ELO Ranking System in LoL Explained: How the League of Legends Ranking System Works

Did you know only 0.021% of League of Legends players reach the top rank, Challenger? The game’s competitive nature draws millions to climb the ranks. Knowing how the ranking system works is key to improving and rising through the ranks.

LoL Rank Distribution Season 13,ELO Ranking in LoL explained

The ELO ranking in LoL is complex. It looks at win/loss ratio, matchmaking rating, and performance. It aims to match players fairly, helping everyone improve. Whether you’re new or experienced, understanding ELO is crucial for success.

This guide will explore the LoL skill rating system in detail. We’ll cover its mechanics, rank distribution, and strategies for climbing. From MMR to managing rank decay, we’ve got everything you need. Get ready to boost your skills and dominate the Rift!

Key Takeaways

  • League of Legends uses a complex ELO ranking system to match players of similar skill levels.
  • The LoL ranking system consists of tiers, divisions, and League Points (LP).
  • Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is a hidden value that determines the quality of your matches.
  • Rank distribution in LoL follows a pyramid shape, with the majority of players in lower tiers.
  • Consistency and a focus on self-improvement are key to climbing the ranks in League of Legends.

Introduction to ELO Ranking in League of Legends

League of Legends is a popular game that draws in millions of players. It has a ranking system that matches players of similar skill levels. This system is based on the Elo rating system, which was first used in chess tournaments in the 1960s.

What Is ACTUALLY High Elo (And Judging Your Rank)

When you start playing League of Legends, you have a base Elo rating of about 1200. Your rating changes as you play ranked matches. Winning against a better player gives you more points, while losing to a worse player makes your rating drop more. This way, players are matched fairly, making the game competitive.

The Elo rating system is not unique to League of Legends; it has been adopted and adapted across various fields, from traditional sports leagues to artificial intelligence models.

League of Legends is different because it’s a team game, not one-on-one. Riot Games, the game’s developer, has made the Elo system work for team play. They call this system MMR (Matchmaking Rating). It looks at a player’s role, how well they play certain champions, and their impact on the game.

But, the Elo system has its critics. Some say it doesn’t always show how good a player is. This can lead to “Elo Hell,” where skilled players get stuck in lower ranks. Riot Games is always trying to make the system better, with plans to use TrueSkill 2 soon.

Even with its flaws, the Elo rating system is key to League of Legends. It shows players how they’re doing and how they can get better. As players aim for the top tier, Challenger, the Elo system motivates them to keep improving.

What Exactly Does ELO Mean in League of Legends?

In League of Legends, ELO shows a player’s rank or skill level. It comes from the Elo rating system, first used in chess. The LoL ranking system has changed, but ELO remains key in measuring skill and progress.

ELO is only shown to players at Master tier or higher. At this level, ELO is the main way to show a player’s performance among the best in League of Legends ranked play.

Tiers and Divisions in LoL Ranks

The LoL ranking system has nine tiers. Each tier has four divisions, except for Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. The tiers go from Iron to Challenger.

League of Legends Ranked Division Tier System

Each tier has four divisions, except for Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. Players move up by winning matches and gaining League Points (LP). They progress through divisions and tiers.

League Points (LP) and Climbing the Ladder

Players get League Points (LP) by winning matches. They lose LP when they lose. The points gained or lost depend on the player’s rank, teammates’ and opponents’ ranks, and match performance.

To climb the ranked ladder, players must win matches and gain LP. When they reach 100 LP in their division, they enter a promotional series. They must win most games to move up to the next division or tier.

As players move up the ranks, they face better opponents. They must keep improving their gameplay, champion knowledge, and strategy. The League of Legends ranking system offers a challenging and rewarding experience for all players.

Understanding MMR and Matchmaking in LoL

In League of Legends, MMR stands for Matchmaking Rating. It’s a secret score by Riot Games to match players with similar skills. This ensures fair games by considering wins, losses, and performance.

Riot Games keeps MMR hidden in the 2024 season. But, sites like OP.GG or U.GG can guess your MMR based on your ranked games. These tools can show how close your MMR is to your actual skill level.

Watching your LP (League Points) can also hint at your MMR. Gaining more LP than losing means you’re likely better than your rank. Seeing your teammates’ and opponents’ ranks can also give you a clue about your MMR.

MMR changes with how well you play, your win streaks, and who you play with. To boost MMR, play well, win games, and stay positive.

Dodging in League of Legends might lose you time and LP but doesn’t change MMR. MMR, LP, and Rank work together to show where you stand on the ladder.

Riot Games will use TrueSkill 2 in 2024 to better match players. This system, inspired by chess, aims to make matchmaking more fair and accurate.

TrueSkill 2 TLDR

Remember, pre-season games can impact your MMR. Each game type, like ARAM and Normal, has its own MMR score, different from Ranked games.

IndicatorMMR Status
Consistent LP gains higher than lossesMMR higher than current rank
More LP losses than gainsMMR lower than current rank
Matched with higher-ranked playersMMR higher than current rank
Matched with lower-ranked playersMMR lower than current rank

Rank Distribution in League of Legends

Let’s explore the percentage of players in each rank. Also, how the Emerald tier has changed the distribution.

Percentage of Players in Each Rank

As of August 2024, here’s how players are spread in League of Legends’ Season 14 solo queue:

RankPercentage of Players
Iron12%
Bronze21%
Silver17%
Gold15%
Platinum16%
Emerald12%
Diamond4.1%
Master0.69%
Grandmaster0.062%
Challenger0.026%

About 56% of players are in Bronze, Silver, and Gold ranks. Less than 1% play at the top levels, like Challenger and Grandmaster.

The New Ranked Distribution with Emerald Tier

The Emerald tier, introduced in Season 14, has changed the rank distribution. It’s between Platinum and Diamond, offering a new challenge for skilled players. Emerald players make up 12% of the total, with Emerald I being the top 6.8%.

LoL Emerald Division Icon

Emerald has spread players more evenly across ranks. This makes climbing the ranks more rewarding and challenging. Players must show their skills to move up through Emerald and reach Diamond and beyond.

Riot Games keeps an eye on the ranked system to ensure fairness and competition. They’ve made changes like Master Duo queue, adjusting LP gains and losses, and introducing 50 LP demotions. These efforts aim to improve match quality and keep the game competitive.

How the League System Differs from the Old ELO System

League of Legends has changed a lot in its ranking system over time. Before Season Three, it used the ELO rating system, made by Arpad Elo for chess. But in September 2012, Riot Games introduced the League system. This brought many new features and improvements to ranked play.

The old ELO system gave players medals based on their ELO rating at the end of each season. These medals went from Bronze to Platinum, each tier covering 50 ELO points. But this system didn’t show player skill as well as the League system does.

Advantages of the League System over ELO

The League system made climbing the ranks in League of Legends more structured and rewarding. It introduced league points (LP) and a division system in each tier. Players earn LP for wins and lose it for losses, aiming for 100 LP to move up.

This system also makes progress clear and exciting. Players see their LP changes after each game and their move towards the next tier. This clarity keeps players motivated and engaged, knowing exactly what they need to do to reach their goals.

LoL ELO Distribution compared to old ELO

Also, the League system brought in promotional series matches when a player hits 100 LP in their division. These matches add a thrilling element to ranked play, as players must show their skill and consistency to move up.

TierDivision RangeLP Range
IronIV – I0 – 100
BronzeIV – I0 – 100
SilverIV – I0 – 100
GoldIV – I0 – 100
PlatinumIV – I0 – 100
DiamondIV – I0 – 100
MasterN/A0 – ∞
GrandmasterN/A0 – ∞
ChallengerN/A0 – ∞

The League system also brings players together, creating a sense of community and competition. Players are matched with others of similar skill, making ranked play more balanced and fun. This system encourages teamwork and striving for improvement, rather than just focusing on ELO ratings.

While the old ELO system was the start of competitive play in League of Legends, the League system is more engaging and rewarding. It offers clear goals, exciting promotional series, and a strong sense of progression. The League system is now a key part of the game’s competitive scene.

Climbing the Ranks: Tips and Strategies

To move up in LoL, you need skill, knowledge, and to keep playing well. The matchmaking rating (MMR) system tries to match players of similar skill. This makes games fair and competitive. As you get better and win more, your MMR goes up. This means you’ll gain more LP and move up the ranks faster.

League of Legends struglle to climb the ranked ladder

To climb the ranked ladder, understanding the game and adapting to changes is key. With over 160 champions, knowing a variety and their playstyles is important. Staying updated on patch notes and knowing top champions can help you pick strong champions for games.

Improving Your Gameplay to Advance in Rank

To move up, improving your gameplay in many ways is important. Some strategies include:

  • Mastering big game concepts like managing minions, waves, and objectives
  • Knowing a wide range of champions to fit different team setups and counter opponents
  • Talking well with teammates and planning plays together
  • Looking at replays to find and fix mistakes
  • Keeping up with patch changes and adjusting to the meta

How Do I Earn S Rank on Champions?

To get an S rank on a champion in League of Legends, you need to perform exceptionally well. The system looks at several factors, including:

  • Kills, deaths, and assists (KDA)
  • Creep score (CS)
  • Vision score
  • Objective control
  • Overall impact on the game

The system is specific to each champion and role. To earn S ranks, consistently outperform others in your champion and role is crucial.

Improving your gameplay and understanding your champion’s strengths and weaknesses are key. Strive to make a big impact in each match. This will help you earn those coveted S ranks and prove your skill in the League of Legends ELO system.

The Importance of Consistency in Climbing

Being consistent is crucial for climbing the ranked ladder in League of Legends. Having a good win rate over many games is more important than quick wins. By consistently playing better than others in your division, the system will see your skill and help you move up faster, giving you more LP and less impact from losses.

To stay consistent, managing tilt and avoiding long losing streaks is key. Taking breaks after losing, focusing on your own game, and staying positive helps. Remember, every game is a chance to learn and get better, win or lose.

By using these strategies and playing consistently, you’ll be on your way to climbing the ranks in League of Legends. Whether you aim for Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or higher, hard work and determination will help you succeed in LoL’s competitive ranked play.

Promotional Series and How They Work

In League of Legends, the promotional series was a key part of the ranking system until recently. When a player hit 100 LP in their current division, they entered a promotional series. This series was a set of competitive games that decided if they moved up or stayed put.

To move up, players had to win most of the games in the series. The number of games varied by tier:

  • For promotions within a tier (like Silver IV to Silver III), players needed to win 2 out of 3 games.
  • For promotions between tiers (like Silver I to Gold IV), players needed to win 3 out of 5 games.

During these series, how well a player did in each game was crucial. Winning games helped them move up, while losing games set them back. It was a test of skill and consistency, as players aimed to show their abilities and win these important matches.

Riot Games made a big change to the ranking system. Starting from the second ranked split of Season 2023, they removed promotional series. This change was to make climbing ranks easier and address player frustrations.

The removal of promotional series is expected to change the ranked experience:

  1. Faster climbing: Players won’t need to win a certain number of games to advance, making progression smoother.
  2. Reduced anxiety: The high-pressure nature of promotional series often caused stress. Without them, players can focus on performing well without extra pressure.
  3. Greater transparency: The ranking system will be clearer, as players will move up to the next tier or division immediately after reaching 100 LP.
LoL Rank Distribution Changes from Split 1 to Split 2 in Season 13
LoL Rank Distribution Changes from Split 1 to Split 2 in Season 13

While the removal of promotional series aims to improve the ranked experience, it may have unintended effects. One concern is that it could lead to more rank inflation, as players might climb ranks faster without the extra hurdle of promotional series.

Despite these changes, the core principles of the ranking system remain the same. Players still need to perform well and keep a positive win rate to climb the ranks. The removal of promotional series just makes the process smoother and removes the high-stakes games that often frustrated many players.

Demotions and Rank Decay in LoL

In League of Legends, the ranking system pushes players to play regularly. If you don’t play for a long time, you might lose rank. It’s key to know how this works to keep or boost your rank.

Demotions happen when you lose a lot of games or your MMR drops. Before, dropping from Silver II to Silver III would lose you 50 LP. Now, these drops are more gradual, helping your LP adjust smoothly.

When moving from Silver IV to Bronze I, for example, you might lose 25, 50, or 75 LP. This change better shows your skill level.

Season 14 Has The Largest Demotions Ever Seen

How Inactivity Affects Your Rank

Rank decay is another part of the ranking system. It affects players in higher tiers who don’t play for a while. The amount of LP lost depends on your tier:

  • In Diamond tier, you lose 50 LP per day after 28 inactive days.
  • In Master tier and above, you lose 75 LP per day after 14 inactive days.

To fight rank decay, play more games. In Diamond tier, you can bank up to 7 days per match. In Master tier and above, you can bank up to 14 days per match. This keeps you active and your rank strong.

TierInactive DaysLP Loss per DayMaximum Banked Days per Match
Diamond28507
Master+147514

Demotions and rank decay aren’t punishments. They help keep your rank true to your skill and play. By playing often and improving, you can avoid these issues and climb the ranked ladder.

The Prestige of High ELO in League of Legends

In League of Legends, reaching high ELO shows a player’s skill and dedication. High ELO players are highly respected for their gameplay and strategy. As players move up, the prestige of each rank grows.

What Rank is Considered High ELO?

LoL Diamond promotion screen

Platinum I is seen as the start of high ELO. Players at this level are in the top 5.3% of ranked players. But, Diamond division is where the true high ELO players are, making up only the top 3%.

Reaching Diamond IV shows a player’s top skills and game knowledge. These players beat tough opponents and know the game well.

The Skill Gap Between High ELO Players

High ELO is impressive, but there’s a big skill gap among these players. The gap in gameplay and decision-making grows as you move up the ranks.

The skill gap between a Diamond IV player and a Master tier player is immense, even though they are only one tier apart. Master tier players possess an unparalleled level of mechanical prowess, map awareness, and macro-level strategy that sets them apart from their lower-ranked counterparts.

Grandmaster and Challenger players are at the top of League of Legends. They show incredible skills and game sense. Their play is truly inspiring.

To reach the next tier, players must keep improving and adapting. The journey to high ELO is challenging but rewarding. It tests a player’s resolve and ability to perform under pressure.

NEVER give a Challenger player their main...

High ELO players inspire the League of Legends community. They show what’s possible in the game and drive the esports scene.

The Competitive Landscape and Pro Player Rankings

The world of League of Legends is always changing. Teams and players work hard to climb the rankings and show their skills globally. A system called the Global Power Rankings helps judge team strength and predict game results.

This system looks at all top League of Legends teams worldwide. It uses team Elo and league Elo to figure out a Power Score. The Power Score formula gives more weight to team Elo (80%) than league Elo (20%). This makes the rankings show how well teams are doing now.

The ranking system values international events more than regional ones. It sees cross-region matches as key chances for teams to prove themselves. Knockout matches are also more important than group-stage ones, as they are the most critical moments.

The Global Power Rankings consider roster changes and team growth over time. It looks at league Elo for three years and team Elo for two. This mix shows both a team’s past and recent success.

The rankings are very good at predicting game results. This shows they are useful for understanding the competitive scene and team strengths.

Future updates to the rankings are planned. These might include using in-game stats, adding player rankings, and making the system more accurate. These changes aim to give a more detailed view of the competitive world.

While the Global Power Rankings offer a data-driven way to judge teams, controversies and rule violations can happen. In recent years, players and teams have faced penalties for various offenses:

  • In the LCO league, player Chenxuan got a 36-month ban until February 9, 2027, for match-fixing. River1 also got a similar ban until May 17, 2027, for not helping with match-fixing investigations.
  • Cube, a player in the CN league, was fined ¥30,000 CNY and banned for 2 matches for bad speech on social media.
  • The Rainbow Warriors team from the VN league was kicked out of the VCS for many team members’ bad behavior and illegal betting.

These cases remind us that keeping the competitive scene fair is key for League of Legends esports’ health and growth. As the Global Power Rankings improve, it’s also vital for everyone to play fairly and with sportsmanship.

MetricValue
Team Elo Weight80%
League Elo Weight20%
League Elo Evaluation Window3 years
Team Elo Evaluation Window2 years

The Global Power Rankings use advanced algorithms to give a fair and data-driven look at the competitive scene. As it evolves and adds new metrics, it will keep being a valuable tool for League of Legends esports.

The Future of the LoL Ranking System

Riot Games is always working to make League of Legends better. They’ve made many changes to make the game fair and fun for everyone. This shows their dedication to a great gaming experience for all players.

Recently, they added the Emerald tier between Platinum and Diamond. This change helps players move up ranks more clearly. They also removed promotional series, making it easier to climb the ranks.

Potential Changes and Improvements

Players can look forward to more updates to the ranking system. Riot Games listens to feedback and studies data to find areas to improve. Some possible changes include:

  • Improving the matchmaking algorithm for fairer games
  • Adjusting LP gains and losses to reflect player performance
  • Making MMR and its effects clearer
  • Creating more accurate placement matches
  • Introducing new ranks for a more detailed progression system

Riot Games has already made big steps in improving the system. They fixed ELO estimation issues and reduced rank changes. They also balanced game sides and require 10 normal games before ranked play.

ImprovementDescription
Miscalculated ELO FixesAddresses issues causing rank fluctuations
Blue/Red Side Selection ChangesEnhances game balance in high MMR queues
10 Normal Games RequirementEnsures players are prepared for ranked
Autofill AdjustmentsMitigates impact of autofilled players on match outcomes

Season 14 will bring TrueSkill 2, a new MMR system. It aims to better show a player’s skill level. This change is expected to make games more competitive and fair for everyone.

Riot Games keeps working to make League of Legends better. Players can look forward to a more enjoyable competitive experience. The future of LoL’s ranking system is exciting, with many potential improvements.

Alternatives to Ranked Solo/Duo Queue

The Ranked Solo/Duo queue is the most popular mode in League of Legends. It lets players climb the ranked ladder and show off their skills. But, there are other game modes for those who want to try something different.

Ranked Flex Queue

The Ranked Flex queue lets players team up with friends, from duos to full teams. They compete together to climb the ranking system. It focuses on teamwork, communication, and coordination.

Ranked Flex is great for players who love playing with friends. It’s a social and collaborative way to compete.

Conclusion

The elo ranking in lol has progressed a lot. It now offers a fair and competitive place for players. The system has changed a lot, showing how well players do and grow.

Changes in the game keep players always ready for new challenges. Reaching high ELO in League of Legends is a big deal. It shows a player’s skill and hard work.

Reaching the top is hard but very rewarding. The journey is full of challenges and learning moments. It makes the game even more exciting.

Riot Games keeps working to make the game better. They add new things to keep the game interesting. As the game grows, so will the ranking system. This means players will always have something to aim for.

FAQ

What is the ELO ranking system in League of Legends?

The ELO ranking system in League of Legends measures player skill levels. It was first used in chess and named after Arpad Elo. It helps match players of similar skill levels together.

How does the League of Legends ranking system work?

The system has divisions and tiers, from Iron to Challenger. Players gain LP for wins and lose it for losses. Reaching 100 LP promotes them to the next tier or division.

What is MMR in League of Legends?

MMR stands for Match Making Rating. It shows a player’s skill level and helps match them with others of similar skill. It also affects LP gains or losses after each match.

What percentage of players are in each rank?

Gold IV has the most players, at 10%. Silver IV and Silver II follow with 9.3% and 7.0%, respectively. Iron IV has the least, at 0.47%. Most players are below Platinum, with less than 0.6% in Master or above.

What are the advantages of the League system over the old ELO system?

The League system offers clear goals and a better understanding of promotion. It makes matches exciting and fosters community spirit. It’s seen as more rewarding than the old ELO system.

How can I improve my rank in League of Legends?

Improve by increasing your game knowledge and staying positive. Analyze your gameplay and learn from mistakes. Winning streaks boost your MMR, helping you progress faster.

What happens if I’m inactive in ranked play?

Inactivity can cause rank decay. In the past, players lost points if inactive. Check the League of Legends website for current rules.

What rank is considered high ELO in League of Legends?

Platinum 1 and above are high ELO, making up 5.3% of players. However, the skill gap is still large, with Challenger being the top rank.

Do pro players always maintain their high ranks in the League of Legends ranking system?

Pro players’ ranks can change due to various reasons. They might not play solo queue or focus on scrims. Top pros like Faker often reach Challenger rank by the end of the season.

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Chris

Chris, the founder and owner of lolfinity.com, is a seasoned veteran in the world of League of Legends and online gaming. With a passion that ignited at the very inception of League of Legends, Chris has been an active player and community member since the game's earliest days.

In 2012, recognizing the challenges faced by fellow gamers in acquiring reliable and high-quality League of Legends smurf accounts, Chris founded lolfinity.com. It was born out of a desire to provide a trustworthy solution to the community, protecting enthusiasts from potential scams and ensuring a seamless experience.

Chris's expertise extends beyond just playing the game. From 2010 to 2016, he was a respected contributor to elitepvpers, one of the most prominent online gaming communities. During this time, Chris shared his insights and knowledge across various gaming topics, establishing himself as a trusted voice in the industry.

Since 2016, Chris has focused his writing exclusively on lolfinity.com, channeling his years of experience and in-depth understanding of League of Legends into creating valuable content for the site's visitors. His articles cover a wide range of topics, from game strategies and account management to the latest updates in the LoL universe.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the League of Legends ecosystem, Chris brings unparalleled expertise to lolfinity.com. His commitment to the gaming community is evident in every aspect of the site, from the quality of accounts offered to the informative content published.

Chris's primary goal has always been to enhance the experience of League of Legends enthusiasts. By combining his extensive knowledge, years of experience, and unwavering dedication to the community, he continues to make lolfinity.com a go-to resource for players seeking reliable information and services in the world of League of Legends.

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