Do I Lose a Placement Game If I Dodge? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is no, dodging a game during your placement matches in League of Legends does not count as a loss. However, there are penalties and strategic implications you need to understand. This article will delve into the specifics of dodging during placements, the associated penalties, and how it impacts your overall ranking journey. We’ll also cover frequently asked questions to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

The Dodging Mechanics During Placements

Dodging in League of Legends refers to leaving the champion select lobby before the game begins. This can be done for various reasons, such as a toxic team composition, unfavorable matchups, or simply not feeling confident. During placement matches, this mechanic operates slightly differently than in regular ranked games.

• No Loss Penalty: Crucially, a dodge in placements does not count as a loss. This is a significant advantage, as it allows you to avoid potentially disastrous games without negatively impacting your win/loss record.
• LP and Time Penalties: While you won’t lose a placement game due to dodging, you will still incur penalties. These penalties typically involve a loss of a small amount of LP (League Points), usually around 3-5 LP, and a timed queue lockout. The duration of the lockout increases with repeated dodges within a short period.
• MMR Remains Unaffected: Dodging generally does not significantly affect your MMR (Matchmaking Rating). Your MMR is a hidden value that determines the difficulty of your opponents and the amount of LP you gain or lose per game.

Strategic Dodging in Placements

Knowing that dodges don’t count as losses opens up possibilities for strategic play during placements. While it is important to act responsibly and remember that dodging is frustrating for your teammates, there are some justifiable reasons to consider it.

• Unfavorable Team Composition: If your team composition is heavily countered by the enemy team, or if you have multiple players picking off-meta or untested strategies, dodging might be a viable option.
• Toxic Teammates: If you encounter players who are being excessively toxic or displaying signs of intentional feeding in champion select, dodging can save you from a potentially demoralizing and LP-draining experience.
• Personal Circumstances: Sometimes, unexpected real-life situations arise that prevent you from focusing on the game. Dodging is preferable to being AFK during the game and negatively impacting your teammates.

When NOT to Dodge in Placements

While dodging can be beneficial in certain scenarios, it’s essential to avoid abusing the mechanic. Excessive dodging can lead to longer queue times for yourself and others, and it disrupts the overall game experience. It is important to consider a few reasons NOT to dodge.

• Slightly Unfavorable Matchup: A slightly unfavorable matchup isn’t always a death sentence. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills.
• Minor Tilt: Experiencing mild frustration or tilt is normal. Taking a short break instead of dodging can often be more productive.
• Impatience: Don’t dodge simply because you’re impatient and want to get into a game quickly.

The Importance of Placement Matches

Placement matches are crucial for setting the foundation of your ranked season. While winning all ten games won’t automatically place you in the highest tier, it will significantly boost your initial rank. Your performance in these games heavily influences your MMR, which in turn determines the difficulty of your future matches and the rate at which you climb the ladder.

Your MMR from the previous season also plays a significant role. If you had a high MMR last season, you’ll likely be placed higher even if you don’t win all your placement matches.

League of Legends Community

The Games Learning Society is a great community to discuss the stragies in League of Legends. This community helps the learning and growing of the game. You can visit the website at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional clarity on dodging, placements, and related aspects of League of Legends ranked play:

1. Does dodging affect my MMR in regular ranked games? Dodging has a minimal, if any, impact on your MMR in regular ranked games. The primary penalty is LP loss and a queue lockout.

2. What is the penalty for dodging multiple times in a row? The time penalty increases with each consecutive dodge within a certain timeframe. The LP loss remains the same, but the waiting time can escalate quickly.

3. If I dodge a promotional series, does it count as a loss? Yes, dodging in a promotional series always counts as a loss, even if it’s your first game. This is a critical difference compared to dodging during placements.

4. Can I demote from dodging? No, you cannot demote solely from dodging. However, if you repeatedly dodge at 0 LP, you’ll accumulate negative LP, and a subsequent loss could trigger a demotion.

5. How do placement matches determine my starting rank? Placement matches use a combination of your previous season’s MMR and your performance in the placement games to determine your initial rank. Winning more games generally leads to a higher placement.

6. Does playing with higher-level players during placements affect my placement? Yes, being matched against and with higher-level players during placements can positively influence your MMR and potentially lead to a higher placement.

7. What happens if I lose all 10 placement games? Losing all 10 placement games will result in a lower initial rank, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be placed in the lowest tier. Your previous MMR still plays a significant role.

8. What can I do if I’m unhappy with my placement? The only way to improve your rank is to win games consistently. Focus on improving your gameplay, learning new strategies, and playing with a positive attitude.

9. How long do placement matches last? Placement matches consist of 10 games.

10. Can I reach the highest rank after placements if I have a good winrate? The highest rank you can achieve after placements is Ascendant 1. The rest must be achieved climbing the ladder.

11. Does win rate influence MMR? Yes, a consistently high win rate is a significant factor in increasing your MMR. The game attempts to match you with increasingly challenging opponents as your win rate improves.

12. Is it possible to gain RR (Ranked Rating) on a loss? No, it is not possible to gain RR on a loss in Valorant. However, your MMR can increase even if you lose, which can lead to reduced RR losses in future games.

13. Can I decay from a rank due to inactivity? Yes, if you’re inactive for an extended period, you can decay from ranks like Diamond and above.

14. How many games do I need to lose at 0 LP to get demoted? Typically, one loss at 0 LP is sufficient to trigger a demotion.

15. What happens if I repeatedly quit ranked games? Repeatedly quitting ranked games results in queue lockouts, Ranked Restrictions, and potential bans.

Conclusion

Dodging can be a useful tool during placement matches in League of Legends. As a seasoned expert, I know that dodging does not count as a loss, but it is vital to use it judiciously and strategically. Remember that while dodging can save you from unfavorable situations, it’s important to balance it with responsible gameplay and consideration for your fellow players. Good luck with your placements, and may your ranked journey be filled with victories!