Current League of Legends Ranked System

Every player stepping into the competitive world of League of Legends has questions about the ranked system — some love it, others wish it were different. In this article, we take a close look at the current ranked system, its nuances, tips, and everything you need to know as you climb the ladder to the top.

Why Is the League of Legends Ranked System Important?

League of Legends is a massive universe that brings together millions of players. The best way to showcase your skills and compete fiercely with others in this world is through ranked games. The ranked system categorizes players based on their skill levels, allowing for fairer matchmaking. Everyone has a clear goal: to climb higher, prove their talent, and perhaps get one step closer to the dream of becoming a professional player.

Ranks and Divisions: Know the Ladder

The League of Legends ranked system is structured like a pyramid. From the bottom to the top, the ranks are:

• Iron: The starting point for newcomers or those adapting to the game.
• Bronze: Where players start grasping the fundamentals and the importance of teamwork.
• Silver: A level where players begin to understand the overall structure of the game and start thinking strategically.
• Gold: A hub for intermediate players with a broader champion pool and clearer role assignments.
• Platinum: Where advanced knowledge and mechanics are required, and competition becomes more serious.
• Emerald: A newly added tier that bridges the gap between Platinum and Diamond, making skill progression smoother.
• Diamond: Requires strong mechanics and game knowledge — mistakes here carry heavier consequences.
• Master: One of the final stops on the road to professionalism — only a small percentage of players reach this level.
• Grandmaster: Home to the top players on each server, where up-to-date meta knowledge and top-tier strategy dominate.
• Challenger: The peak of the ranked system, limited to a select number of players on each server — the elite of the elite.

Each rank is divided into four divisions (e.g., Gold IV, Gold III, Gold II, Gold I). To reach the next rank, you must climb through each of these divisions step by step.

League Points (LP) and Promotion Series: How to Climb

At the heart of the ranked system are League Points (LP), which you earn or lose based on your game results and performance. When you reach 100 LP in a division, you enter a promotion series to climb to the next division or rank.

• Division Promotion Series: For example, to go from Silver IV to Silver III, you typically need to win 2 out of 3 matches.
• Rank Promotion Series: For example, moving from Silver I to Gold IV requires winning 3 out of 5 matches.

If you win the series, you move up. If not, you lose LP and must earn it back to try again.

Matchmaking Rating (MMR): The Hidden Factor

Behind the scenes, your LP gains and losses are heavily influenced by a hidden value: Matchmaking Rating (MMR). This score represents your true skill level. Riot Games matches players based on MMR rather than visible rank.

• If your MMR is higher than your current rank, you’ll gain more LP per win and lose less per defeat.
• If your MMR is lower than expected, you’ll gain less LP and lose more.
• Maintaining a high MMR is key to speeding up your ranked climb.

Demotion and Rank Protection: What Happens When You Lose?

Climbing isn’t the only path — you can be demoted as well.

• Division Demotion: If your LP drops below 0 in a division (e.g., Gold IV) and you continue to lose, you can drop to a lower division (e.g., Gold IV to Silver I).
• Rank Demotion: If your LP hits 0 and your MMR drops below the average of the rank below you, you can be demoted a full rank (e.g., Gold IV to Silver I).

However, when you first reach a new rank, there is usually a rank protection period, during which you won’t be demoted immediately after a few losses.

Seasons and Splits: When Does the Reset Happen?

The League of Legends ranked system runs on seasons, typically lasting a calendar year. At the end of each season, ranks are reset — but this doesn’t mean you start from scratch. Based on your previous season’s performance, you’ll be assigned a new provisional MMR, and you’ll play placement matches to determine your new rank.

Recently, Riot Games has started dividing seasons into multiple splits, offering players shorter progression cycles and more frequent rewards.

Tips for Ranked Success

Don’t Stick to One Champion: A wider champion pool lets you adapt to team comps and make counter picks.

• Follow the Meta: Staying updated with the current meta helps you understand which champions and strategies are strongest.
• Map Awareness and Vision Control: Don’t just focus on your lane—keep an eye on the whole map. Placing and clearing wards gives your team a major advantage.
• Communication and Teamplay: League is a team game. Use pings, stay coordinated, and support your teammates.
• Mental Health Matters: Ranked can be frustrating. Stay calm, stay positive, and learn from your mistakes. Tilt leads to more losses.
• Take Breaks: If you’re on a losing streak or feeling mentally exhausted, step away and recharge.

Conclusion: Climbing to the Top Takes Grit and Knowledge

The League of Legends ranked system is an excellent platform to test your skills and push for continuous improvement. Remember, it’s not just about climbing — it’s about learning from each game and growing as a player. With patience, persistence, and the right knowledge, you too can climb the competitive ladder and reach the heights of League of Legends.

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