Do You Decay in Emerald in League of Legends? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
No, you do not decay in Emerald in League of Legends. Decay only affects players in Diamond and higher. If you’ve fought your way to Emerald, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing your rank is safe from inactivity. However, staying sharp and playing consistently is still recommended to improve and eventually climb to Diamond and beyond!
Understanding Decay in League of Legends
Decay is a system designed to maintain the integrity of the highest tiers of play. It prevents players from reaching a high rank and then becoming inactive, effectively holding a spot that could be occupied by a more actively playing and equally skilled player. It’s a crucial mechanic to keep the upper echelons of the ladder competitive and reflective of current skill levels. Let’s explore the nuances of decay and its impact on the ranked experience.
Who is Affected by Decay?
As stated before, decay only applies to players in Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. If you’re below Diamond (Iron through Platinum), you’re exempt from this system. This allows players in lower tiers to play more casually without the pressure of constantly needing to grind games. This difference in treatment for different ranks acknowledges the different skill levels and time commitments of the players within them.
How Does Decay Work?
Decay is triggered by inactivity. If you don’t play a ranked game in your respective queue (Solo/Duo or Flex) for a certain period, you will lose LP (League Points). The specific amount of LP lost and the frequency of decay depend on your rank:
- Diamond: The decay mechanism applies if you don’t play a ranked game in 28 days. After the 28 day period, you will lose LP daily, decaying to a minimum of Diamond IV.
- Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger: These ranks have a more stringent system. Your account stores up to 14 days of activity, known as a “banked day”. You need to play a game to add a banked day, up to a maximum of 14. Every day, one banked day is used. If you run out of banked days, decay will occur until you play a game and add another banked day.
Consequences of Decay
The most obvious consequence of decay is the loss of LP. If you decay below 0 LP in your current division, you will be demoted to the next lower division. If you are already in Division IV of your tier (e.g., Diamond IV), you will be demoted to the next lower tier (e.g., Emerald I). This can be a significant setback, requiring you to grind back up to your previous rank.
Avoiding Decay
The best way to avoid decay is simply to play regularly. Keeping a consistent schedule of ranked games will ensure that you always have enough banked days to prevent LP loss. If you know you’ll be away from the game for an extended period, it’s wise to play a few extra games beforehand to build up your banked days. Consider this strategic planning to maintain your rank, similar to managing resources in a real-time strategy game. You can learn more about the strategic aspects of gaming, which are similar to those of the game of League of Legends, at the Games Learning Society: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ranked Decay
1. Can you decay from Diamond 4 to Platinum?
Yes, you absolutely can. If you decay to 0 LP in Diamond IV, you will be demoted to Emerald I. This is a significant drop and requires a climb back up through Emerald and into Diamond.
2. How many LP do you lose from decay in Diamond?
The amount of LP lost from decay in Diamond varies, but it is enough to potentially demote you if you are close to 0 LP in your current division. Therefore, it’s essential to manage your banked days effectively.
3. What happens if you decay in Master?
In Master, you lose LP based on the banked day system described earlier. Running out of banked days results in daily LP loss until you play a game to replenish them.
4. Can you see how many banked days you have?
Yes, the League of Legends client displays how many banked days you have remaining. This allows you to track your activity and plan accordingly to avoid decay.
5. Does inactivity affect your MMR?
While inactivity directly causes LP decay, it doesn’t directly affect your MMR (Matchmaking Rating). However, if you decay and play worse due to rustiness when you return, your MMR will be affected by your losses.
6. Is it harder to climb from Emerald to Diamond than Platinum to Diamond?
Climbing from Emerald to Diamond can feel challenging because of the increased skill level of players. Emerald is designed to be a more competitive rank than Platinum. You’ll need to refine your skills and strategies to succeed in this higher elo.
7. What is the average MMR for Emerald players?
The MMR for Emerald players falls between the MMR ranges for Platinum and Diamond players. Because MMR is hidden, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number.
8. How does demotion shield work?
A demotion shield provides a temporary buffer after reaching a new tier or division. It prevents you from immediately demoting after a few losses at 0 LP. However, this shield will eventually expire, so it is essential to improve and avoid a losing streak.
9. What happens if I dodge a game in Diamond?
Dodging a game in Diamond incurs an LP penalty and a timed queue ban. The penalty increases with repeated dodges, so it’s best to avoid dodging unless absolutely necessary.
10. Does playing ARAM affect decay?
No, playing ARAM (All Random All Mid) or any other non-ranked game mode does not prevent decay. Only ranked Solo/Duo or Flex queue games count towards your banked days.
11. Can I queue with friends who are significantly lower ranked than me in Diamond?
Once you hit Diamond and up, the restrictions on who you can queue with tighten. Diamond IV and III can play with Emerald and Diamond players of any division, but they cannot queue with Master and higher. These restrictions are in place to ensure fair matchmaking.
12. How often should I play to avoid decay in Diamond?
Ideally, you should aim to play at least one ranked game every few days to avoid decay in Diamond. Keeping a consistent schedule will make it easier to maintain your rank.
13. What is the best role to climb with in Emerald?
The “best” role to climb with is subjective and depends on your individual skills and play style. However, roles that have a significant impact on the game, such as jungle and mid-lane, are often favored for climbing. It’s wise to master a role you enjoy and excel at to maximize your climb.
14. Is Emerald elo inflated?
The introduction of Emerald was partly intended to redistribute players across the ranked ladder. Therefore, it might initially feel like elo inflation. However, over time, the system should stabilize, and Emerald will represent a distinct skill bracket between Platinum and Diamond.
15. What is the difference between MMR and LP?
MMR (Matchmaking Rating) is a hidden value that determines your skill level and who you are matched with in games. LP (League Points) is a visible value that reflects your progress within a tier and division. Winning games increases your LP, while losing games decreases it. Your MMR influences how much LP you gain or lose per game.
Understanding decay is crucial for maintaining your rank in the higher tiers of League of Legends. While Emerald players don’t have to worry about decay, striving for Diamond and beyond requires a dedicated approach to playing consistently and strategically managing your banked days. Good luck on the Rift!