Can You Get Banned From Ranked in League of Legends?

Yes, you absolutely can get banned from ranked play in League of Legends. The game has a robust system in place designed to maintain a fair and enjoyable environment. While a full ban from the game (preventing you from logging in at all) is possible, specific penalties are in place to address violations in ranked play. These penalties are usually less severe initially, starting with restrictions and escalating for repeated offenses. Understanding how these systems work is crucial for all players aiming for a positive ranked experience. The key takeaway is that while you can be banned from ranked, it’s usually part of a disciplinary process designed to encourage better behavior.

Understanding Ranked Restrictions

Instead of a full ban right away, you’ll most likely encounter Ranked Restrictions first. These restrictions are triggered by repeated or severe violations of the League of Legends Code of Conduct. This code encompasses a wide range of expected player behaviors. A Ranked Restriction directly impacts your ability to queue for any ranked game mode (Solo/Duo or Flex). When a Ranked Restriction is applied, you’ll be required to play a set number of unranked games, demonstrating compliance with the code of conduct.

How Ranked Restrictions Work

When hit with a Ranked Restriction, you must play a designated number of unranked games, normally five. The essential aspect is that during these unranked games, you must adhere to the game’s Code of Conduct. Violating the code again during this period could extend the restriction or result in a more severe penalty. This system is designed not to punish aimlessly, but to encourage self-reflection and improvement. Completing the required number of games without incident will lift the restriction, allowing you to return to ranked play.

Escalation to Full Bans

While Ranked Restrictions are the first step in addressing problematic behavior in ranked, the system also allows for the application of more serious penalties, including full, temporary or permanent bans from League of Legends. These more severe penalties are applied to players who repeatedly violate the code of conduct or commit serious offenses that severely affect the player experience.

The Ban Escalation System

League of Legends operates on a progressive penalty system:

• First Offense: Typically results in a 3-Day Chat Restriction. This limits communication but still allows you to play.
• Second Offense: Typically results in a 7-Day Chat Restriction, further restricting communication
• Third Offense: A more significant penalty, resulting in a 14-Day Ban, preventing login for the stated period.
• Fourth Offense: The most severe penalty, a Permanent Ban, preventing access to the game permanently.

It is vital to understand that these are not the only paths and egregious offenses can lead directly to larger or even permanent bans. This system aims to be fair and corrective, giving players an opportunity to improve their behavior. However, repeated serious breaches will eventually lead to a permanent ban from the game.

What Causes Bans?

A wide range of behaviors can result in a ban, including but not limited to:

• Negative Chat: Abusive, hateful, or offensive language directed at other players.
• Intentional Feeding: Deliberately dying repeatedly to give the opposing team an advantage.
• Griefing: Disrupting team play through malicious in-game behavior.
• Leaving or AFK: Abandoning matches during gameplay and going AFK.
• Inappropriate Names: Offensive or inappropriate player and summoner names.
• Chat Room Spam: Flooding chat with unsolicited or repetitive messages.
• MMR Boosting: Manipulating ranked MMR through the use of other players or accounts.

The Instant Feedback System plays a crucial role, and is automated, in monitoring player behavior in real-time, and often penalizes bad behavior within 15 minutes of a game ending. Additionally, player reports and in-game data are used to identify and penalize inappropriate behavior.

Can You Appeal a Ban?

Riot Games has a reputation for rarely overturning penalties. However, you are always free to contact Riot Support and submit an appeal. You should provide a clear and detailed explanation of the situation and request the reversal of the punishment. If your case is compelling and demonstrates a clear misunderstanding or unfair penalty, there is a slim chance that the penalty might be overturned. However, you should enter that process knowing that correctly assigned penalties are never overturned.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions to help you further understand the rules and penalties in ranked play:

1. Can I get banned for dying too much in League of Legends?

No, you cannot be banned solely for dying too much. However, if your deaths are a result of intentional feeding or malicious gameplay, then you can be penalized. This distinction between poor play and intentional griefing is crucial.

2. Can you play ranked during the preseason?

Yes, you can play ranked during the preseason, the time after one season ends and before the next begins. However, you will not receive any rewards for climbing to new tiers during this period.

3. How long do League of Legends bans last?

The length of a ban varies, from 3-Day Chat Restrictions for minor offenses to Permanent Bans for repeat severe violations. Bans escalate through a progressive system.

4. Can a League of Legends account get unbanned?

While there is a process to appeal a ban to Riot Support, it is very rare for bans to be overturned. Riot Games takes penalties seriously and ensures they are applied correctly.

5. How does the automated ban system work in League?

The automated Disciplinary System analyzes game data, chat logs, and the player’s report history, measuring out the appropriate disciplinary action within 15 minutes of a game’s end.

6. How do I know if I’m banned?

You’ll typically receive a pop-up message within 15 minutes of a game-ending, or when you next log into the game, notifying you of the ban and its severity.

7. Can I get banned for going AFK?

Repeatedly leaving or going AFK can lead to penalties, including Ranked Restrictions. While leaving a game may not lead to a full ban outright, it may result in queue lockouts, delays, and further restrictions.

8. Is selling a League of Legends account illegal?

While not strictly illegal in the legal sense, account trading violates the Terms of Use for League of Legends. Violations can lead to the suspension of the account involved.

9. Does Riot delete inactive League accounts?

Yes, Riot will remove accounts that haven’t been active in a while, especially those that haven’t made purchases, played many games, or unlocked content.

10. Can I sell my League account?

Selling your account is against the Terms of Use and may result in suspension if discovered. However, players frequently engage in such practices despite the risks.

11. Do League ranks decay?

Yes, if you reach the higher tiers of the game, your rank will decay if you don’t play regularly. You will lose LP daily if you don’t play in that specific queue.

12. Can I get banned for leaving a ranked match?

Yes, repeatedly leaving or going AFK in ranked matches will lead to queue lockouts, delays, and possible Ranked Restrictions.

13. How much LP do I need for Grandmaster?

To reach Grandmaster, you need 200 LP and more LP than the lowest Grandmaster player in your region.

14. Is smurfing in League of Legends illegal?

Smurfing, while frowned upon, is not bannable in League of Legends, as it doesn’t violate any specific term of service.

15. Can I get banned for account sharing in League of Legends?

Yes, account sharing is a direct violation of the Terms of Use and can result in a permanent ban.

By understanding the rules and penalties, players can ensure they have a positive and rewarding experience in League of Legends ranked play. Maintaining good sportsmanship and following the guidelines are key to avoiding bans and enjoying the game to the fullest.