Written By Deepti Ratnam
Published By: Deepti Ratnam | Published: Nov 16, 2025, 03:04 PM (IST)
Winning in Free Fire MAX ranked mode is not as simple as it looks. Players need to strategize, manage resources, and select the right characters to secure victory. Many gamers often make mistakes that lead to their downfall, even when they have good weapons and skills. Choosing the wrong character in ranked mode can significantly impact performance.
Here, we discuss a few characters that players should avoid using in ranked matches.
Maxim is a popular character in Free Fire MAX thanks to her ability to increase speed while applying medkits and health items. While this seems useful, her powers are less impactful in ranked mode. Players who rely on Maxim may find that other characters outperform her when it comes to health management and survival. Therefore, using Maxim in competitive ranked matches may not give you the edge you expect.
Rafael is considered a strong character in general gameplay, but in ranked mode, using him can be a major mistake. His skill removes gun shots for 8 seconds, and the cooldown time is 90 seconds, making it less practical in fast-paced ranked matches. While he can be effective in casual games, Rafael does not provide consistent advantages in ranked gameplay where every second counts.
Wukong comes with the Camouflage skill, allowing players to blend into grass and appear like a bush. While this might sound advantageous, in ranked mode, it’s less effective. The cooldown period for Wukong’s skill is quite long, and the temporary invisibility does not always guarantee survival against experienced opponents. Players may waste valuable time waiting for the skill to recharge, which can be a critical disadvantage in ranked matches.
To succeed in Free Fire MAX ranked mode, character selection is crucial. Avoid using Maxim, Rafael, and Wukong if you aim for consistent wins. Instead, focus on characters with skills that provide immediate combat advantages, lower cooldown times, and better survivability. Making smart character choices can significantly increase your chances of climbing the ranks and achieving victory.