13.2 Placement Matches
Placement matches are the gateway to competitive play in League of Legends' ranked system. When you first start playing ranked or after a new season begins, you'll need to complete a set of placement matches to determine your initial rank. These matches are crucial as they seed your MMR (Matchmaking Rating) and place you into a division where you'll begin your climb.
How Placement Matches Work:
For new accounts or after a full season reset, players typically need to play 10 placement matches in either Solo/Duo Queue or Flex Queue. The outcome of these matches, combined with your previous MMR (if applicable), heavily influences your starting rank. Winning more matches and performing well generally results in a higher starting rank.
Factors Influencing Your Starting Rank:
- Win/Loss Record: This is the most significant factor. Winning more placement matches will place you higher.
- Matchmaking Rating (MMR): Your hidden MMR plays a crucial role. If your MMR is higher than average for your starting point, you may be placed higher than someone with the same win/loss record but a lower MMR.
- Previous Season Rank (if applicable): If you played ranked in a previous season, your final rank from that season will influence your starting point in the new season's placements. You might receive a 'soft reset', meaning your rank will be adjusted but not completely reset.
Tips for Placement Matches:
- Play Your Best Champions: Stick to champions you are most comfortable and proficient with. Now is not the time to experiment with new champions.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Prioritize last hitting, map awareness, objective control, and good decision-making.
- Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude: Placement matches can be stressful. Stay calm, focus on your own gameplay, and avoid tilting.
- Communicate Effectively: Use pings and concise chat messages to coordinate with your team.
- Consider Duo Queue: Playing with a trusted friend can improve coordination and communication, potentially increasing your chances of winning. However, be aware that playing in a duo can sometimes lead to facing tougher opponents.
- Don't Get Discouraged: If you don't get the rank you hoped for, remember that it's just the starting point. You can always climb from any division.
What Happens After Placements?
Once your placement matches are complete, you will be assigned a rank and division (e.g., Bronze IV, Silver II, Gold I). You will then begin playing ranked games within your assigned tier. Your MMR will continue to adjust based on your wins and losses, determining your promotion and demotion thresholds.
Placement matches are a critical first step in your ranked journey. Approaching them with preparation, a clear mind, and a focus on solid gameplay will give you the best chance to start your climb in the right direction.