Does Dodging Placements Affect MMR? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is no, dodging during placement matches typically does not directly affect your MMR (Matchmaking Rating). However, the implications of dodging and its overall impact on your ranked climb are more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While you won’t see an immediate MMR deduction from dodging during placements, frequent dodging can indirectly impact your long-term ranking progress by affecting your LP gains and the quality of your future matches.
Understanding MMR and Placement Matches
MMR is the hidden number that the game uses to determine your skill level. It’s the engine driving the matchmaking system, ensuring you’re pitted against opponents of comparable ability. Placement matches are a series of games at the start of each ranked season (or when you first enter ranked play) that determine your initial rank. These matches are designed to rapidly adjust your MMR and place you in the appropriate tier.
Unlike regular ranked games, placement matches offer a larger degree of MMR volatility. Wins and losses in placements cause significantly larger shifts in your MMR than wins and losses in standard ranked play. This is because the system is trying to quickly assess your skill level and slot you into the correct position on the ladder.
Dodging, on the other hand, is the act of leaving a game during champion select. This avoids the match entirely, preventing you from entering the game with a team you believe has a disadvantage. While dodging avoids a potential loss, it comes with its own set of consequences, mainly LP (League Points) penalties and temporary queue bans.
Why Dodging Doesn’t Directly Affect MMR
The primary reason dodging doesn’t affect MMR is that the game never actually starts. Because the game doesn’t commence, the outcome (win or loss) is never recorded. MMR changes are only triggered by the results of completed matches. Therefore, since dodging effectively cancels the match before it begins, it leaves your MMR untouched. This is an intentional design choice to prevent players from manipulating their MMR by selectively dodging games they perceive as unwinnable.
However, while dodging doesn’t directly decrease your MMR, its indirect effects can still influence your climb. Consider this: constantly dodging to avoid suboptimal team compositions or unfavorable matchups might seem advantageous in the short term. However, if this leads to a lower win rate in the matches you do play (due to tilt from the LP loss or the psychology of constantly avoiding challenges), your MMR can ultimately suffer. The Games Learning Society understands the complexities of game mechanics and the importance of strategic decision-making. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore more about game-based learning.
The Importance of Understanding the System
Ultimately, understanding how MMR and placement matches work is crucial for optimizing your ranked climb. While dodging may seem like a shortcut, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Ask yourself if the potential LP loss and queue ban are worth avoiding a specific match. Are you consistently dodging to avoid self-improvement, or are you making calculated decisions based on objective information?
Knowing when to dodge and when to play through a challenging match can be the difference between plateauing and steadily climbing the ranks. Mastering this strategic element of the game requires understanding the nuances of the system and developing a strong sense of self-awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about dodging, placement matches, and MMR:
1. Will I lose LP if I dodge during placement matches?
Yes, you will lose LP for dodging during placement matches, similar to regular ranked games. The LP penalty typically starts at 3 LP for the first dodge and increases with subsequent dodges within a short period.
2. Does dodging count as a loss in placement matches?
No, dodging does not count as a loss in placement matches. You still have the original number of placement matches remaining after dodging.
3. What happens if I dodge all my placement matches?
If you dodge all your placement matches, you will still be placed in a rank based on your underlying MMR. However, you’ll have accumulated significant LP penalties and queue bans.
4. Can I get demoted by dodging at 0 LP?
While you cannot be demoted solely from dodging at 0 LP, repeatedly dodging will increase your LP deficit. If you subsequently lose a few games after reaching 0 LP, you will likely be demoted. Dodging is not a way to avoid demotion in the long run.
5. How much does MMR fluctuate during placement matches compared to regular ranked games?
MMR fluctuates much more during placement matches. Placement matches can shift your MMR by 50 or more points per game, while regular games typically result in MMR changes of 10-20 points.
6. Does winning or losing placement matches have a greater impact on my starting rank?
Winning placement matches has a significant impact on your starting rank. A higher win rate in placements generally leads to a higher initial rank.
7. Does my performance in placement matches (KDA, CS, etc.) affect my MMR?
While your win/loss record is the primary factor affecting your MMR, some believe that individual performance metrics might have a minor influence. However, Riot Games has never explicitly confirmed this.
8. If I played well in previous seasons, will that affect my placement MMR?
Yes, your MMR from the previous season is used as a starting point for your placement matches. This means that players who performed well in the past will generally start with a higher MMR and face tougher opponents during placements.
9. Is it better to dodge a game with autofilled teammates during placements?
This is a strategic decision. While dodging avoids a potentially unfavorable game, it also incurs LP penalties and queue bans. Consider your overall confidence in your ability to carry the game, even with autofilled teammates. Dodging should be a calculated risk, not a knee-jerk reaction.
10. Does my MMR affect the MMR of my teammates during placement matches?
Yes, the matchmaking system tries to create balanced teams based on MMR. Your MMR influences the MMR of your teammates and opponents.
11. What happens if I lose all 10 placement games?
If you lose all 10 placement games, you will likely be placed in a lower rank, but not necessarily the lowest possible rank. Your MMR will still be considered, and you may be placed higher than someone who is entirely new to ranked.
12. Does dodging in ranked promos count as a loss?
Yes, dodging during a ranked promotion series counts as a loss. This is a significant difference between placements and promos.
13. How long is the queue ban for dodging?
The queue ban duration increases with each subsequent dodge. The initial ban is typically 5 minutes, followed by 30 minutes, and then several hours for repeated offenses.
14. How can I improve my MMR after placements?
The best way to improve your MMR after placements is to consistently win games. Focus on improving your gameplay, learning new strategies, and playing with a positive attitude. A consistently high win rate will gradually increase your MMR.
15. Should I prioritize playing my best champions during placement matches?
Yes, it is generally advisable to play your best and most comfortable champions during placement matches. This will increase your chances of winning and achieving a higher starting rank. Prioritize maximizing your impact on the game.