How Do Placements Work in League of Legends?
As a League of Legends player, you’ve likely encountered the terms "placement matches" and "preseason placements" thrown around online. But what do they really mean, and how do they impact your gameplay experience? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how placements work in League of Legends.
What Are Placement Matches?
Placement matches are a series of games played at the start of each season, where players are matched with others of similar skill levels to help determine their initial rank in the game. These matches are designed to simulate a real match environment, with similar rules and game conditions as normal matches.
How Do Placements Work?
Placement matches follow a specific format, with the goal of ensuring that players are accurately ranked at the start of the season. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Placement Match 1: The first match is played against a player of similar skill level, as determined by the algorithm.
- Placement Match 2: The second match is played against a slightly better or worse opponent, to further refine the algorithm’s assessment.
- Placement Match 3: The final match is played against a player with a similar or slightly better skill level, to further fine-tune the ranking.
Key Factors Affecting Placements:
Several factors contribute to how placements work in League of Legends. Some of the most significant include:
- Player Performance: Your win rate, damage dealt, and other metrics from the placement matches are analyzed to determine your initial rank.
- MMR (Matchmaking Rating): The MMR system calculates a player’s skill level based on their performance. This rating is used to match players with others of similar skill.
- Ranked Flex Queue: This queue system allows players to play with players of similar skill levels, helping to ensure fair matches.
Types of Ranked Play:
League of Legends features two main types of ranked play: Ranked Flex Queue and Solo/Duo Queue.
- Ranked Flex Queue: This mode allows players to queue with friends, making it ideal for teams and solo players alike. The matchmaking system takes into account each player’s MMR to create a balanced match.
- Solo/Duo Queue: This mode is designed for competitive players, where they are matched against other solo or duo queues players. This mode is more demanding, as players are expected to be fully focused on the game.
Placement Consequences:
Your placement matches directly impact your initial rank at the start of the season. A good set of placement matches can secure a strong starting rank, while a poor set may result in a lower rank.
Placing Well vs. Badly:
Placing well in the first few matches can bring several benefits, including:
- Easier Queue Times: With a better starting rank, you’ll experience shorter queue times and more frequent matches.
- Easier Matchups: You’ll be matched against opponents with similar skill levels, making it easier to win games and improve your rank.
- Increased LP Gains: With a strong starting rank, you’ll earn more league points (LP) for each win, allowing you to progress faster through the ranks.
On the other hand, placing poorly can lead to:
- Longer Queue Times: A lower starting rank means longer wait times for matches.
- Tougher Matchups: You’ll face opponents who are significantly better than you, making it more challenging to win games.
- Slower LP Gains: A poor starting rank can lead to slower league point gains, making it harder to improve your rank.
Tips for Placing Well:
Here are a few tips to help you place well:
- Focus on Improving Your Game Sense: Develop your game awareness, positioning, and decision-making skills.
- Master Your Champions: Choose champions you’re comfortable with, and focus on improving your mechanics and combo execution.
- Play to Your Team’s Strengths: Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your playstyle to complement your teammates.
- Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to make adjustments to your strategy mid-game if needed.
FAQs
Q: How many placement matches do I get?
A: You’ll play up to 3 placement matches, unless you’re promoted or relegated to a higher or lower rank based on your performance.
Q: Can I quit a placement match?
A: No, once you start a placement match, you cannot quit. This helps ensure that the algorithm has a complete data set to determine your initial rank.
Q: Are placement matches ranked?
A: Yes, the results of your placement matches are used to determine your initial rank at the start of the season.
Q: Can I affect my placement?
A: Yes, your performance in placement matches directly impacts your initial rank. Improving your game sense, master your champions, and adapt to your teammates can all help you place better.
Q: How long do placement matches take?
A: The length of a placement match varies, but most last around 20-30 minutes.
Q: Can I get banned from ranked play?
A: Yes, if you exhibit toxic behavior during placement matches or consistently perform poorly, you may be suspended or banned from ranked play.
Q: Do placement matches count towards my ranked record?
A: No, placement matches do not count towards your overall ranked record. They are a separate and distinct series of games.
Q: How do I know when I’ve completed my placement matches?
A: You’ll receive a notification when you’ve completed your placement matches, and your initial rank will be assigned based on your performance.
By understanding how placements work in League of Legends, you can set yourself up for success and optimize your ranked play experience. Remember to stay focused, adapt to your teammates, and improve your game sense to place well and climb the ranks. Happy gaming!