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How to Play Ranked in League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. The ranked mode allows players to compete against others of similar skill levels and climb the ranked ladder from Iron to Challenger. Playing ranked can be intense and rewarding if done properly. This comprehensive guide will provide tips for preparing for, qualifying for, and competing in ranked League of Legends matches.

Getting Ready for Ranked Play

Before jumping into ranked games, make sure you meet the requirements and have the right mindset. Here are some key things to focus on:

Reach Level 30 – This unlocks the full suite of runes and allows you to optimize your builds. Maxing your account level first is vital.

Own 20 Champions – You need at least 20 champs to be eligible for ranked so you can pick for teammates if needed. Low cost options like Annie or Garen are good starters.

Learn 3 Roles – Ranked requires flexibility in your champion pool and roles. Master at least 3 lanes before starting placements to fill when auto-filled.

Improve Your CS – Getting high creep scores through last hitting is essential for gold income. Aim for 6 CS per minute or higher. Custom games can help practice.

Use Free Week Champs – Make sure to try all the weekly free champion rotations. Having experience playing both as and against meta picks will help a lot.

Play Draft Pick – Draft mode has bans, picks, and counterpicks just like ranked. Use it to learn drafting strategies before placements.

Have Runes and Masteries – Customize these trees to fit your playstyle for maximum early game power. Adapt them per match up.

Focus on Objectives – Ranked is more team oriented and macro focused than normals. Structure your gameplay around neutral objectives over kills.

Have a Positive Mindset – There will be losses and setbacks. What matters is improving over time by analyzing your own shortcomings and strengths.

Take Breaks – Just like physical activity, mental burnout is real. Step away if you get tilted or exhausted to refresh.

Now that you’re ready for ranked, let’s go over how the system works and tips for placements and climbing.

Ranked System Overview and Placements

League’s ranked system includes nine tiers from Iron to Challenger. The first five (Iron – Platinum) have four divisions. Advancing requires gaining LP and winning promotion series. Here’s how it works:

  • LP – Earned for each win and lost per defeat. Climb to 100 to enter promotions.
  • Promos – Best of 3 or 5 series to test your skill before tier upgrades.
  • MMR – Hidden matchmaking rating that determines LP gains and matchups.

When playing placements for the first time each season, your account will start in Iron MMR. Testing will occur over 10 games to find your appropriate skill level. A few tips:

  • Play What You Know – Stick to your best and most practiced picks instead of experimenting.
  • Check Team Synergy – Use apps to scout your team composition and communication levels.
  • Dodge Toxic Lobbies – Don’t waste time in troll games. Take the 3 LP loss and 5 minute penalty to re-queue.
  • Focus Objectives – Dragons, rift herald, and towers win games. Don’t get distracted chasing kills.
  • Limit Testing – Don’t go for crazy risky plays that rely on opponents misplaying until you settle into an Elo.
  • Analyze Each Game – Win or lose, figure out what you could have done better by rewatching.

Placements can be swingy depending on the matchmaking luck. Don’t worry too much about initial rank, just look to improve. On to climbing!

Improving Your Ranked Climb

Climbing the ladder to higher tiers requires patience, focus, and dedication. Here are some proven tips:

Champion Pool

  • Play Simple Champions – Mechanically intensive champions have higher execution barriers. Simple is better to start.
  • Focus a Role – Specialize in 1-2 roles so you can learn matchups extremely well.
  • Have Backups – Have 2-3 backup picks in each position in case your main gets banned or taken.

In Game Mindset

  • Enable Allies – Get them ahead, roam for objectives. A team lift is better than solo carrying.
  • Track the Jungle – Use vision and game sense to track the enemy jungler and counter gank.
  • Time Objectives – Use chat timestamps for dragon, baron, and buff respawns so your team can setup in advance.
  • Shot Call – Politely guide your team into smart fights and objective takes using pings and chat.
  • Split Responsibly – Draw pressure away from neutral objectives when needed, but group if a fight will break out.
  • Play the Map – Constantly watch the minimap and look for openings to create numbers advantages.

Out of Game Habits

  • VOD Review – Watch your replays win or lose and write down key mistakes to fix next game. Having an improvement checklist is invaluable.
  • Take Breaks – Step away if you go on a losing streak or have a terrible game. Resetting mental is important.
  • Stay Hydrated – This sounds minor but can impact mental fatigue, headache avoidance and reduce bathroom breaks.
  • Duo Queue – Having a reliable, like-minded duo partner cuts toxicity down significantly.

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