How Does LP Work in League of Legends?

League of Legends uses a complex system to determine player rankings and progression.

At the heart of this system is LP, or League Points, which players accumulate or lose based on their performance. Understanding how League of Legends works is crucial for anyone looking to climb the ranks and improve their standing in the game.

While LoL boosting can speed up the process of getting LP and ranking up, understanding the inner workings of it gives players greater control over their rank progression.

What is LP and How Does It Work?

League Points (LP) is the core mechanism of progression in League of Legends’ ranked system. It’s a numerical value that ranges from 0 to 100 within each division of a tier (e.g., Silver III, Gold II). As you win matches, you gain LP, and as you lose, you forfeit some.

Typically, you need to accumulate 100 LP to trigger a promotion series to the next division or tier. The amount of LP gained or lost per match isn’t fixed; it fluctuates based on various factors, making each player’s journey unique.

It’s important to note that you can’t drop below 0 LP. If you lose at 0 LP, you risk demotion to a lower division or tier, but this isn’t immediate and depends on your recent performance and hidden MMR.

The Relationship Between LP and MMR

While LP is visible to players, it works in tandem with a hidden value called Matchmaking Rating (MMR). Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is a hidden value that represents your true skill level. While LP is visible and fluctuates with each game, MMR changes more gradually based on your long-term performance.

The relationship between LP and MMR in League of Legends is following:

If your MMR is higher than your current rank, you’ll typically gain more LP for wins (possibly 25-30 per win) and lose less for defeats (perhaps 10-15).

If your MMR matches your rank, you’ll see more balanced gains and losses, often around 18-22 LP per game.

If your MMR is lower than your rank, you might gain less LP for wins (possibly 10-15) and lose more for defeats (25-30).

If you’re consistently winning against higher-ranked opponents, your MMR will rise, leading to larger LP gains to help you climb faster.

Factors Affecting LP Gains and Losses

Several elements influence the LP you earn or lose after a match. Your performance relative to your teammates and opponents plays a role, as does the overall balance of team ranks in the game.

Winning against higher-ranked opponents often yields more LP, while losing to lower-ranked teams may result in greater LP losses. The system also considers win streaks, loss streaks, and your recent match history when calculating LP changes.

Strategies for Maximizing LP Gains in League of Legends

Optimizing your LP gains in League of Legends requires a multifaceted approach that combines consistent performance with continuous improvement. While winning games is undoubtedly crucial, how you contribute to those victories can significantly impact your LP gains.

To make a strong impact, focus on securing objectives, maintaining solid vision control, and actively participating in team fights. These actions not only increase your chances of winning but also demonstrate your value to the ranking system.

Playing champions you’re comfortable with can greatly enhance your overall performance, leading to more favorable LP adjustments. Familiarity with a champion allows you to focus on macro gameplay and decision-making, rather than struggling with basic mechanics. Additionally, maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior can indirectly boost your LP gains by keeping you focused and in good standing with the system.

Navigating Promotion Series

Promotion series are critical junctures in your ranked journey. Upon reaching 100 LP, you’ll enter a best-of-three or best-of-five series, depending on whether you’re promoting to a new division or tier. Winning these series is crucial for advancement.

If you fail a promotion series, you’ll typically be placed at a lower LP threshold, giving you another opportunity to climb back up.