Rating Game System History

Lore & Background

Over time, the Rating Game has become a proving ground for young Devils to demonstrate their worthiness for promotion or inheritance of family names. It serves not only as a legal alternative to violence but also as a social spectacle within the Underworld, where noble houses bet on outcomes and spectators watch from safe distances. The system is so ingrained that refusing a challenge can sometimes be seen as an act of cowardice, while winning can elevate a Devil's status significantly. However, while stakes can be high—such as territory or power—not every match is a life-or-death struggle; many are fought for rank, promotion, or prestige without lethal consequences. Notably, ExE beings are a separate threat from another dimension and do not participate in the Rating Game.

In Their Own Story

The air crackled with static electricity as Rias Gremory stood atop the floating arena, her crimson hair whipping in the wind generated by the clash of powers below. Across the field, Sona Sitri adjusted her glasses, her expression calm despite the chaos erupting around her team. 'Let us begin,' Sona announced, her voice cutting through the roar of Issei's Boosted Gear and Kiba's holy sword. The ground trembled as a Rook-class Devil launched a barrage of dark energy, only to be intercepted by a Bishop's barrier spell. In this moment, there was no war, only the dance of strategy and strength that defined their world.

Reader's Guide

The Rating Game is the cornerstone of supernatural diplomacy in the Highschool DxD universe, replacing direct combat with regulated competition. It functions similarly to chess but involves actual magical battles where teams of Devils, Angels, or Fallen Angels face off. Matches are typically organized by a neutral party and adhere to strict rules regarding piece usage and battlefield boundaries. The objective is usually to capture the opposing King, though variations exist depending on the specific agreement between the factions involved. Participation in these games is crucial for character development, as it forces protagonists like Issei Hyoudou to grow stronger while learning teamwork. It also drives much of the plot by creating conflicts that must be resolved through skill rather than brute force alone.

Did You Know?

• The Rating Game system allows Devils to legally challenge each other without risking a full-scale war between factions, and later expanded to include other mythologies in the DxD tournament.
• Teams are structured around a 'King' piece, with supporting roles like Knights and Bishops mirroring chess positions but with unique magical abilities.
• Winning a high-profile Rating Game can significantly boost a Devil's reputation and social standing within the Underworld hierarchy, and later across multiple factions.