Hey everyone, I am Mick op den Akker, better known as Stookbeer, a professional gamer with a passion for League of Legends. I have been playing the game for many years and have climbed my way up to the highest ranks. In this article, I will be providing a comprehensive guide on how League of Legends ranking works, and I hope that this guide will be helpful to players of all levels.

Ranking is an important aspect of League of Legends, as it determines your skill level and can provide a sense of accomplishment as you climb higher in the ranks. However, it can also be frustrating for players who struggle to improve their ranking or feel stuck in a certain rank. That’s why I wanted to provide this guide, to help players better understand how the ranking system works, and provide tips and advice on how to climb the ranks and maintain a high ranking.

In this article, we will cover the different ranks in League of Legends, how LP and MMR affect your ranking, the importance of placement matches, tips for climbing the ranks and improving gameplay, how promotion series work, how decay can affect your ranking, and much more. Additionally, I will share some of my personal experiences and advice for aspiring pro gamers. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Ranking System

In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of the ranking system, which is crucial for players to understand if they want to climb the ladder and improve their gameplay. We will begin by exploring the different ranks in League of Legends, ranging from Iron to Challenger. I will also explain the concepts of LP (League Points) and MMR (Matchmaking Rating) and how they influence your rank. Additionally, I will highlight the importance of placement matches and how they work in determining your initial rank at the start of each season. So let’s dive in and gain a better understanding of the ranking system in League of Legends.

Explanation of the different ranks in League of Legends

In League of Legends, there are ten different ranks that players can achieve. These ranks are Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. Each rank is divided into four divisions, except for Challenger, which only has one.

The ranking system is based on a player’s Matchmaking Rating (MMR) and their League Points (LP). MMR is a hidden value that is used to match players with opponents of similar skill levels. LP, on the other hand, is a visible value that determines a player’s rank and division.

To move up in the ranks, players must earn LP by winning games. The amount of LP earned for a win depends on the player’s MMR and the MMR of their opponents. If a player earns enough LP, they will be promoted to the next division or rank.

Placement matches are important for determining a player’s starting rank at the beginning of a new season. During these matches, a player’s MMR is used to determine their starting rank. Winning or losing placement matches can greatly affect a player’s starting rank.

Each rank has a specific emblem and color associated with it, with higher ranks having more prestigious emblems and colors. As players climb the ranks, they will face tougher opponents and need to improve their gameplay to continue advancing.

LP (League Points) and MMR (Matchmaking Rating) and how they affect ranking

As I mentioned earlier, ranking in League of Legends is based on two main factors: LP (League Points) and MMR (Matchmaking Rating). LP determines your rank division (e.g. Gold, Platinum, Diamond, etc.), while MMR is a hidden rating that determines the quality of players you get matched with in games.

LP is earned by winning games and lost by losing games. The amount of LP you gain or lose is based on your MMR compared to the average MMR of your opponents in a game. If your MMR is higher than the average MMR of your opponents, you will gain more LP for a win and lose less LP for a loss. On the other hand, if your MMR is lower than the average MMR of your opponents, you will gain less LP for a win and lose more LP for a loss.

In terms of rank promotions, once you reach 100 LP in your current division, you will enter a promotion series. This series consists of three to five games (depending on your current division) and you must win the majority of these games to be promoted to the next division.

MMR, on the other hand, is determined by a number of factors, including your win-loss ratio, the MMR of your opponents in games, and your performance in games (e.g. your KDA, CS, and objective control). Your MMR will increase or decrease based on the outcomes of your games, and it is used to determine who you get matched with in future games.

Understanding the relationship between LP and MMR is crucial for climbing the ranks in League of Legends. If your MMR is significantly higher than your current rank division, you will gain more LP for a win and lose less LP for a loss, which means you will climb the ranks faster. On the other hand, if your MMR is significantly lower than your current rank division, you will gain less LP for a win and lose more LP for a loss, which means you will have a harder time climbing the ranks.

Overall, LP and MMR are both important factors in determining your rank in League of Legends. By focusing on improving your gameplay and winning more games, you can increase your MMR and climb the ranks faster, earning the recognition and rewards that come with being a higher-ranked player.

The Importance of Placement Matches in League of Legends

Placement matches are a crucial part of the League of Legends ranking system. At the start of each season, players are required to play ten placement matches to determine their initial rank. These matches are crucial because they can greatly impact your rank for the entire season.

During placement matches, your LP (League Points) and MMR (Matchmaking Rating) are not yet established, so every match counts. This means that each win or loss can have a significant impact on your starting rank for the season. It’s essential to take these matches seriously and put forth your best effort.

It’s important to note that your rank from the previous season does have some influence on your placement matches. If you were ranked highly in the previous season, you will generally be placed in a higher starting rank for the current season. The opposite is true if you were ranked lower in the previous season.

Placement matches also determine the amount of LP you gain or lose per match. If you perform well in your placement matches and win most of them, you will likely be placed in a higher rank and earn more LP per match. Conversely, if you perform poorly and lose most of your placement matches, you will likely be placed in a lower rank and earn fewer LP per match.

It’s essential to approach your placement matches with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and improve. If you don’t perform as well as you hoped in your placement matches, don’t get discouraged. You still have the entire season ahead of you to climb the ranks and improve your gameplay.

In conclusion, placement matches are a critical part of the League of Legends ranking system. They determine your starting rank for the season and can greatly impact your LP and MMR. It’s important to approach these matches seriously and do your best to perform well. With the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your desired rank and become a better player in the process.

Climbing the Ranks in League of Legends

Climbing the ranks in League of Legends is no easy feat. It takes dedication, skill, and a lot of patience. In this section, I will provide some tips for improving your gameplay and increasing your chances of winning. I will also explain the promotion series and how it works.

The Importance of Consistency and Playing Regularly

Consistency and regular play are crucial factors in climbing the ranks in League of Legends. As a pro gamer who has spent countless hours playing this game, I cannot stress enough how important it is to play regularly and maintain consistency in your gameplay.

One of the main reasons why regular play is important is that it helps you stay in touch with the game and its mechanics. The more you play, the more you learn about the different champions, their abilities, and how to counter them. You also become more familiar with the map, the jungle routes, and the objectives. This knowledge is essential if you want to improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.

Consistency is equally important. When you play regularly, you develop a routine, and this helps you stay focused and mentally prepared for the game. You develop a rhythm, and this helps you maintain your skill level and avoid losing streaks.

Playing regularly also helps you improve your reflexes and reaction time. This is crucial in a fast-paced game like League of Legends, where split-second decisions can make the difference between winning and losing. By playing regularly, you keep your mind sharp and your reactions quick, and this can help you outplay your opponents.

So, playing regularly and maintaining consistency in your gameplay are essential if you want to climb the ranks in League of Legends. Not only do they help you stay in touch with the game and its mechanics, but they also help you improve your skills, maintain your mental focus, and increase your chances of winning. So, make sure to set aside time for regular play, develop a routine, and strive for consistency in your gameplay.

Tips for Improving Your Gameplay and Increasing Your Chances of Winning

One of the most important aspects of climbing the ranks in League of Legends is improving your gameplay. Even the smallest improvements can make a big difference in the outcome of a game. Here are some tips to help you improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning:

  • Focus on your strengths: Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to playing League of Legends. It’s important to identify your strengths and focus on improving them. If you’re good at playing a particular champion, focus on mastering that champion and playing it in as many games as possible.
  • Learn from your mistakes: Nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. The key is to learn from those mistakes and improve. After a game, take some time to reflect on what went wrong and how you could have played better.
  • Practice regularly: The more you play League of Legends, the better you will become. Try to play as often as you can, and make sure to practice new champions and strategies. Playing against different opponents will help you learn new ways to approach the game.
  • Communicate with your team: Communication is key when it comes to playing League of Legends. Make sure to communicate with your team throughout the game, especially when it comes to objectives and strategy. A well-coordinated team is more likely to win than a team that is disorganized.
  • Watch replays and streams: Watching replays of your own games or watching streams of professional players can be a great way to learn new strategies and techniques. You can also pick up tips on how to play certain champions and how to approach different situations in the game.

By following these tips and consistently working to improve your gameplay, you can increase your chances of winning the easy way.

Explanation of the Promotion Series and How it Works

Promotion series are an important part of climbing the ranks in League of Legends. When you reach 100 LP in a division, you will have the opportunity to enter a promotion series to advance to the next division.

A promotion series consists of a best-of-three or best-of-five match series, depending on the division. If you win the majority of the matches in the series, you will advance to the next division. If you lose the majority of the matches, you will stay in your current division and lose LP.

It’s important to note that promotion series are a bit different from regular ranked matches. In promotion series matches, your LP gains and losses are higher than in regular matches. This means that a win in a promotion series match can net you more LP than a win in a regular match, but a loss can also result in a bigger LP loss.

One key tip for succeeding in promotion series is to play with a champion that you are comfortable with and have a lot of experience playing. In high-pressure situations like promotion series matches, it’s important to play a champion that you are confident with, rather than trying out a new champion that you haven’t played much.

Another tip is to focus on your own gameplay and not get too distracted by your teammates’ performance. It’s easy to get frustrated if your teammates aren’t performing well, but it’s important to stay focused on your own gameplay and do your best to contribute to the team’s success.

Finally, remember that promotion series matches are just like any other match in League of Legends. Stay calm, communicate with your team, and focus on playing your best. With practice and dedication, you’ll be climbing the ranks and winning promotion series matches in no time.

Maintaining a High Rank in League of Legends: Tips and Strategies

After understanding the ranking system and climbing the ranks, it is equally important to maintain a high rank in League of Legends. It is crucial to stay active and play regularly to maintain your rank, and I will share my personal experience and advice on how to do so effectively. With these tips, you can continue to improve your gameplay and reach new heights in League of Legends.

Understanding Decay and Its Impact on Your League of Legends Ranking

As you progress through the ranks in League of Legends, you will notice that maintaining your position can be just as difficult as climbing up the ladder. One of the factors that can greatly impact your ranking is decay.

Decay is a mechanic in League of Legends that affects your LP if you haven’t played enough games in a certain amount of time. The exact amount of time and LP loss varies depending on your rank. The higher your rank, the more frequently you will need to play to avoid decay.

For example, if you are in Platinum or below, you will not decay. However, if you reach Diamond, you will need to play at least one game every seven days to avoid losing LP. If you fail to do so, you will lose 25 LP. If you are in Master or above, you will need to play one game every day to avoid decay.

It’s important to note that decay only affects your LP and not your MMR. So even if you lose LP due to decay, your MMR will remain unaffected. However, if you continue to lose games after decay, your MMR will decrease, making it harder to climb back up.

To avoid decay, it’s important to stay active and play regularly. Set a reminder to play a game every few days or once a day if you are in higher ranks. This will not only prevent LP loss but also help you stay in shape and improve your skills.

To sum it up, decay is an important factor to consider when maintaining your rank in League of Legends. By staying active and playing regularly, you can avoid LP loss and keep your position on the ladder. Don’t let decay hold you back from achieving your ranking goals.

Tips for Maintaining a High Rank and Avoiding Losing Streaks

As you climb the ranks in League of Legends, it becomes increasingly important to maintain a consistent level of play in order to avoid losing streaks and falling down the ladder. In this section, I will share some tips that have helped me maintain a high rank and avoid losing streaks.

  • Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks between games, especially if you’ve just come off a loss. This will help you clear your mind and come back to the game with a fresh perspective.
  • Review your replays: Watching replays of your games can help you identify areas where you can improve. Look for mistakes you made, and think about what you could have done differently in those situations.
  • Practice new champions in normal games: If you’re looking to expand your champion pool, try practicing new champions in normal games first. This will help you get a feel for their playstyle and abilities before bringing them into ranked games.
  • Communicate with your team: Communication is key in League of Legends, especially in ranked games. Make sure to communicate with your team about objectives, summoner spells, and enemy positions.
  • Focus on your own gameplay: It’s easy to get distracted by what your teammates are doing, but it’s important to focus on your own gameplay. Remember, you can only control your own actions in the game.
  • Learn from losses: Losing can be frustrating, but it’s important to learn from your losses. Think about what went wrong and what you could have done differently, and use that knowledge to improve your gameplay in future games.

By following these tips, you can maintain a high rank and avoid losing streaks in League of Legends. Remember, consistency is key, so make sure to stay focused and continue improving your gameplay.

Personal Experience – Lessons Learned and Tips for Aspiring Pro Gamers

As a professional League of Legends gamer, I have had my fair share of ups and downs in my journey to reaching the top ranks. In this section, I will share some personal anecdotes and experiences, as well as the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I hope that these tips will be helpful to aspiring pro gamers and those looking to improve their ranking and gameplay in League of Legends.

Personal Anecdotes and Experiences from My Journey

As a professional League of Legends player, I have had my fair share of ups and downs in the ranking system. When I first started playing the game, I was placed in the Bronze rank, and I struggled to climb up the ladder. It wasn’t until I started focusing on my gameplay and analyzing my mistakes that I began to improve.

I found that one of the most important things when it comes to climbing the ranks is consistency. Playing regularly helps you to stay in tune with the game and improves your overall skill level. I also learned that it’s important to set realistic goals and not get discouraged by losses. Every loss is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Another thing that helped me climb the ranks was finding a role and champion that I was comfortable with. I focused on mastering one champion in my preferred role, and this allowed me to have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. It also made it easier for me to make decisions in-game and contribute to my team’s success.

Through my journey to becoming a pro gamer, I also learned that it’s important to take breaks when needed. Burnout can happen, and it’s important to take care of your mental health and well-being. Whether it’s taking a day off from playing or doing something else entirely, taking breaks can help you come back to the game with a refreshed mindset.

Lessons that helped me the most

As someone who has worked hard to climb the ranks and become a pro gamer, I have learned many valuable lessons along the way. Here are some tips for those looking to improve their gameplay and become better at the game:

  • Focus on improving your skills: Don’t worry too much about your rank or LP, focus on improving your skills and becoming a better player. The rank will come naturally as you get better at the game.
  • Learn from your mistakes: Every game is a learning opportunity, and you should always look for ways to improve. Analyze your mistakes and try to avoid making the same ones in future games.
  • Practice regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to improving your skills in League of Legends. Make sure you are practicing regularly and staying up to date with the latest patches and changes to the game.
  • Watch and learn from pro players: Watching professional players and learning from their gameplay can be a great way to improve your own skills. Look for streamers or YouTubers who play the same champions or roles as you and learn from their strategies and techniques.
  • Develop a strong mental game: League of Legends can be a mentally taxing game, and developing a strong mental game is essential for success. Stay positive, avoid tilting, and take breaks when necessary to avoid burnout.

By following these tips and putting in the time and effort to improve your skills, you can increase your chances even more.

Conclusion: Striving for Success in League of Legends

In this comprehensive guide, we have covered everything you need to know about the League of Legends ranking system. We have discussed the different ranks and how they are achieved, the importance of LP and MMR, and how placement matches work. We have also touched on the importance of consistency and playing regularly, improving your gameplay, promotion series, decay, and maintaining a high rank.

As a professional gamer, I have learned some valuable lessons on my journey to becoming a pro. One of the most important lessons is that success in League of Legends is not achieved overnight. It takes consistent effort, dedication, and patience to climb the ranks and reach your goals. Another important lesson is that improving your gameplay is an ongoing process, and you should always strive to learn and improve.

For aspiring pro gamers, my advice is to set clear goals and work consistently towards achieving them. Make a plan for how you will improve your gameplay and stick to it. Join a team or community of players who share your goals and can offer support and guidance.

In conclusion, understanding the League of Legends ranking system is crucial for success in the game. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can improve your gameplay, climb the ranks, and achieve your goals. Remember to stay dedicated, consistent, and always strive to improve. Good luck on your journey to becoming a pro gamer!

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Hey, it's Stookbeer, a retired professional "League of Legends" player from the Netherlands. As a writer for GS4DL, I'm excited to share my deep understanding and passion for the game with players of all levels. With my experience playing as a support player for the team HEET and my favorite champions being Pyke and Bard, I hope to provide valuable insights and tips to help players improve their skills and strategies. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, join me as we explore the exciting world of "League of Legends" together.