VRChat Overview
VRChat is an interactive multiplayer virtual environment where users can socialize, chat, and create unique content, including 3D avatars and immersive worlds. While it’s primarily designed for use with virtual reality headsets, you can also enjoy it on a standard Windows PC without one.
One of VRChat’s features is its trust system, which allows users to progress through different ranks. This ranking system serves as a moderation tool, helping to reduce unwanted noise and distractions while working in harmony with the safety protocols designed to protect users.
Understanding VRChat’s Trust Ranks
VRChat utilizes a five-tier trust ranking system:
- Trusted User
- Known User
- User
- New User
- Visitor
New users typically start out as Visitors and gradually advance through the ranks based on their activity and contributions.
Special Ranks
In addition to the standard ranks, there are three special ranks:
-
Nuisance: This rank is assigned to users who have lost privileges due to inappropriate behavior. A user marked as a Nuisance will have their avatar hidden and will be muted by default.
-
Friends: This category includes users you’ve connected with on the platform. Their avatars are visible to you automatically unless you’ve altered your safety settings.
- Administrator: Members of the VRChat Team fall into this rank. Unless you check their profile on the website, this rank is typically not visible.
User Rank Capabilities
The rank you achieve influences the abilities you gain in VRChat. The following outlines the features unlocked at each rank:
User Rank | Abilities |
---|---|
Visitor | – |
New User | – Upload private worlds – Upload avatars |
User | – Upload public worlds to Community Labs – Report worlds, avatars, and users – Access all previous abilities |
Known User | – Hide your rank – Access all previous abilities |
Trusted User | – |
Trust System and Safety Measures
The trust and safety systems are interlinked, working to ensure a secure environment. With the built-in safety features, users can set preferences to control what they see based on others’ ranks. Various Shield Levels allow you to filter audio and avatars according to users’ trust levels.
You can adjust your Safety Shield settings to Maximum, Normal, None, or Custom, determining your interaction based on trust rankings. By default, users will have their safety settings configured to prioritize higher-ranked users.
Checking User Ranks
To spot someone’s User Rank while in a world, look at their nameplate in the upper-left corner of the screen. Selecting a user’s name from the menu will let you view their full profile.
Finding Your Own Trust Rank
To check your Trust Rank, simply bring up your profile through the quick menu. Your rank is displayed beneath your username. Note that Known and Trusted Users can choose to hide their rank, possibly making their status appear lower than it really is.
Color Codes for User Ranks
User ranks are also distinguished by colors:
User Rank | Rank Color |
---|---|
Visitor | White |
New User | Blue |
User | Green |
Known User | Orange |
Trusted User | Purple |
Increasing Your Trust Rank
To begin accumulating Trust Ranks, you must first upgrade your account by linking it to an email address. You can then enhance your Trust Rank through gameplay and community engagement.
Steps to Upgrade Your Account
- Set up your account.
- Open the quick menu using the Escape key.
- Select "Upgrade your account for free."
- Input your email address in the prompt.
- Confirm your account via the email verification link.
Tips for Boosting Your Trust Rank
While no specific formula exists for rapid ascension through the Trust Ranks, there are strategies you can adopt. Spending time socializing and exploring different worlds is beneficial, and having friends on the platform can further help your progress. The exact requirements for rank elevation vary per user; however, increased engagement generally leads to more trust.
Creating and uploading content, such as custom avatars and worlds, also aids in building trust. However, as a Visitor, you won’t have the ability to upload your work. Focus on engaging with existing worlds and connecting with others until you reach a higher Trust Rank.
You can also consider subscribing to VRChat+, which allows users to potentially raise their Trust Rank by one level. This premium subscription, available monthly or annually, adds a trust bonus to your account, but the increase may not be significant enough to promote you beyond a rank level.
Important Cautions for Building Trust
When trying to build your Trust Rank, avoid certain behaviors that could hinder your reputation. While having numerous friends can help, indiscriminately sending out friend requests can seem suspicious. Genuine interactions matter more than quantity.
Additionally, avoid idling in-game or keeping the game running passively. Engaging meaningfully with the environment and avoiding the uploading of low-quality or spammy content are crucial in maintaining and increasing trustworthiness.
Lastly, behaving in ways that violate VRChat’s community guidelines can lead to losing trust or being demoted in rank. Always engage respectfully within the community.