How to Get Rid of Leaver Buster: A Comprehensive Guide

Dealing with the dreaded Leaver Buster system in games can be frustrating. Whether you’ve had internet issues, unexpected real-life interruptions, or simply made a mistake, understanding how to navigate this system is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. The core of getting rid of Leaver Buster penalties comes down to this: you need to play games and complete them. There is no magic button or special code.

Specifically, the penalty isn’t time-based, but instead, it will be removed once you complete enough games to raise your “games played” vs “games completed” percentage above a required threshold. This percentage is calculated based on your 20 most recent games.

Let’s break down the specifics and look at some frequently asked questions about leaver penalties in various online games.

Understanding Leaver Buster

Before we dive into the FAQs, it’s important to understand why Leaver Buster exists. This automated system is designed to discourage players from leaving matches prematurely, which negatively impacts the experience of other players. The system aims to improve the overall quality of the game by ensuring players are committed to playing matches from start to finish.

Leaver Buster is not a personal attack; it’s a system trying to maintain a balanced and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Leaver Buster

1. What is Leaver Buster, exactly?

Leaver Buster is an automated system that penalizes players who leave games early or are AFK (Away From Keyboard). It’s a deterrent to prevent players from quitting mid-match and ruining the experience for their teammates. These penalties can range from short queue delays to more severe consequences depending on the frequency and severity of leaving.

2. How does the Leaver Buster system work?

The specifics vary from game to game, but in general, Leaver Buster tracks your recent match history. The system compares the number of matches you started with the number you completed. If the percentage of completed games falls below a threshold, you’ll be penalized. The more frequently you leave games, the more severe the penalties will become. These penalties can include queue delays, loss of rewards, or even temporary bans.

3. What are the typical penalties for leaving games?

Penalties depend on the game, but some common ones include:

• Low Priority Queue: This is often the initial penalty, requiring players to wait longer before they can queue for a match.
• Matchmaking Queue Delay: This adds an additional waiting time to your queue, usually starting at a few minutes and increasing with repeated offenses.
• Loss of Rewards: You might lose experience points, currency, or other rewards earned from matches.
• Temporary bans: Repeated or severe offenses can lead to temporary bans from playing the game.

4. How long do Leaver Buster penalties last?

The length of penalties varies. Low priority queues often last for a certain number of games or a specific time period. For instance, in some games, you might be put in low-priority queue for five games, with an additional five-minute wait before each queue. Matchmaking queue delays can be short initially, but they escalate with repeated offenses.

The important thing to remember is that the penalty is not always time-based, and often revolves around completing a certain number of games.

5. Does dodging in champion select count toward Leaver Buster?

Yes, dodging during champion select can trigger Leaver Buster. While it might seem less disruptive than leaving mid-match, it still causes issues for other players and negatively impacts the matchmaking process. Dodging will add penalties, including an increasing queue delay.

6. What is the penalty for dodging?

Dodging penalties also vary from game to game, but usually involve:

• Queue Delay: You will be unable to join the matchmaking queue for a set time. The first dodge usually has a shorter penalty, but subsequent dodges have increased wait times.
• LP Loss: In ranked modes, dodging can also lead to a loss of League Points (LP).

7. Does AFK contribute to Leaver Buster penalties?

Yes, going AFK (Away From Keyboard) counts towards Leaver Buster. The system typically detects inactivity and treats it the same way as leaving a game. It is crucial to remain engaged throughout the entire match.

8. Will Leaver Buster penalties reset?

Leaver Buster penalties often have a system for resetting but usually require you to play a significant number of games without leaving to get the penalty reduced. If you dodge out of champ select after your delay is complete, your queue delay will reset without reducing the total number of games remaining in your penalty. However, if another player dodges after your delay is complete, you’ll be able to enter the queue immediately.

9. Is there any way to have a Leaver Buster penalty manually removed?

In most cases, Leaver Buster penalties cannot be manually removed. Game developers and support teams usually cannot lift or adjust these penalties, as they are system-generated based on your actions. The best way to remove a penalty is by simply playing through it.

10. Can I get banned for frequently leaving games?

Yes, frequent leaving can lead to suspensions and eventually even permanent bans. The escalation depends on the severity and frequency of the offenses, making it a crucial habit to break. It’s best to aim to finish every game.

11. How can I avoid getting Leaver Buster penalties?

To avoid penalties, stay in each game until the end. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and address any potential real-life interruptions before starting a match. Don’t leave matches unless necessary. Being a responsible teammate is the simplest way to avoid Leaver Buster.

12. Does leaving a game in Quick Play count towards Leaver Buster?

The penalty for leaving Quick Play games often varies between titles. In some games, they may not lead to penalties like low priority queue, but might result in reduced experience point gain. However, persistent leaving might result in increased waiting times in match queueing.

13. Does the Leaver Buster system affect my MMR/LP?

While Leaver Buster itself doesn’t directly affect your MMR (Matchmaking Rating) or LP (League Points), leaving games can still have indirect effects. For example, if you leave a ranked game, you’ll likely lose LP, and a pattern of leaving will definitely hamper your overall progression. Dodging in promotional series also counts as a loss, so be careful when attempting to advance your rank.

14. What if I experience genuine technical issues?

Unfortunately, Leaver Buster systems don’t usually distinguish between intentional and unintentional leaves. If you consistently experience technical issues, it is vital to address these issues rather than simply accepting the penalty. It’s also a good idea to report the technical issue to the game developers.

15. Can Riot reverse a permanent ban?

Permanent bans are generally very difficult to reverse. Typically, they are only reversed under special circumstances, such as in situations with extreme errors or where new information comes to light. Most serious penalties are typically preceded by warnings and suspensions, so it’s crucial to be aware of and follow the game’s rules. In very rare cases, as seen with Tyler1’s ban reversal, it may be possible, but this is far from typical.

Conclusion

Dealing with Leaver Buster can be annoying but is often easily fixed. The key to removing these penalties is consistent effort. Play matches, stick them out until the end, and maintain a good connection.. By understanding how these systems work, you can minimize the risk of penalties and keep your gaming experiences enjoyable and frustration-free for yourself and your teammates. Remember, your actions affect others, so try to stay as present in each match as possible.