A Rank is a type of level grouping system in Brink. In order to prevent level 20 players with top-notch abilities from playing against level 1 players who are new or have started a new character, Splash Damage has instated the system of Ranks. Only players in a certain Rank can participate with or against each other, and if there are not enough players with that Rank searching for matches, the remaining slots are filled with bots. After a character has surpassed a certain level, their Rank is upgraded and they will play against a higher ranked group.
It is possible for a higher-ranked player to join the game of a lower-ranked player (i.e. they're both friends), but in this scenario the higher-rank player will lose access to his or her higher-ranked abilities.
The ranks are as follows:
- Rank 1: Levels 1-4.
- Rank 2: Levels 5-9. At this point, characters will be able to access class-specific abilities.
- Rank 3: Levels 10-14.
- Rank 4: Levels 15-19.
- Rank 5: Level 20 characters only.
Or if one has the DLC: Agents of Change, the level cap raises to 24 along with new Abilities, Attachtments, Maps and Archetypes. Ranks also prevent access to the more advanced abilities, such as the Medic's Lazarus Grenade or Self Resurrection ability. Instead of being available at individual levels, abilities will only be unlocked after reaching a certain rank, for instance, the Self Resurrection ability is only accessible after reaching Rank 4, as defined above.