Leaving a League Match: Consequences and FAQs
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.
So, you’re tempted to leave that League of Legends match. Maybe your team’s feeding, your internet’s acting up, or dinner’s on the table. Before you hit that Alt+F4 or /quit, let’s break down exactly what happens when you abandon a game in League.
The short answer: leaving a League of Legends match results in penalties, ranging from queue lockouts and LP (League Points) loss in ranked games to account restrictions for repeated offenses. The severity increases with the frequency of your departures. You’re not just impacting your own experience, but also ruining the game for your teammates and opponents. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics.
The Immediate Consequences
- Queue Lockouts: The most immediate consequence is a queue delay. This means you’ll have to wait a specified amount of time before you can join another game. The initial penalty is usually 5 minutes, escalating to 10, 15, or even 20 minutes for repeated offenses. These delays affect all queues, including normal games, ARAM, and rotating game modes.
- Loss For Your Team: Even in normal games, leaving puts your team at a significant disadvantage. They are now down a player, making it harder to secure objectives, win team fights, and ultimately, win the game.
- Ranked Penalties: In ranked queues, leaving has even harsher consequences. You will lose LP (League Points), potentially impacting your division and rank. The amount of LP lost is usually significant, and it can set you back considerably.
Long-Term Effects
- Ranked Restrictions: If you consistently leave games, you may face Ranked Restrictions. This prevents you from joining ranked solo/duo or flex queues until you complete a certain number of games in other game modes, such as normal draft or ARAM. This ensures that you can prove your commitment to finishing games before you’re allowed back into the competitive ranked environment.
- Account Suspension (in extreme cases): While not common for isolated incidents, repeatedly abandoning games can lead to temporary or even permanent account suspension. Riot Games takes player behavior seriously, and consistent negative behavior can result in severe penalties.
- Negative Impact on Matchmaking Rating (MMR): Even though you may not directly see it, constantly leaving matches can negatively affect your Matchmaking Rating (MMR). This rating influences the quality of your matches, and a lower MMR may result in being placed with less skilled players.
- Report and Ban: If you leave a ranked game, your teammates can and most likely will report you. This can lead to a ban depending on how many reports you get in a given time.
Impact on Other Players
Leaving a game is disruptive and frustrating for other players. It creates an unfair playing field and ruins the competitive integrity of the game. Consider the impact your actions have on others before abandoning a match.
- Ruining Experience: Nobody likes when a teammate leaves, it makes the game very difficult to win and often unfun to play. Don’t ruin the experience for your fellow gamers.
- Loss of Time: Games can last anywhere from 20-50 minutes on average so leaving early can make all that time useless, not allowing your teammates to climb and win.
Alternatives to Leaving
Before you consider leaving a match, explore alternative solutions:
- Communicate with Your Team: If you’re having a problem, communicate with your team. Let them know if you need to step away briefly, or if you’re struggling with a particular matchup.
- Utilize the Surrender Option: If the game is truly unwinnable, consider using the surrender option. This allows your team to end the game gracefully without anyone having to leave. In Summoner’s Rift, you can surrender after the 15-minute mark. If a player is AFK, that player’s team can surrender at any point after 3 minutes and 30 seconds with a unanimous vote, or at 15 minutes with the normal vote rules.
- Take a Break Between Games: If you’re feeling tilted or frustrated, take a break between games to clear your head. This can help you avoid making rash decisions, such as leaving a match out of anger.
FAQs: Leaving League of Legends Matches
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about leaving League of Legends matches, providing more comprehensive information on the topic:
What happens if I leave one ARAM game?
You will suffer the same penalty as leaving any other matchmade game. The LeaverBuster system also applies to ARAM, resulting in queue lockouts.
Can I get banned for leaving just one or two games?
Yes, it’s possible for the system to issue a penalty after leaving just a game or two, but it’s also possible to re-enter the normal queue after waiting only a few minutes. The severity depends on your recent leaving history.
Does it matter if it’s a normal or ranked game when I leave?
Yes, it matters. Leaving ranked games incurs harsher penalties, including LP loss and potential ranked restrictions. Normal games primarily result in queue lockouts.
How long do queue lockouts last?
Queue lockouts start at 5 minutes and can escalate to 10, 15, or even 20 minutes for repeated offenses.
What happens if my internet disconnects and I can’t reconnect?
The system still registers this as leaving the game, and you’ll receive a penalty. It’s best to try and reconnect as quickly as possible to minimize the impact on your team.
Can I avoid penalties if I ask my team to report me instead of leaving?
No, this doesn’t work. Leaving the game triggers the automated LeaverBuster system, and asking your team to report you won’t change that. Moreover, your team is more likely to report you for griefing.
If a teammate is AFK, can I leave without penalty?
If a player is AFK, your team can surrender earlier than usual (3 minutes and 30 seconds with a unanimous vote). However, you will still receive a penalty if you leave before this surrender vote passes or if the game reaches the 15-minute mark without a surrender.
Do penalties reset over time?
Yes, penalties reset over time, but it depends on your behavior. If you consistently finish games without leaving, your penalty level will gradually decrease.
Will I lose MMR if I leave a game?
While you won’t see a direct MMR loss notification, consistently leaving matches can negatively impact your MMR over time.
Does leaving in champion select count as leaving a game?
Dodging in champion select results in a LP penalty (-3 LP) and a short queue lockout (6 minutes). Repeated dodging increases the lockout time.
Can I still get Mastery Tokens in a game I left?
No. To get mastery tokens you have to complete the game to get a grade, which you need to get a mastery token.
How does leaving affect my Honor level?
Leaving games can negatively impact your Honor level, as it’s considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Maintaining a positive attitude and finishing games is crucial for earning Honor.
Are there any situations where leaving doesn’t result in a penalty?
The only exception is during custom games with friends, as these don’t have the same competitive weight as normal or ranked queues.
What if I have a legitimate emergency and have to leave?
While emergencies happen, the system can’t differentiate between legitimate emergencies and intentional leaving. You’ll still receive a penalty, though isolated incidents are unlikely to lead to severe consequences.
Where can I find more information about penalties for leaving?
You can find more information on Riot Games’ official website and support pages, including detailed explanations of the LeaverBuster system and its penalties. You can also head on over to Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the social dynamics and impacts of gaming.
Final Thoughts
Leaving a League of Legends match has tangible consequences that impact both you and your fellow players. Understanding these penalties and exploring alternative solutions can help you avoid negative consequences and contribute to a more positive gaming experience for everyone. Remember that sportsmanship is key, and finishing games, even when challenging, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable community within League of Legends.