Does Dodging a Ranked Game Count as a Loss? The Ultimate 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.
In the fast-paced world of competitive online gaming, particularly in titles like League of Legends and Valorant, every decision can be the difference between victory and defeat. One such decision is whether to dodge a ranked game, a somewhat controversial tactic where a player exits the champion select or pre-game lobby, effectively nullifying the match before it begins. The crucial question is: Does dodging a ranked game count as a loss?
The short answer is no, dodging a ranked game does not count as a direct loss in terms of your Matchmaking Rating (MMR). However, it does come with League Points (LP) or Rank Rating (RR) penalties and time restrictions, making it a strategic choice that requires careful consideration. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of dodging and its ramifications in the competitive landscape.
Understanding the Mechanics of Dodging
Dodging, in essence, is the act of leaving a game lobby before the match officially starts. This action can be performed for a variety of reasons, ranging from unfavorable team compositions and known trolls in the lobby to real-life emergencies. While it might seem like a risk-free way to avoid a potentially bad game, the game developers have implemented systems to prevent its abuse.
Penalties for Dodging
- League of Legends: In League of Legends, dodging a ranked game incurs an LP penalty, typically -3 LP for the first dodge and -10 LP for subsequent dodges within a specific timeframe. Additionally, you’ll be subject to a queue timer, preventing you from immediately re-entering the ranked queue. The timer increases with each subsequent dodge. Importantly, if you are in a promotional series, dodging counts as a loss, and dodging the final game of a series ends the series.
- Valorant: In Valorant, dodging results in a RR penalty, typically ranging from -4 to -12 RR, and a queue ban. The RR penalty can push you below the threshold required to maintain your current rank, potentially leading to a demotion if it places you at 0 RR or below.
The Impact on MMR vs. LP/RR
The crucial distinction to understand is the difference between MMR (Matchmaking Rating) and LP/RR (League Points/Rank Rating). MMR is a hidden value that the matchmaking system uses to determine your skill level and pair you with appropriate teammates and opponents. LP/RR, on the other hand, is a visible representation of your rank within the game’s tiered system.
Dodging does not directly affect your MMR. Your MMR is primarily influenced by the outcomes of completed matches – wins and losses. Since a dodged game never actually begins, it doesn’t contribute to your MMR calculation. However, the cumulative effect of consistently dodging “bad” games in an effort to manipulate your win rate could indirectly impact your MMR over a very long period by influencing the skill level of your opponents.
While dodging doesn’t directly impact MMR, it directly affects LP/RR. This is the price you pay for avoiding a potentially unfavorable match. The rationale is that constant dodging would disrupt the ranked system, potentially increasing queue times and leading to an unstable competitive environment.
Strategic Dodging: A Controversial Tool
The debate surrounding dodging often centers on its strategic use. Some players advocate for dodging as a legitimate tool to improve their overall win rate, while others view it as an unsportsmanlike tactic.
The Pro-Dodging Argument
Proponents of strategic dodging argue that it allows players to avoid games with:
- Unfavorable team compositions: A team with no frontline or an imbalance of damage types can be a recipe for disaster.
- Trolls and toxic players: Identifying a player with a history of negative behavior in champion select can justify a dodge.
- Autofilled players: A player forced to play a role they are unfamiliar with can put the team at a disadvantage.
By dodging these potentially losing scenarios, players believe they can increase their overall chances of climbing the ranked ladder. As long as you manage your LP/RR effectively and don’t dodge too frequently, the logic is that the increased win rate will outweigh the occasional penalty.
The Anti-Dodging Argument
Critics of dodging argue that it:
- Disrupts the matchmaking system: Excessive dodging can lead to longer queue times and potentially unfair matches for other players.
- Promotes a negative mindset: Focusing on avoiding losses rather than striving to win can hinder improvement.
- Can be abused: Some players may dodge simply because they don’t like their team’s picks, even if the team composition is viable.
Furthermore, frequent dodging can be detrimental to your own progress. The accumulating queue timers can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend actually playing the game, and the recurring LP/RR penalties can slow down your climb.
Conclusion
Dodging in ranked games is a complex issue with both advantages and disadvantages. While it doesn’t directly affect your MMR, it does incur LP/RR penalties and queue timers. Whether or not to dodge is a strategic decision that depends on individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and overall goals. Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a decision. The goal should always be to foster a competitive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved.
And remember, the spirit of gaming includes sportsmanship and resilience, as noted by researchers within the Games Learning Society and accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org, qualities that often prove more valuable than dodging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dodging
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of dodging:
1. Do I lose MMR for dodging champ select?
No, you do not lose MMR for dodging in champion select. This is why some players in high elo (like Challenger) might use dodging strategically.
2. Do I lose RR if I dodge in Valorant?
Yes, dodging in Valorant incurs a Rank Rating (RR) penalty, typically between -4 and -12 RR.
3. Does a dodge count as a loss in provisionals?
No, dodging in your provisional matches (the games you play before you get a rank) does not count as a loss or towards the number of games played.
4. Does dodging affect MMR in League of Legends on Reddit?
The general consensus on Reddit and in the League of Legends community is that dodging does not affect your MMR.
5. Does dodging affect MMR in 2024?
As of 2024, the core mechanic remains the same: dodging does not directly affect your MMR.
6. Do you lose MMR for dodging promos?
No, dodging promos does not decrease your MMR. However, dodging does count as a loss in your promotional series.
7. What is the penalty for dodging ranked in League of Legends?
The penalty is an LP reduction (-3 LP for the first dodge, -10 LP for subsequent dodges) and a queue timer that increases with each dodge within a timeframe.
8. Why do I lose LP for dodging?
You lose LP for dodging to discourage players from excessively abandoning games and disrupting the matchmaking process.
9. Can you demote from Gold to Silver by dodging?
No, not directly. While constantly dodging can make you lose LP, a demotion between tiers (Gold to Silver) requires your MMR to drop significantly, to the level of players in Silver.
10. Is dodging better than blocking?
Whether dodging or blocking is “better” depends on the context. Blocking is generally a useful tool for personal customization and avoiding certain players after the game. Dodging is high-risk, high-reward and is used to avoid playing a disadvantageous game due to the champion select lobby.
11. Can you demote from dodging?
Not directly. You can’t demote simply by dodging, even if it takes your LP below zero. However, your lowered LP will increase your risk of demotion if you lose a subsequent game.
12. Can you lose MMR if you win a game?
In theory, yes, but it’s rare. If your personal performance is significantly below what’s expected, even winning a game can result in a very minor MMR decrease. This is unusual and doesn’t happen often.
13. Why is dodging important in games?
In some game contexts (though not ranked queues), “dodging” refers to a physical movement skill used to avoid attacks or projectiles. For example, dodging in a fighting game means avoiding an opponent’s attack.
14. Does winning increase MMR?
Yes, winning games is the primary way to increase your MMR. Win streaks, in particular, can significantly boost your MMR.
15. Does AFK (Away From Keyboard) affect MMR?
If a player goes AFK and causes you to lose, your MMR will decrease. However, the impact is the same for all players on the losing team. While it’s frustrating, it affects everyone’s MMR equally in that particular match.