How Many Games Do You Need to Lose to Get Demoted in League of Legends?
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The simple answer? It depends. Unlike some games that employ a rigid point system, League of Legends’ demotion mechanic is nuanced, influenced by factors such as your Matchmaking Rating (MMR) and your recent performance. There’s no magic number, but understanding the underlying systems will give you a far clearer picture of how demotions work. Generally speaking, you need to lose a certain number of games at 0 LP to be demoted a division in League of Legends.
Understanding League Points (LP) and MMR
LP: The Visible Ladder
League Points (LP) are the most visible measure of your progress. You earn LP by winning games and lose LP when you are defeated. Accumulating 100 LP allows you to participate in promotion series, while reaching 0 LP puts you at risk of demotion.
MMR: The Invisible Hand
Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is a hidden value that League of Legends uses to determine your skill level. It significantly impacts your LP gains and losses. If your MMR is higher than your current rank, you’ll gain more LP per win and lose less LP per loss. Conversely, if your MMR is lower than your current rank, you’ll gain less LP per win and lose more LP per loss, increasing your risk of demotion.
The Demotion Sweet Spot: 0 LP and Beyond
The crucial point is that you generally need to lose games while at 0 LP to be demoted. Losing a game at, say, 10 LP will simply drop you lower in that division. The number of losses at 0 LP required for demotion varies:
- Newly Promoted: After being promoted to a new division, you receive a short period of demotion protection. This grace period typically allows you to lose several games at 0 LP before facing demotion, roughly around 5-10, depending on your MMR. Think of it as a ‘buffer’ to help you adjust to the new skill level.
- Established Rank: Once the demotion protection expires, the number of losses required for demotion decreases. If your MMR is significantly lower than your current rank, even one or two losses at 0 LP can trigger a demotion. If your MMR is high, it might take around 4-5 losses at 0 LP.
The Exception: Diamond and Above
Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger ranks have a decay system. In these tiers, inactivity leads to LP decay, where you lose LP over time. If your LP drops to 0 due to decay, you are immediately demoted to Diamond I.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on MMR: Improving your MMR is the best way to prevent demotions and climb the ladder effectively. Win more than you lose, and your MMR will naturally increase.
- 0 LP is the Danger Zone: Pay close attention to your LP. Once you hit 0 LP, consider taking a break or playing a normal game to avoid a losing streak that could trigger a demotion.
- Promotion Protection is Real: Utilize your demotion protection wisely after being promoted. Experiment with new strategies and champions without the immediate fear of losing your rank.
It’s more than just losing a set amount of games; it’s about the interplay between your LP, your hidden MMR, and the game’s demotion systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get demoted immediately after being promoted?
Yes, but usually not right away. After a promotion, there’s a demotion shield that prevents you from being demoted for a short period. This shield lasts for about 5 to 10 losses at 0 LP depending on your MMR.
2. Does dodging games at 0 LP affect my demotion chances?
Dodging a game doesn’t affect your MMR, but it does reduce your LP. While dodging below 0 LP won’t immediately demote you, it puts you in a worse position when you eventually play and lose, making demotion more likely.
3. How does MMR affect demotions?
MMR is the biggest factor. A low MMR means the system believes you’re ranked too high. Therefore, you will demote quicker even after a few losses.
4. What happens after I get demoted?
After being demoted, your LP will be set between 25 to 75, depending on how many losses you had when you were at zero LP. More losses will put you at a lower amount of LP.
5. How many games can you lose in a row at 0 LP before being demoted?
As stated earlier, if your MMR is really low, you can lose after 1 or 2 losses. This goes up to 5-10 games if you just attained the rank.
6. Can I decay out of Diamond or Master tier?
As of patch 10.6, you cannot demote out of Master or Diamond from decay.
7. Is there a way to check my MMR?
There is no official way to check your MMR within the League of Legends client. However, several third-party websites, like WhatismyMMR, attempt to estimate your MMR based on your recent performance and the players you are matched with.
8. Does losing more LP on losses mean my MMR is bad?
Yes. If you are losing more LP than you gain on wins, it’s a strong indicator that your MMR is lower than your current rank.
9. How does the Ranked system work overall?
After an initial 10-game Provisional Series, a player is placed into a tier and division, likely the Bronze or Silver tier, although it’s possible to achieve a Gold rank depending on the number of games you’ve won so far. You generally need 100 LPs to climb up each division. They’re also how Riot bridges the gap between your MMR and your rank, which can result in big differences between how much LP you gain or lose each game.
10. What happens if I win all 10 placement matches?
If you were silver or bronze then going 10/0 won’t get you as high as if you go 10/0 on an unranked account. Going 10/0 on an unranked will get you plat v/gold 1.
11. How often do ranks reset in League of Legends?
League of Legends will have two Ranked resets in Season 2023. Split 1 will start at the beginning of the year in January, and Split 2 will start in the middle of the year (exact timing is still TBD).
12. Can I get demoted from Gold to Silver?
If I recall correctly, to get demoted an actual division (gold->silver) your MMR has to drop to the level of the lower division’s fifth tier. So to go from gold to silver, you have to lose so many games that your MMR is equivalent to a silver 5 player.
13. What is demotion protection?
Demotion Protection also applies to the first three matches of every Season. Up until you reach Diamond, you can’t be demoted for the first 10 games.
14. Why do you lose 25 LP on demotion?
After you’ve been demoted, your LP will be set between 25 to 75, depending on how many losses you had when you were at zero LP. More losses will put you at a lower amount of LP.
15. How can learning games help in League of Legends?
Understanding game theory, resource management, and strategic thinking – all elements present in games – can significantly improve your decision-making and performance in League of Legends. Learning is at the heart of all improvement. For more on the intersection of games and learning, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org.
16. Does dodging at 0 lp demote?
Normally, you lose a rank after losing too many games at 0 LP. As long as you’re above 0 LP, however, you’re perfectly safe. Dodging is even more favorable, as you can do it even at below 0 LP. You’ll be increasing the LP deficit if you continue dodging, but this alone is not grounds for a demotion.
By understanding these nuances, you can better navigate the League of Legends ranking system, reduce the likelihood of demotions, and focus on consistently improving your gameplay. Good luck on the Rift!