play Valorant for its competitive challenge. In a ranked match, you fight for victory in 5v5 duels after winning 13 rounds.
As most people know, communication, team play, good callouts and the right combination of agents are crucial for victory. The skills of the individual players should only differ slightly in order to offer fair conditions and a fun game.
Smurfs use skill-based matchmaking to distinguish themselves. They create new accounts to play in lower tiers and show off their skills.
They often single-handedly defeat an entire team of 5 and have a precise aim that many casual players in bronze or silver lobbies lack. Experience and skill are used as an unfair advantage.
Of course, Smurfs don't play for the team. Why should they? Their main account is already highly ranked, so why try any harder?
Smurf accounts only care about their own enjoyment, not team success.
Another day another Smurf in Valorant pic.twitter.com/DLa7tBBx6U
— SoFather (@_SoFather) November 7, 2024
They avoid voice chat, ignore the team and chase kills or spectacular moves instead.
This way, they not only destroy the team game, but also the opponent's fair chances.
A Smurf alone dominates the game and spoils the fun, bad Smurfs only disturb others and are often show-offs who have nothing going for them, as in this example:
Fake Smurf Detected #Valorant #ValorantAce pic.twitter.com/ZeH686KpBh
— Scaleny (@_Scaleny) December 13, 2024
Smurfs often play with weaker friends in order to “boost” them to higher ranks.
Such boosted accounts are also problematic in higher lobbies, but the matchmaking system usually classifies them correctly again quickly if they play solo.
Smurf accounts, on the other hand, can play undisturbed up to a high rank. When the game becomes more difficult, they deliberately lose in order to return to easier lobbies or simply buy new accounts.
Smurf Detection Update | #VALORANT - Smurfs are set within their proper MMR within an average of 4-10 Matches.- Majority of 5 Stacks are players who cant play with each other. - Hoping Premier mode will discourage creating a Smurf account.- New ways to detect Smurfs in Dev pic.twitter.com/xs0SugvBBA
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) December 20, 2022
Although the “Smurf Detection System” has recognized and banned around 20% of Smurf accounts, it cannot stem the constant influx of new accounts and Smurf strategies and therefore does not yet offer a real solution.
How Riot intends to deal with smurfs in the future remains to be seen. Until then, the problem seems difficult to solve.
Did you have to deal with Smurfs in Valorant? Let us know in the comments!
