How Long is a Season in League of Legends?
League of Legends is a popular multiplayer online battle arena game that has gained a significant following worldwide. The game’s competitive season is a crucial part of its strategy, and understanding how long a season in League of Legends is essential for players to plan and improve their gameplay.
Direct Answer
A season in League of Legends is approximately 12-14 weeks, which is around 90-112 days long. A season typically starts with a pre-season phase, where changes and new content are introduced to the game, and then transitions into the actual season, which runs for around 90-112 days.
Seasonal Structure
A League of Legends season is structured in the following way:
- Pre-season: 1-2 weeks (usually 7-14 days) during which the game updates with new content, ranked play is unlocked, and preseason tournaments take place.
- Actual season: 90-112 days where ranked play and competitive matches occur.
- Mid-season breakpoint: A short period (1-2 weeks) when the game balance is adjusted, new champions or items are added, and mid-season tournaments take place.
- Championship and end of season: The final weeks of the season, including the World Championship and playoff matches for different regions.
Important Points
Here are some key takeaways regarding the length of a season in League of Legends:
- Duration of ranked play: Ranked play, which is an essential part of a competitive season, is usually available for around 20-25 weeks. This can change depending on the region and other factors, but 20-25 weeks is a general guideline.
- Mid-season breakpoint: The mid-season breakpoint is a crucial point in the season when the game balance is adjusted to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
- Playoffs and Championships: The playoffs and Championship matches at the end of the season determine the final results and champions for each region.
- Post-season downtime: After the end of a season, there is a downtime period of several weeks before the new pre-season and upcoming season begin.
League of Legends Competitive Calendar
Here is a rough outline of what a typical League of Legends competitive season calendar looks like:
| Week | Activity | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Pre-season | Ranked Play Unlock, New Content Introductions |
| 3-7 | Actual Season | Regular Ranked Play Matches |
| 8-9 | Mid-Season Breakpoint | Balance Adjustments, New Content Introduction |
| 10-14 | Actual Season | Regular Ranked Play Matches |
| 15 | Championships | Regional Playoffs, World Championships |
| 16-20 | Downtime | Rest, Recuperation, Pre-season Content Preparation |
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the length of a season in League of Legends:
FAQ 1: What is the exact length of a season in League of Legends?
There is no exact length, as seasons can vary slightly due to differences in region and game content. However, as mentioned earlier, a typical season is approximately 12-14 weeks, or 90-112 days long.
FAQ 2: When do ranked matches start in a season?
Ranked matches usually unlock during the first week of the actual season, but this can vary depending on the region.
FAQ 3: When does the World Championship take place?
The World Championship, which is the culminating event of the season, typically takes place towards the end of the year.
FAQ 4: How often does the game balance adjust during a season?
The mid-season breakpoint usually occurs, where balance adjustments and new content introductions take place. This usually happens around weeks 8-10 of the season.
FAQ 5: Can I play ranked matches during the post-season downtime?
No, ranked matches are usually disabled during the post-season downtime period, allowing the teams to rest and for the new pre-season and season to begin.
FAQ 6: Will the same regions be grouped together in the World Championship?
No, each region has its own specific grouping system, and teams compete against others from their region or specific groups of regions.
FAQ 7: Do all regions participate in the Mid-Season Breakpoint?
While the mid-season breakpoint does occur, not all regions participate, as some regions may have their own, separate events and tournament structures.
FAQ 8: Is the playoff format the same across all regions?
No, each region has its own specific playoff format, which can include group stages, best-of-1 series, and best-of-five series.
Understanding the length of a season in League of Legends is crucial for both casual and professional players. By grasping the layout of the season, including the pre-season, mid-season breakpoint, and playoffs, you can better plan and strategize for improvement and success.