Our first ranked season of 2018 is about to begin, and we’ve got a new set of rewards that you can earn by playing ranked games in the coming months. Read on for details!

Season Roll Dates

2018 Season 1 will begin as soon as our next patch is available for download in each region throughout next week. Check the start and end dates below and make sure you’re able to dive into the rankings as soon as the season rolls.

Event Date 2018 Season 1 Start Week of December 12, 2017* 2018 Season 1 End Week of March 6, 2018*

*Exact date may vary slightly by region.

Ranked Play Updates

Along with the start of 2018 Ranked Season 1, we’re introducing performance-based matchmaking to all matchmaking modes in Heroes of the Storm.

Performance-based matchmaking will help our system better evaluate individual players' in-game performance during a match, and adjust how much their rank and matchmaking ratings (MMR) increase or decrease at the end of that game. If players perform beyond expectations for their current MMR, the system will award more when they win, and subtract less when they lose. As a result, players will reach ratings that accurately match their skill level more quickly than they did in our previous system.

There's more to the matchmaking improvements we're introducing, such as how the system differentiates highly-skilled play from one hero to the next. Be sure to read our in-depth blog on performance-based matchmaking to catch all the details before you jump into ranked play—or any matchmaking mode—next season.

2018 Season 1 Rewards

Players who brawl their way through the leagues during the upcoming season can claim new portraits, mounts, and gold rewards for their achievements in Hero and Team League. Take a look at everything that’s up for grabs this season.

Hero League Portraits

Team League Portraits

Mount Rewards

Hero League Rank Rewards Bronze 500 Gold Bronze Hero League Portrait Silver 750 Gold Silver Hero League Portrait Gold 1000 Gold Gold Hero League Portrait Platinum 1250 Gold Season 1 Mount Platinum Hero League Portrait Diamond 1500 Gold Season 1 Mount Diamond Hero League Portrait Master 1750 Gold Season 1 Mount Epic Season 1 Mount Master Hero League Portrait Grand Master 2000 Gold Season 1 Mount Epic Season 1 Mount Grand Master Hero League Portrait

Team League Rank Rewards Bronze 500 Gold Season 1 Mount Bronze Team League Portrait Silver 750 Gold Season 1 Mount Silver Team League Portrait Gold 1000 Gold Season 1 Mount Gold Team League Portrait Platinum 1250 Gold Season 1 Mount Platinum Team League Portrait Diamond 1500 Gold Season 1 Mount Diamond Team League Portrait Master 1750 Gold Season 1 Mount Epic Season 1 Mount Master Team League Portrait Grand Master 2000 Gold Season 1 Mount Epic Season 1 Mount Grand Master Team League Portrait

In addition to everything we’ve mentioned so far, there will be 10 placement matches waiting for you on the other side of the ranked season roll. Once you complete them in Hero or Team League, you’ll receive an initial ranking that is based on your performance during placements and your rank from the previous season.

If you’re ready to begin your Ranked Play journey in Heroes of the Storm but are unsure how, head over to our Ranked Play Guide to get started on the right foot.

Good luck, and have fun during the first ranked season of 2018!