Did you know 20% of League of Legends players have faced the Low Priority Queue? This shows how Riot Games’ penalty system affects the community. The Low Priority Queue, run by LeaverBuster, aims to keep the game fair and stop bad behavior.
League of Legends has a huge player base. It uses a queue delay to tackle problems like leaving early or going AFK. This system makes the game better for everyone by making those who disrupt play wait longer.

The Low Priority Queue has different penalties. First-time offenders might only wait 1 minute, but repeat offenders face harsher penalties. In the worst cases, players could be banned from playing for up to 14 days.
Knowing how this system works is key for players who want to avoid trouble. This guide will cover the Low Priority Queue, its effects on different game modes, and how to avoid penalties.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Low Priority Queue is a penalty system in League of Legends designed to deter negative behavior.
- LeaverBuster manages the system, imposing longer wait times on players who leave matches or go AFK.
- Penalties range from short queue delays to complete queue lockouts, depending on offense severity and frequency.
- Players must complete five games without leaving to escape the Low Priority Queue.
- The system affects various game modes, including ranked play, normal, and draft modes.
- Understanding the system helps players maintain a positive gaming experience and avoid penalties.
What is the Low Priority Queue in League of Legends?
The Low Priority Queue in League of Legends is a penalty system. It’s part of the LeaverBuster system. This system targets players who often leave games or go AFK (Away From Keyboard).

Definition and Purpose
This system aims to keep games fair by keeping troublemakers out. It makes players wait longer to play, from 1 to 15 minutes. This depends on how often and how badly they break the rules.
How it Differs from Regular Queues
The Low Priority Queue makes players wait longer than usual. They need to play well in a few games to get back to normal. This helps keep the game fair for everyone.
Tier | Queue Delay | Number of Games | Additional Lockout |
---|---|---|---|
0 | 1 minute | 1 game | None |
1-3 | 5 minutes | 5 games | None |
4-7 | 15 minutes | 5 games | 24 hours – 2 weeks |
Impact on Player Experience
The Low Priority Queue changes how players experience the game. It makes them wait longer and can even take away LP or XP in some games. To get out, players must play at least five games without leaving early. This discourages players from breaking the rules in the future.
“The Low Priority Queue serves as a wake-up call for players to prioritize good sportsmanship and reliability in League of Legends.”
The LeaverBuster System: League’s Behavioral Watchdog
League of Legends has a system called LeaverBuster to watch player behavior. It looks for players who leave games early or go afk. The goal is to make sure everyone plays fairly.
LeaverBuster checks actions in different game modes. It gives penalties for players who dodge or leave games often. These penalties can be short delays or complete lockouts.

The system has a tiered approach to handle offenders. Here’s how it works:
Tier | Queue Delay | Number of Games | Additional Penalty |
---|---|---|---|
Tier | Queue Delay | Number of Games | Additional Penalty |
0 | 1 minute | 1 game | None |
1 | 5 minutes | 5 games | None |
2 | 10 minutes | 5 games | None |
3 | 15 minutes | 5 games | None |
4 | 15 minutes | 5 games | 24-hour queue lockout |
5 | 15 minutes | 5 games | 3-day queue lockout |
6 | 15 minutes | 5 games | 7-day queue lockout |
7 | 15 minutes | 5 games | 2-week queue lockout |
Players in low priority queue face longer wait times. These can be up to 20 minutes more than usual. To avoid this, players must finish five games without leaving.
LeaverBuster doesn’t just affect queue times. It can also cause LP loss in ranked games. First-time offenders lose 3 LP, while repeat offenders can lose 10 or more. This system aims to stop toxic behavior and make the game better for everyone.
How Players End Up in Low Priority Queue
League of Legends players can end up in the low priority queue for several reasons. This system is designed to stop bad behavior and keep the game fair. Let’s look at why players might face this penalty.
Leaving Games Prematurely
Players who leave games early can get stuck in the low priority queue. Quitting games early messes up the experience for others. The game tracks this and can make penalties worse, with wait times from 5 to 20 minutes.
AFK Behavior
Playing AFK (Away From Keyboard) during games also gets you into the low priority queue. Players who often disconnect or stay inactive face penalties. The LeaverBuster system watches this behavior and punishes it.

Disconnections and Technical Issues
Getting disconnected from games, whether on purpose or by technical problems, can put you in the low priority queue. The system treats all disconnections the same, whether they’re intentional or not.
Offense | Penalty | Duration |
---|---|---|
First-time leavers | 5-minute wait time | 5 games |
Repeat offenders | 15-minute wait time | 5 games |
Persistent violations | Queue lockout | Up to 14 days |
To get out of the low priority queue, players must play five games without leaving early. This shows they’re serious about playing fairly before they can join regular games again.
Low Priority Queue Tiers and Penalties
League of Legends has a penalty system to stop players from leaving games or going AFK. This system, called the low priority queue, gets harsher with each offense.
The low priority queue has tiers from 0 to 7, each with its own penalties. Tier 0 starts with a 1-minute delay for one game. As you move up, the delay and number of games affected grow.
For instance, Tier 1 has a 5-minute delay for five games. Tier 3 raises this to a 15-minute delay. The top tiers lock you out of matches for longer periods.
Tier | Queue Delay | Games Affected | Queue Lockout |
---|---|---|---|
0 | 1 minute | 1 | None |
1-2 | 5-10 minutes | 5 | None |
3-7 | 15 minutes | 5 | 24 hours to 2 weeks |
The worst penalties are in Tiers 6 and 7, with lockouts up to two weeks. After a lockout, you face a 15-minute delay for your next five games. This system tries to stop bad behavior and make the game better for everyone.
Impact of Low Priority Queue on Different Game Modes
The Low Priority Queue in League of Legends has different effects on various game modes. It causes longer wait times, up to fifteen minutes per game, in many match types. This affects ranked play, normal and draft modes, and games against AI.
Ranked Play Consequences
In ranked play, leaving games too early can lead to big penalties. Players might lose League Points (LP), starting with a three-point deduction for the first time. This penalty can go up to ten points for leaving games again.
This rule is in place to keep the game competitive and fair. It discourages players from leaving games early in important matches.

Normal and Draft Mode Effects
Normal and draft modes also see the effects of the Low Priority Queue. Players in these modes face longer wait times and might lose experience (XP). The system treats all casual game types fairly.
Players who leave games often might see their Matchmaking Rating (MMR) drop. This could mean they play with players who are less skilled in future games.
Cooperative vs. AI Implications
Co-op vs AI games are also affected by the Low Priority Queue, but the impact is less. To get out of the Low Priority Queue, players need to play at least five matchmade games without leaving early. This rule applies to all League of Legends game types.
This rule encourages players to stay and play well in all games. It helps keep the game fair and enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion
The Low Priority Queue system in League of Legends stands as a crucial mechanism for maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of the game. Through its tiered penalty structure and the vigilant LeaverBuster system, Riot Games has created an effective deterrent against disruptive behaviors such as leaving matches early and going AFK.
This system serves multiple important purposes:
- Behavior Modification: By implementing escalating penalties, from brief 1-minute delays to extensive 15-minute queue times and potential 14-day lockouts, the system encourages players to reform their behavior.
- Fair Play Protection: The penalties help safeguard the gaming experience for dedicated players by reducing the frequency of disrupted matches.
- Community Standards: Through consistent enforcement, the system helps establish and maintain clear expectations for player conduct.
The impact of the Low Priority Queue extends across all game modes, demonstrating Riot’s commitment to maintaining quality gameplay experiences regardless of the match type. The requirement to complete five games without leaving to escape the queue serves as both a punishment and a rehabilitation tool, giving players a clear path to redemption.
While some may view the system as harsh, particularly when technical issues lead to penalties, its existence is fundamental to League of Legends’ continued success as a competitive gaming platform. The Low Priority Queue ultimately contributes to a healthier gaming environment where players can focus on improving their skills and enjoying the game rather than dealing with disrupted matches.
FAQ
What is the Low Priority Queue in League of Legends?
The low priority queue (LPQ) in League of Legends is a specific matchmaking system designed to penalize players who frequently leave games or go AFK (away from keyboard). When a player is placed in the low priority queue, they must complete a set number of matches (usually five games) to return to the regular matchmaking system. This system is implemented by Riot Games to discourage players from abandoning games and ensure a more balanced experience for everyone.
How does the Low Priority Queue differ from regular queues?
The Low Priority Queue has longer wait times, from 5 to 20 minutes. This makes waiting for a game much longer. It can also lead to LP or XP penalties, depending on the game mode.
What is LeaverBuster, and how does it relate to the Low Priority Queue?
LeaverBuster is an automated system in League of Legends. It watches for players who leave games early, go AFK, or dodge champion selection. It gives penalties, like the Low Priority Queue, based on how often and how badly players misbehave.
What are the different tiers and penalties in the Low Priority Queue system?
The Low Priority Queue has eight tiers, each with more severe penalties. Tier 0 starts with a 1-minute queue delay for one game. Higher tiers have longer delays for more games and can lock you out of queues for 24 hours to two weeks.
How does the Low Priority Queue affect different game modes?
The Low Priority Queue affects different game modes in different ways. In ranked play, leaving games can cost LP. Normal and draft modes have longer wait times and might lose XP. It also affects Co-op vs AI games but not TFT or Clash.
What are the consequences of being in the low priority queue?
In Low Priority Queue, players experience longer queue times and are often matched against other players who are also in the LPQ. This can lead to a frustrating experience as the queue can take significantly longer to find a match. Additionally, players must complete at least five matchmade games without leaving to exit the LPQ and return to normal queue in League of Legends.
How can players get out of the low priority queue?
low priority queue, players must complete a minimum of five games without leaving or going AFK. Winning is not a requirement, but players must participate fully in the games to satisfy the penalty system. It’s important to stay engaged throughout the matches, including during champion selection and loading screens, to avoid further penalties.
What happens if I leave a game while in the low priority queue?
Leaving a game while in low priority queue will reset your progress and the abandoned game won’t count towards your required 5 games. Your penalties will likely become more severe, with longer queue delays (up to 20 minutes) and possible queue lockouts lasting from 24 hours to 2 weeks. To avoid these escalating penalties, it’s crucial to complete all required games without leaving or disconnecting.