LoL Ranks & LoL Ranked System Explained: A Guide to Climbing the Ladder

League of Legends (LoL), the popular multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Riot Games, features a competitive ranked ladder system designed to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for players. The ranking system in LoL categorizes players based on their skills and abilities, distinguishing beginners from veterans. This system ensures that players compete against others of a similar skill level, allowing them to steadily improve their gameplay and strategies while progressing through the ranks.

The LoL ranking system is divided into several tiers and divisions, starting from Iron and culminating in the prestigious Challenger rank. Each tier below Master is further segmented into four divisions, with Division IV being the lowest and Division I being the highest within that tier. Players begin their ranked journey with a series of placement matches, which determine their initial position in the ranking hierarchy.

As players win matches, they earn League Points (LP), which help them climb the ranks. Conversely, losing matches results in a loss of LP, potentially leading to a demotion if a player's LP drops too low in their current division. Promotional series are a critical component of the system, as they are required to advance to higher divisions or tiers. Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger tiers operate differently, with a more dynamic LP gain and loss system due to their smaller competitive population and higher stakes.

Overview of LoL Ranks

League of Legends employs a ranking system designed to categorize players by skill level. The system is structured around rank tiers and divisions to provide a clear progression path.

Rank Tiers

The rank tiers in League of Legends, from lowest to highest, are as follows:

• Iron
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Emerald
• Diamond
• Master
• Grandmaster
• Challenger

Each tier up to Master is further divided into four divisions, with Division IV being the lowest and Division I being the highest within each respective tier.

Division System

Divisions serve as subcategories within each rank tier (Iron through Diamond):

1. Division IV
2. Division III
3. Division II
4. Division I

Players must accumulate League Points (LP) by winning matches to climb through the divisions. Upon reaching 100 LP in Division I of any tier, players enter a promotional series to advance to the next tier. Conversely, losing games can result in a loss of LP and potentially lead to demotion.

Understanding the Ranked System

The ranked system in League of Legends assigns players a rank based on skill level, which is influenced by various components including MMR, placements, and their progression through promotion and demotion.

Matchmaking Rating (MMR)

Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is a hidden numerical score that determines a player's skill level. Each player's MMR increases with wins and decreases with losses. Higher MMR typically matches players against equally skilled opponents.

Promotion and Demotion

Players experience promotion when they win enough games to advance to the next tier or division within the rank. Conversely, a series of losses can lead to demotion. Promotions to a new tier are preceded by a promotion series, which players must win to advance.

Placement Matches

Placement matches are the first 10 games that a player plays in the ranked mode. The outcome of these matches is crucial as it sets the initial MMR and assigns a starting rank to the player.

Ranked Decay

Ranked Decay refers to the gradual loss of rank or League Points (LP) if a player does not engage in ranked games over a period. This system encourages ongoing participation to maintain a rank, particularly in higher tiers.

Advancement Through Ranks

In League of Legends, ranking up requires accumulating Victory Points and successfully navigating through Promotion Series to achieve Tier Promotion.

Victory Points

Players earn Victory Points (VP) by winning ranked matches. The number of VP gained per victory varies based on the match's difficulty and the player’s current rank. Conversely, losing a match results in VP loss. Players can track their VP on their profile page, next to their current rank.

Match OutcomeVP ChangeWin+VP (variable)Loss-VP (variable)

Promotion Series

Upon reaching 100 VP, players enter a Promotion Series, a critical set of matches determining if they advance to the next division or tier. For division promotions, a player must win 2 out of 3 games, while tier promotions require 3 out of 5 victories.

• Division Promotion: Win 2 of 3
• Tier Promotion: Win 3 of 5

Tier Promotion

Tier Promotion is a significant milestone where a player moves from one tier to a higher one, such as from Gold to Platinum. This leap in status reflects a player’s improvement in skill and strategy. Tier promotions are challenging, with strict requirements in the Promotion Series and additional reward incentives.

• Bronze -> Silver -> Gold -> Platinum -> Emerald -> Diamond -> Master -> GrandMaster -> Challenger

Seasonal Play and Rewards

League of Legends ranked play operates on a seasonal system, resetting annually while offering various rewards to participants based on their performance.

Seasonal Resets

Every year, League of Legends initiates a seasonal reset to recalibrate player rankings. This period typically aligns with a substantial game update or patch. During the reset, players must complete a set of placement matches that redetermine their initial rank for the new season. Their performance in these matches, combined with their previous season's ranking, influences their starting position.

End-of-Season Rewards

At the season's end, players who participate in ranked matches are eligible for end-of-season rewards. These rewards frequently include:

• Exclusive Skins: Usually for champions with a thematic connection to the season.
• Profile Customizations: Such as borders, icons, and loading screen flairs.

Rewards scale with rank:

• Bronze to Gold: Summoner icons and loading screen borders.
• Platinum and Above: Includes the previous rewards plus a Victorious skin.

Players must adhere to the game's code of conduct throughout the season to maintain eligibility for these rewards.

Challenges and Tips for Ranking Up

Ranking up in League of Legends (LoL) requires players to overcome certain challenges and adopt effective strategies. This section provides practical tips to help players improve their skills and advance through the ranks.

Improving Gameplay

Players must focus on honing their mechanics and game knowledge. Consistent practice is key to mastering champions and learning their potential. Players should:

• Practice last-hitting minions to maximize gold income.
• Learn and track cooldowns of key abilities and summoner spells.
• Study the meta to understand which champions are strong and why.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective teamwork is essential for success in ranked games. Players need to communicate clearly and work with their team to win matches. To improve collaboration, players should:

• Use pings and short, clear messages to convey information.
• Discuss strategy and objectives in the pre-game lobby and during the match.
• Offer constructive feedback and avoid negative comments that can demoralize teammates.

Strategy and Adaptation

Adapting to the dynamic nature of LoL ensures strategic gameplay. Players should be flexible in their approach and able to adjust their strategy based on the state of the game. Strategies to consider include:

• Adjusting item builds to counter specific champions or team compositions.
• Keeping an eye on the map to make informed decisions about objectives and rotations.
• Adapting to the evolving meta by practicing different playstyles and champion pools.

Understanding Ranked Queues

League of Legends offers two main types of ranked queues that cater to different play styles and objectives: Solo/Duo Queue and Flex Queue.

Solo/Duo Queue

Solo/Duo Queue is designed for individual players or pairs who want to compete in a ranked ladder. In this mode, players can either queue up alone or with one partner. The matchmaking system places them against opponents with similar skill levels, gauged by their Matchmaking Rating (MMR).

• Queue composition: Single players or pairs
• Matchmaking: Based on individual MMR
• Ranked tiers: Iron to Challenger
• Party restrictions: Maximum of two players

Flex Queue

Flex Queue, on the other hand, allows for greater flexibility in team composition. Players can queue as solo, or form teams of three or five members. This queue is a good fit for those who want to play in a more team-oriented environment with friends or teammates.

• Queue composition: Teams of three, five, or solo players
• Matchmaking: Based on team-based MMR
• Ranked tiers: Iron to Challenger
• Party restrictions: Solo players, threesomes, or full teams of five

Role of Champions and Meta in Rankings

In League of Legends, a player’s rank can be significantly influenced by their choice of champion and understanding of the current meta. The meta dictates the effectiveness of champions and strategies, impacting gameplay at all ranking levels.

Champion Selection

When selecting a champion, a player must consider their individual proficiency and how well the champion fits within the current meta. Champions can be categorized by their roles such as Assassin, Tank, Mage, Marksman, Support, and Fighter.

• Assassin: High mobility and burst damage, ideal for eliminating key targets.
• Tank: Durable and crowd control-oriented, meant to absorb damage and disrupt enemies.
• Mage: Ranged casters who deal magic damage, often with area-of-effect abilities.
• Marksman: Ranged attackers who scale with items to deal significant physical damage.
• Support: Provide utility through healing, protection, or crowd control to aid teammates.
• Fighter: Versatile mix of damage and survivability, capable of frontline combat.

Players must also weigh the champion’s current win rate, which can be an indicator of its effectiveness in the game’s prevailing conditions.

Understanding the Meta

The meta, short for "metagame," refers to the current trends and strategies that are considered optimal in the competitive scene. It is influenced by various factors, including:

1. Recent Patches: Balance changes can alter a champion’s strengths or weaknesses.
2. Professional Play: Strategies and champion picks can trickle down from professional matches to ranked play.

Players should follow these trends to adapt their strategies accordingly. Adhering to the meta can grant a competitive edge as it reflects the most effective ways to utilize champions and gameplay strategies at a given time.

Dealing With Ranked Anxiety

Ranked anxiety is a common feeling among players of League of Legends (LoL). It arises from the pressure to perform and the fear of losing rank or facing criticism.

Understanding the Triggers: To address ranked anxiety, players should first identify what triggers their stress. Common stressors include fear of failure, negative experiences with teammates, and high self-expectations.

Preparation: Adequate preparation can alleviate anxiety. This includes:

• Practicing champions: Becoming proficient with a select pool of champions can boost confidence.
• Game knowledge: Understanding game mechanics and strategies aids in decision-making.

Mindset Adjustment: Players should focus on their own performance and improvement, rather than external factors they cannot control. They should also set realistic goals for each session.

Stress Management Techniques: Employing relaxation techniques can be beneficial. Players might:

• Take deep breaths to remain calm.
• Take short breaks between matches.
• Engage in physical exercise to reduce tension.

Social Support: Playing with friends or seeking support from the LoL community can create a more positive experience.

Perspective: Keeping in mind that it is a game and the primary goal is to have fun can help players maintain a healthy perspective on ranked play. Remembering that rank is a representation of progress, not a final judgment, can also reduce anxiety.

By systematically addressing the causes of ranked anxiety and employing these strategies, players can improve their ranked experience and performance in LoL.

Common Misconceptions About Rankings

There are several misunderstandings players often have regarding the League of Legends (LoL) ranking system. First, it's a common belief that new accounts are at a disadvantage in ranked placement matches. However, each new account starts with a baseline MMR (Matchmaking Rating), ensuring fair initial placement.

Second, many players think that a losing streak will permanently ruin their MMR. While losing streaks can affect current standings, MMR is designed to be dynamic, and players can recover their rating with consistent performance.

Another misconception is that one must always carry the game to climb ranks. League of Legends ranking prioritizes win-rate over individual performance. Teamwork and strategic play often outweigh individual skill.

Finally, there's the belief that rank equals skill level. Rank reflects a player's progress in a competitive ladder, but it may not accurately represent their skill. Factors such as the number of games played and the roles or champions chosen affect this.

MisconceptionRealityNew accounts are disadvantagedNew accounts start with baseline MMRLosing streaks ruin MMR permanentlyMMR is dynamic; recovery is possibleMust carry to climb ranksTeamwork and strategy are equally importantRank is a direct reflection of skill levelRank is influenced by various factors

Understanding these points can help players approach ranked games with a clearer perspective and more realistic expectations.

Ranking System Updates and Changes

In League of Legends, the ranking system undergoes periodic updates to ensure a balanced and competitive environment. Changes to the ranked system may include modifications to the matchmaking algorithm, adjustments to rank distribution, and the addition or removal of ranked tiers.

Matchmaking Algorithm: Riot Games may alter the matchmaking criteria to enhance the quality of competitive play. This entails refining how players are paired based on their skill levels to foster fairer matches.

• Previous Changes: In the past, updates have aimed to reduce queue times and improve match balance.

Rank Distribution Adjustments: The developers reevaluate the rank distribution to prevent inflation or deflation of player ranks. By fine-tuning the number of players in each tier, they maintain a healthy distribution across all skill levels.

• Updates Example: Adjustment to promotion and demotion thresholds has been a common form of update.

Ranked Tiers Updates: To cater to the evolving player base, Riot Games adds new tiers or adjusts the existing ones, providing players with more accurate skill representation.

• Tiers Addition: The introduction of the Iron and Grandmaster tiers are notable examples of such updates, broadening the ranked spectrum.

Seasonal Shifts: With each competitive season, players can expect changes that may include resetting ranks and implementing provisional games to recalibrate player standings.

It is crucial for players to stay informed about these changes, as they can impact one's ranked journey through the Summoner's Rift.