How Long Do ARAM Games Last? A Comprehensive Guide
The quick answer to the question of how long ARAM (All Random All Mid) games last is that they generally fall within the range of 15 to 20 minutes. However, like most things in the world of League of Legends, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. ARAM game length can vary based on several factors, occasionally stretching closer to 30 minutes or, in rare instances, ending even quicker than the average. Understanding these variations will help you manage your expectations and time when hopping into a game on the Howling Abyss.
Factors Affecting ARAM Game Length
Several factors can influence how long an ARAM match will last:
- Team Composition and Skill: The balance of team compositions plays a significant role. If one team has a clear advantage in terms of champion strengths or team synergy, the game is likely to conclude quicker. Similarly, the relative skill of each player can influence the pace of the match. A team of coordinated players who know their champions will likely be able to push to victory much faster compared to a team with less cohesion.
- Close Battles and Even Matchups: When teams are evenly matched, games tend to last longer. Constant back and forth team fights, frequent respawns, and the resulting tug-of-war for objectives means the game can approach the 30 minute mark. The more closely the two teams mirror each other, the more prolonged the match will become.
- Early Surrenders: League of Legends features a surrender mechanic, and ARAM is no exception. If one team is getting severely outmatched, they may opt to surrender as early as 15 minutes in. This can dramatically shorten the match duration, bringing it down to the low end of the average time.
- Objective Focus: The way teams approach the game’s objective can significantly impact game length. Teams that prioritize taking down turrets and the Nexus, over going on reckless champion chases after winning a team fight, will typically achieve victory quicker. Ignoring secondary objectives after a team fight will significantly push the game towards closure.
- Champion Healing and Poke: The constant poke from specific champions can prolong game length. With champions like Lux or Ziggs continually putting pressure on the enemy team, the match can develop into a protracted standoff where both sides are afraid to commit. Add in champions with massive self-healing, and some ARAM games become attrition based battles.
Understanding ARAM Game Dynamics
It’s important to remember that ARAM games are designed to be fast-paced and action-packed. Unlike Summoner’s Rift, where strategic map control and objective rotations take center stage, ARAM is all about continuous team fights in a single lane. This constant fighting tends to keep games relatively short, as one or two decisive teamfights can quickly swing the balance of power.
While there is a general timeframe of 15–20 minutes, it’s not uncommon to see games extend past this due to these dynamics. The unpredictable nature of the random champion picks can lead to situations that either quickly snowball into a decisive victory or result in a long, drawn-out struggle.
The Importance of Time Management in ARAM
Knowing that ARAM games can last for the specified range is important for efficient time management when playing League. If you only have a limited amount of time, ARAM can be a great option for a quick gaming session. Just be prepared that the match may sometimes take a little longer than expected, especially if you have a good back-and-forth going.
It is also essential to not make rash decisions based on a time constraint and risk a LeaverBuster penalty. Leaving a matchmade ARAM game will result in the same penalties as leaving any other matchmade game in League of Legends.
ARAM vs. Summoner’s Rift Game Length
While ARAM aims for a shorter playtime, it’s worth noting how this compares to Summoner’s Rift. The average game on Summoner’s Rift can last anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes, and even longer depending on team compositions, objectives, and match closeness. This significant difference makes ARAM an attractive choice for those looking for a quick League of Legends fix without having to set aside more time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ARAM Game Length
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding ARAM game length, along with detailed answers to further enhance your understanding:
1. Is it common for ARAM games to go longer than 20 minutes?
While the average is around 19 minutes, yes it is. Games can go much longer, especially if both teams are equally matched or are particularly skilled with poke and healing. Expect games to occasionally extend closer to 30 minutes.
2. Can ARAM games end faster than 15 minutes?
Yes, especially if one team experiences a complete stomp in the early minutes. A team might also opt to surrender early if they are at a significant disadvantage, leading to matches ending quickly.
3. Does the time of day impact how long ARAM games last?
No, the time of day doesn’t directly influence game length. However, the time of day may impact the types of players you are matched with, which may indirectly affect the match length.
4. Are there any specific champions that make ARAM games last longer?
Yes, champions with strong poke or healing capabilities can prolong matches. Champions like Lux, Ziggs, and healers can lead to drawn-out siege battles if played well.
5. Do ARAM games use the same surrender time as Summoner’s Rift?
Yes, the surrender time is the same as Summoner’s Rift, with the earliest surrender available at 15 minutes with a majority vote.
6. How does the Howling Abyss map affect game length?
The one-lane nature of the Howling Abyss leads to constant team fights, which, on average, leads to a quicker game conclusion compared to Summoner’s Rift.
7. Does it take longer to get Champion Mastery in ARAM games?
Yes, while you can earn Champion Mastery, you cannot earn Mastery 6 and 7 tokens in ARAM. Champion Mastery is still possible in ARAM. You won’t, however, receive the full rate as Summoners Rift and can only reach mastery 5.
8. Does leaving an ARAM game impact my account negatively?
Yes, leaving a matchmade ARAM game will result in LeaverBuster penalties, which can lead to timed bans from the game.
9. Is the speed at which players earn rerolls impacted by game length?
No, the speed at which players earn rerolls is based on the number of champions owned and the number of ARAM games played; the game length is irrelevant.
10. Do items purchased in ARAM influence game length?
Yes. Items that provide sustain or allow you to clear minions faster can either extend or shorten the length of games.
11. Does the ARAM match history show the exact length of each game?
Yes, your match history will record the exact time of each ARAM game that you’ve played.
12. Are there any challenges that impact how long ARAM games last?
Yes, certain challenges like ‘Win before 15 minutes’ encourage shorter game strategies. However, for the most part, challenge progression doesn’t directly alter game length.
13. Can you get the ARAM God title in very short or very long ARAM games?
Yes, as long as you gather up enough points in ARAM related challenges. The duration of individual games does not matter for the ARAM god title, just the number of games and challenges completed.
14. Does the 40% cooldown reduction affect ARAM game length?
Yes, the 40% cooldown reduction can cause team fights to happen much more frequently, pushing the game towards a faster conclusion.
15. Does the 50% healing reduction in ARAM make games shorter?
Yes, although not always drastically. 50% reduced healing forces players to play more strategically, preventing some from dragging the game out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ARAM games typically last between 15 and 20 minutes, but this is just an average. Many factors influence the duration, from team compositions to skill disparities. ARAM is known for its fast-paced action and can be a great way to enjoy League of Legends in a shorter time frame, but there are times when games go longer or end quickly due to the unpredictable nature of the mode. Understanding these dynamics will help you manage your time effectively and enjoy the chaotic fun of ARAM.