Delta Force ranked mode, explained

In most competitive FPS games, ranked is a separate, cutthroat experience often far from fun. But Delta Force takes a different approach from what we usually expect when we hear “ranked mode.”

Unlike most competitive shooters that split ranked and unranked play, Delta Force blends them. If you’re wondering how it exactly works, our guide is all you need to know about Delta Force’s unique merit-driven ranked mode.

How the ranked mode in Delta Force works

The ranked mode in Delta Force doesn’t have a queue of its own; it shares the lobby with the casual mode. So, while you’re playing a high-stakes match with a strong desire to win, your teammates are probably playing a casual game. With SBMM doing its magic, however, your team (and enemies) will likely be at the same skill level as you, just not always in the same frame of mind. 

To queue for ranked in Delta Force, you need to first check the box in the menu and then queue like you do for any mode. When ranked is enabled, you’ll gain or lose Merit Points based on the performance in your matches.

All Delta Force ranks in order

The ladder consists of seven ranks with multiple tiers, and you need to gain a set amount of Merit Points to pass each.

Marshal is the highest rank in Delta Force, and it definitely isn’t easy to reach, considering the requirement of at least 5,000 Merit Points. Then again, some tips to rank up fast, coupled with determination on your side, can help you get there faster than you’d expect.

How to rank up fast and gain more Merit Points in Delta Force

No matter which Delta Force game mode you’re playing, your individual performance matters the most. You can gain Merit Points upon losing a match and vice versa, so the key is to give your best in every match, no matter the outcome.

In the Warfare mode, the amount of Merit Points you gain or lose after a Delta Force match depends on a parameter called Score-Per-Minute (SPM). To get a high SPM, you must play for the objective and secure eliminations. 

Playing support operators is said to be the easiest way to score high SPM and gain a lot of Merit Points: Just focus on healing and offering as much support to the team as possible. Destroying enemy vehicles can also boost your SPM. There’s also a Merit Bonus for times you showcase exceptional performance.

In the Operations mode, you get Merit Points based on your survival skills, the number of enemies you defeat, and the loot you manage to extract at the end of the match. While the uncertainty can be a lot of fun for some, if you want to rank up fast, you need your experience to be more predictable than this. Go for the Warfare mode where you can steadily gain a lot of Merit points at a time.

You can also activate Merit Cards to gain more points while playing matches for a certain period of time. You can get these cards by participating in events or earning them via the battle pass.