Climbing the Ranked Ladder in League of Legends: Looking Beyond the Rift

League of Legends is an everchanging game played by millions of people worldwide. There are constant updates, changes in tactics, and a player pool that almost guarantees you will not be matched up with the same team members more than once, ever. This is especially true lower down the ladder. If you’ve made your way to this guide, I trust your commitment in wanting to improve at the game. This short guide will be split in two sections.

• In Part One, we’ll look at a two popular tips and question why they may have not worked for you.
• In Part Two, we’ll step away from the game and analyse alternative solutions to success.

Part One

The claim: You must stick to a few champions.

The rundown: Given the current ranked matchmaking, using a smaller champion pool is easier than ever before. Mastering a couple of champions per lane and sticking to them can prove successful.

The bigger picture: On my first season of competitive play, a long time ago, I found Elise. At the time, Eight Legged Freaks was my favourite b-movie and the prospect of unleashing the enormous arachnid on the rift was enticing. After 22 games, I had a 27%-win rate and was demoted twice. Hurrah, I ended the season borderless.

But all hope was not lost. The ranked season usually lasts 11 months, Season 7 ran from December 8, 2016 to November 7, 2017. That’s 330-odd days for you to climb, so what’s the rush? Before jumping in, explore Riot’s champion spotlights, test champions in normal games, find a pro that plays what you play, and learn from them. When you’re confident, take it to the rift that matters and gain that precious elo.

I did this with Ahri. She looked popular amongst streamers and had a great spell kit. I watched guides, took her for a spin in draft pick, and after a month, I introduced her to ranked. Although I was able to touch Faker’s shoulder when the World Championship came to London in 2015, I didn’t steal any of his powers, but with a 75%-win rate with the Nine-Tailed Fox, the LP started pouring in. I finished Season 5 in Gold III (Bronze II in S4), a small step for me, a huge leap for my border, now gloriously golden.

The claim: Don’t blame your teammates.

The rundown: Team morale is huge in League and flaming your teammates is wrong, always. Or is it?

The bigger picture: Honesty check. I’ve had unpleasant words for my teammates before. After a streak of losses, you may find that a tinge of helplessness kicks in, you get frustrated, you lose your edge, but you keep queuing up and well… you lose more games. You decide to play one more, you’re doing great, 6/0/3 at twelve minutes, but your 0/8/1 Heimerdinger jungle is about to gank your lane. Do you keep the frustration in or unleash hell in /all chat?

Neither. Acknowledge all you can do is play YOUR game. Curse all you want to in real life, then move on. If you’re serious about climbing the ladder, never grief, but if you’ve just lost a game because one of your team members intentionally fed, its ok to accept that in person.

Now let's dive a little deeper.

Part Two

Could in-game success not solely come down to playing the game? Absolutely.

Mechanics are a big part of League of Legends and the only way to improve those is to play the champion you’re trying to master repeatedly. I understand that practicing League is fundamental to get better, but for the average player who puts a lot of energy in the game, failing to climb the ladder can have a devastating impact on the mind. Here are some things I’ve learned to do, through years and through countless mistakes, which have helped getting me from Bronze V to Platinum.

When I’ve lost a few games: I take a breather, get some coffee, and return to the game when I feel mentally ready. Remember, you have 11 months to climb! Play ranked when your morale is at its best.

When I’m having a bad day: Life has its challenges and League can be a way to escape. When I’m having a particularly bad day, I stay away from ranked. I’ve learned to notice how my mood directly affects my performance in game, so I avoid losing LP, even when my duo partners are begging me to carry them. The rule is ‘play happy.’

When In-game mistakes upset me: When I overexposed myself and got hooked by Blitzcrank, two things usually happened. 1) I laughed it off and congratulated the summoner or 2) My keyboard took the same beating Ivan Drago did in Rocky IV. When option two kicked in, it was time to take a shower.

When I blow summoner spells to kill someone but fail: A courageous Admiral once told me, "Sometimes you’ve got to roll the hard six." I learn, I adapt. When I Flash/Charm combo Corki but he flies away, next time I reconsider. Making risky plays can be extremely rewarding, but it can also get you killed. Always consider your opponents’ abilities before you go ham.

When I don’t make it to challenger: Alas, sometimes raising your dongers isn’t enough. Less than 0.1% of players make it past Diamond, you may be one of them, I know I’m certainly not. Its okay to accept that you may never sit beside Rekkles in the LCS. Just do your best and remember to always have fun.

TLDR: Your physical and mental health are essential, that’s why many professional League players hit the gym and find time to hang out outside the countless streaming and scrimming hours. Your approach shouldn’t differ. Practice but don’t burn yourself out. Like sugar and sun-beds, enjoy your time on the Rift in moderation.

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