Why Do People Boost in League of Legends? Unpacking the Reasons Behind Elo Boosting
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People boost in League of Legends (LoL) for a variety of reasons, often stemming from a desire for a higher rank without the time, skill, or patience required to achieve it legitimately. At its core, elo boosting is a service where a higher-skilled player (the booster) plays on a lower-ranked player’s account (the boosted) to artificially inflate their rank. This practice, while seemingly straightforward, is fueled by a complex mixture of aspirations, frustrations, and even financial incentives. Fundamentally, the desire for a higher rank drives this entire system and it can be motivated by multiple factors which can range from social to personal satisfaction.
The Allure of a Higher Rank: Motivations for Boosting
The Prestige and Social Status
One of the most prominent reasons for boosting is the desire for prestige and social status. In the competitive world of LoL, rank is a significant badge of honor. Achieving a higher rank, such as Diamond or Master, can be a source of pride and validation. Players often feel a sense of accomplishment and recognition amongst their peers. Those who struggle to climb the ranks organically may resort to boosting to experience this social validation, feeling that the higher rank will elevate their status within their friend groups or online communities.
Overcoming Frustration and Time Constraints
Many players find themselves stuck in the same rank, experiencing frustration and stagnation. The ranked ladder in LoL is notoriously challenging, and progressing through different tiers can be a grueling process. The need to grind matches with no guarantee of success, combined with the time investment required, can lead players to seek shortcuts like boosting. For individuals with limited time due to work, school, or other commitments, the appeal of a faster climb through boosting is understandably strong.
The Desire for Rewards and End-of-Season Goodies
League of Legends offers cosmetic rewards and other perks based on end-of-season ranking. This incentive is a major motivator for some to consider boosting, especially if they are close to hitting a specific rank that unlocks better loot or a specific skin. The idea of acquiring exclusive skins, loading screen borders, and other in-game goodies acts as a powerful temptation to take the fast lane via boosting.
Testing the Waters and Exploring Higher Play
Some players may utilize boosting as a way to experience what it is like to play at higher elo. They may be curious about the gameplay dynamics, the speed and the different kinds of players. This motivation can also be seen as a form of ‘trial run’ for those who might not feel confident in their own skills but want to see what they can achieve with a boost. This can either be a one-off experience or can further fuel the need for subsequent boosting.
The Financial Incentive for Boosters
On the other side of the equation, professional boosters are motivated by financial gain. Highly skilled players can earn a substantial income by selling their services. For some, this can be a part-time job, while for others it can become a full-time occupation. This monetary incentive drives the boosting market and perpetuates the cycle of boosting.
The Darker Side of Boosting: Issues and Consequences
While the reasons for boosting can be understandable, it’s crucial to acknowledge the negative impact. Boosting is a form of cheating, undermining the competitive integrity of the game. It disrupts fair matchmaking, placing boosted players in games where they are out of their league, affecting the experience of their teammates and opponents. Furthermore, boosted players often struggle to maintain their new rank and ultimately can be worse at the game because their skills did not improve to match their rank.
Additionally, sharing account credentials with a booster creates a security risk. The boosted player is putting their account information at risk of compromise, and Riot Games has a strict policy against account sharing and boosting which could lead to account bans.
FAQs: Understanding Elo Boosting in League of Legends
1. What exactly is “elo boosting” in League of Legends?
Elo boosting is when a highly skilled player (a booster) plays on a lower-ranked player’s account, with the intention of increasing that account’s rank. This can be done by either sharing account credentials or duo-queueing.
2. Is elo boosting against the rules in League of Legends?
Yes, it is against Riot Games’ terms of service. While it’s not a legal offense, it can result in a ban of the boosted account.
3. What are the risks associated with boosting?
Risks include account bans, compromised account security, and an overall negative gameplay experience for other players due to mismatched skill levels.
4. Why do people call it “boosting” rather than “cheating”?
The term “boosting” is used more often, but it is essentially a form of cheating. Players may use “boosting” to avoid the negative connotations associated with “cheating.”
5. How does Riot detect elo boosting?
Riot uses various methods to detect boosting including unusual gameplay patterns, rapid ranking increases, and suspicious IP addresses accessing the account.
6. Can a booster get banned for boosting?
Yes, both the booster and the boosted account can face penalties, including temporary or permanent bans.
7. How much can a booster make in League of Legends?
A successful booster can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 a month, depending on their win rate, demand, and the ranks they are boosting.
8. Is it illegal to boost in South Korea?
Yes, in South Korea, boosting can lead to fines of up to $18,000 and even a two-year prison sentence due to its disruption of the game’s competitive balance.
9. What is “double rank up” and is it related to boosting?
Double rank up occurs when a player is elevated two ranks in one game. It is not directly related to boosting but rather due to the system’s algorithm recognizing the player is outperforming their current rank.
10. What is MMR and how does it affect boosting?
MMR (Matchmaking Rating) is a hidden rating system separate from visible rank. Boosting will significantly increase your rank, but your MMR may not match. Players with a mismatched MMR may struggle to keep the higher rank.
11. What rank do you need to be to become a booster?
Most boosting services require boosters to be at least Diamond 1 or higher, which is a testament to the high level of skill required.
12. Is it possible to get unbanned after being banned for boosting?
It is incredibly difficult to get unbanned for boosting. Riot has a strict policy and usually imposes the consequences.
13. How do I report a player for boosting?
In the post-game lobby, select “Cheating” as the reason, and mention “Elo boosting” in the text. You can also submit a support ticket directly to Riot.
14. Why is boosting considered harmful to the game community?
Boosting leads to unfair matches and creates an environment where players of significantly different skill levels are pitted against each other. This degrades the quality of gameplay for everyone.
15. Instead of boosting, what can players do to improve their rank legitimately?
Focus on improving individual skills, learning game mechanics, watching pro-level play, and practicing consistently. Also, playing with friends who are better than you might help your development.