# BetterTiers

> BetterTiers is an automated, real-time MMR-based competitive ranking and leaderboard platform for Minecraft PvP, replacing subjective manual tier testing with objective combat telemetry.

BetterTiers was conceptualized and developed by Aeon_X to bring mathematical fairness and transparency to competitive Minecraft combat. Rather than relying on small, subjective tester groups prone to bias, favoritism, and weeks of Discord ticket delays, BetterTiers captures match telemetry directly from participating PaperMC servers and calculates dynamic Elo/Glicko ratings across 8 major combat gamemodes and 5 global regions.

## Key Concepts & Architecture

- **Automated MMR & Tier Calculation**: Combat telemetry (damage dealt, hit efficiency, combo consistency, and opponent skill delta) feeds into an algorithmic rating engine. Ratings map to 10 distinct tiers ranging from Low Tier 5 (LT5) to High Tier 1 (HT1).
- **Zero-Password Security Model**: BetterTiers never requests, collects, or stores Microsoft, Minecraft, Google, or Discord passwords. Authentication uses standard OAuth 2.0. Account linking is performed via an in-game or Discord bot `/verify` command that yields a short-lived 6-digit PIN.
- **Server Plugin & Discord Bot**: A custom PaperMC plugin sends telemetry securely to the BetterTiers API, while the Discord bot manages player verification, notifications, and competitive roles.
- **Independent Gamemode Ladders**: Each combat format has its own independent MMR ladder, ensuring specialization is recognized alongside an aggregated overall ranking.

## Navigation & Pages

- [Leaderboards & Home](https://www.bettertiers.com/): Real-time global player leaderboards filterable by gamemode, region, and tier.
- [About BetterTiers](https://www.bettertiers.com/about): Mission statement, background story of Aeon_X, problems with traditional tier testing, and rating tiers overview.
- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](https://www.bettertiers.com/faq): Comprehensive answers regarding account linking, PIN verification, MMR calculation, gamemodes, and troubleshooting.
- [Terms of Service](https://www.bettertiers.com/terms): Usage terms, community conduct, and anti-cheating policies.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.bettertiers.com/privacy): Data minimization practices, zero password handling, and Discord/OAuth data privacy.

## Supported Disciplines (Gamemodes)

- [Overall Leaderboard](https://www.bettertiers.com/): Aggregate ranking combining player MMR across all active disciplines.
- [Vanilla PvP](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=vanilla): Survival loadouts featuring shields, end crystals, and respawn anchors.
- [Sword Duel](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=sword): Modern 1.9+ sword mechanics emphasizing attack recharge timing, sweeps, and spacing.
- [PotPvP (Nodebuff)](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=pot): Diamond armor, speed II, and rapid instant-health potion healing.
- [UHC (Ultra Hardcore)](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=uhc): No natural regeneration, golden heads, fishing rods, and long-range bow combat.
- [Axe PvP](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=axe): Shield disabling, charged critical hits, and crossbow burst damage.
- [Mace PvP](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=mace): Minecraft 1.21+ mace smash attacks, wind charge launches, and vertical combat.
- [NethOP](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=nethop): Overpowered Netherite equipment, totems of undying, and enchanted golden apples.
- [SMP Combat](https://www.bettertiers.com/?gamemode=smp): Real-world survival multiplayer gear setups, totem cycles, and elytra dogfights.

## Tier Hierarchy (MMR Ranges)

- **High Tier 1 (HT1)**: 4300+ MMR — World-class elite competitors.
- **Low Tier 1 (LT1)**: 3600 – 4299 MMR — High-echelon tournament contenders.
- **High Tier 2 (HT2)**: 2900 – 3599 MMR — Advanced competitive veterans.
- **Low Tier 2 (LT2)**: 2200 – 2899 MMR — Skilled competitive players.
- **High Tier 3 (HT3)**: 1600 – 2199 MMR — Upper-intermediate combatants.
- **Low Tier 3 (LT3)**: 1100 – 1599 MMR — Intermediate players with solid mechanics.
- **High Tier 4 (HT4)**: 700 – 1099 MMR — Developing players refining fundamentals.
- **Low Tier 4 (LT4)**: 400 – 699 MMR — Novice competitive players.
- **High Tier 5 (HT5)**: 150 – 399 MMR — Entry-level participants.
- **Low Tier 5 (LT5)**: 0 – 149 MMR — Initial provisional rating tier.

## Competitive Regions

- **NA**: North America
- **EU**: Europe
- **AS**: Asia
- **SA**: South America
- **OC**: Oceania

## Legal Disclaimer

BetterTiers is an independent, community-driven competitive ranking platform. BetterTiers is not an official Minecraft product and is not approved by, endorsed by, or associated with Mojang Studios or Microsoft Corporation. Minecraft is a registered trademark of Mojang Synergies AB / Microsoft.

## Optional & Additional Context

- [Full LLM Context](/llms-full.txt): Complete uncompressed textual dossier including exhaustive guides, all FAQs, and system details.
- [Discord Community](https://discord.gg/Efbn83bFM4): Official Discord server for account linking, match notifications, and community discussion.
- [Live Service Status](https://stats.uptimerobot.com/HOHBrMUuYa): Real-time uptime monitoring for website, API, and Discord bot.
- [XML Sitemap](https://www.bettertiers.com/sitemap.xml): Machine-readable index of public site URLs.