What to Look for in a Duo Partner

Finding a good duo queue partner who you synergize with can make all the difference in the world when climbing up the ranked ladder. However, duo queuing can also come with various risks that could actually be keeping you from climbing. Here are some red flags to watch for when trying to choose a partner, as well as some qualities that all good duo queues need to have.

Temperament
When partnering up with someone else, sometimes their ability to stay cool during gameplay can be even more crucial than their skill level. Whether it’s directed towards you or your teammates, excessive negativity or flaming will affect everyone involved. If communicating with a duo via Skype or Team Speak, it can be much more difficult to ignore their verbal harassment than it is to simply mute an in-game player. In certain situations (depending on your teammates) being duoed with an AFKer or someone who excessively trolls can get you reported as well. Sometimes, the perceived comfort of having an in-game partner isn’t worth the risk of being put on tilt or losing the game.

On the other hand, a duo queue with a positive and encouraging attitude can win games. Not the cheerleading type? Partner up with someone who is willing to fulfill that role, and who will help you get off of tilt if you feel frustrated by the direction the game is taking. Applauding your teammates for a job well-done can help get the ball rolling and greatly lower the risk of someone else trolling or leaving the game.

Communication
In a team game like League of Legends where communication is crucial, having a duo queue can be a huge advantage. They are likely in voice call with each other and are able to communicate freely. However, anyone who has played the game has also experienced a duo queue that doesn’t communicate. Sometimes, they refuse to type in chat because they are already in voice call with each other and deem it unnecessary to communicate with anyone else. Other times, it’s questionable if they are even talking to each other because they are running around in circles and feeding. When taking on a duo queue partner, it is your responsibility to choose someone who is willing to communicate with both you AND the rest of your team to avoid things like double-warding brush areas or going into fights too early.

Image courtesy of wnsdude34.

Skill
This may seem obvious, because clearly skill is extremely important. However, it is important to remember that just because someone went 15/0 in your last game does NOT mean that it will happen again. Everyone has good games sometimes, no matter how low their rank may be. Make sure to check their match history, because what really matters is consistency. If you can find a consistent duo partner, there is one less variable to worry about going into the game.

Flexability
The “duo-botlane only” is a common annoyance in ranked games. Don’t queue up for a game with someone when both of you can only play one role. Flexibility is key in ensuring that everyone in champ select has a fair shot at their best position, and that compromises don’t need to be made. It is also important to remember that, while a jungle/botlane-role duo can be very strong, everyone in game must be given fair attention by the jungler.

It can be tempting to only gank for your duo because you want them to do well, but you are hurting your team by giving unfair prioritization to a lane that may not even need your help. Treat everyone equally and be flexible about who you help in-game.

Building a Relationship
Want to make your duo queue stronger? Maintain friendly, occasional contact with them outside of the game. If you met your partner in solo queue, try to forge an online friendship. This will make in-game communication stronger, as well as allow for more forgiveness when it comes to in-game blunders. It is usually much more difficult to chastise a good friend than a complete stranger.

Climbing the ranked ladder doesn’t have to be a solo effort. But, if you’re going to partner up with someone on the Rift, do so responsibly.