League of Legends (LoL) is a globally acclaimed multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that provides players with various ways to test their skills, with ranked play being the pinnacle of competitive gaming. The ranked system allows players to gauge their proficiency, climb the ladder, and, ultimately, compete with others of similar skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of how the LoL ranking system works, its intricacies, and how players can rise through the ranks.
The Basics of LoL Rankings
In League of Legends, ranks are a hierarchical structure used to classify players based on their performance in ranked matches. While casual modes like ARAM or normal games allow for fun and experimentation, ranked games provide a structured, high-stakes environment. Players are assigned a rank based on their match results, with victories granting League Points (LP) to climb divisions and losses deducting LP, potentially leading to demotions.
The rank tiers range from Iron, the lowest, to Challenger, the peak of competitive play. Each tier, from Iron to Diamond, is further divided into four divisions (e.g., Iron I-IV). Beyond Diamond, ranks such as Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger do not have subdivisions, representing the game’s elite echelon.
How Ranking Progression Works
Progression in ranked play hinges on LP accumulation. Winning a match rewards LP, while losing a match deducts it. Players advance to the next division upon reaching 100 LP, and moving up to a new tier, such as from Gold to Platinum, often requires a series of promotional matches. Conversely, falling below 0 LP can result in demotion to a lower division.
Players are initially placed in a rank after completing five placement matches. These games help the system determine a player’s skill level. Newcomers often find themselves starting in lower tiers, as Riot Games adopts a conservative approach to placements to ensure fairness.
Rank Distribution and Player Base
LoL’s ranked player base has historically been concentrated in lower tiers. However, the introduction of the Emerald rank has shifted the distribution slightly, providing a more balanced middle ground. According to data from Esports Tales, the current rank distribution is as follows:
- Iron: 8.1%
- Bronze: 18%
- Silver: 17%
- Gold: 19%
- Platinum: 18%
- Emerald: 13%
- Diamond: 4%
- Master: 0.64%
- Grandmaster: 0.051%
- Challenger: 0.021%
This data highlights the rarity of higher ranks, with only a small fraction of players reaching Master and beyond.
MMR and Its Influence
Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is an invisible metric that determines a player’s actual skill level and influences LP gains and losses. Players with a high MMR relative to their rank may gain more LP per win, signaling that the system believes they belong in a higher tier. Conversely, lower MMR can result in minimal LP gains and steep losses, indicating underperformance.
MMR is independent of visible rank, and its calculations remain undisclosed by Riot Games. Understanding MMR dynamics can help players gauge their performance trajectory.
Rank Decay and Activity Requirements
At higher tiers—Diamond and above—rank decay is a feature designed to keep competitive play active. Inactivity in these ranks results in LP loss over time, with the decay rate increasing as players ascend. For instance, Diamond players lose 50 LP daily after 28 days of inactivity, while Challenger players lose 75 LP after just 14 days.
Unlocking Ranked Play
To enter ranked games, players must achieve level 30 and own at least 20 champions, ensuring familiarity with the game’s mechanics and roster. These prerequisites prepare new players for the more challenging ranked environment.
Climbing the Ladder
For those aspiring to climb the ranks, using meta champions and mastering specific roles can be advantageous. However, comfort and consistency with personal picks often yield the best results. Ranked play requires patience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Conclusion
The League of Legends ranking system is a multifaceted mechanism designed to reward skill, persistence, and strategy. Whether a player is striving to escape Bronze or aiming for the lofty heights of Challenger, the system provides a structured path to self-improvement and competition. With a clear understanding of the ranking dynamics, players can better navigate their journey and embrace the challenges of competitive play.
