Ranked isn't serious and ELO doesn't matter! They're just tools to get you matched with even opponents. Calm down.

There seems a very common conception that playing ranked matches is "the real deal" and it's dead serious, super competitive and it makes people seemingly kinda "scared" of that mode. I think it's a mistake and it bothers me.

Ranked is a tool to quickly match you with opponents that are on your level. It's actually just nice. Especially when you're scared of being not competitive, you should play ranked because it will ensure that you can compete. Playing Quick Play or in Lobbies actually gives you a higher chance to play against people above your level. Ranked is the nice and safe option for you.

Also, I still see people being bothered about their ELO. Which I find honestly just stupid.

Losing ELO does not matter in the long-term. It will just make you getting easier opponents. You will always end up on your correct ELO in the long run. Your current ELO is just a fluctuation around some realistic value that fits your skill. You can never be consistently above or below your real ELO. When you peak in your ELO, you get some better opponents and lose. When you drop in your ELO, you get some worse opponents and win.

Just think about your actual skill level, not about this fluctuating number. It's just a tool to keep matches even and fair.

Dunno who needs to hear this, I am aware that most people know this, but in many, many discussions and post here I see that people overstate the importance of temporary ELO and the seriousness of Ranked Play, and I think both is actually very destructive for your game experience. Just dive into it, enjoy yourself, get better step by step, appreciate the never-ending learning curve of Age of Empires 2 and have a nice and fair competition with other players on your level.

gl hf