Dynamic Queue vs. Solo Queue: Who Wore It Better?

Just a few months ago, Riot introduced us to the Dynamic Queue - new ranked system made for us so we could add more teamwork into our ranked climbing strategies and to generally play more ranked with friends. Introduction of the Dynamic Queue, however, resulted in strong debates about its effectiveness.  Part of the community had only good feedback for the Dynamic Queue, but another part of it wishes for Solo Queue to come back more than anything. So, what should it be?

When I first heard about the Dynamic Queue, I felt happier and excited than anything else. I would be able to play ranked without leaving any of my friends behind? Hell yeah, that’s awesome! Although it is true there is no leaving friends behind in Dynamic Queue, it also brought problems with it. As the matter of fact, that might be the strongest Dynamic Queue problem at the moment. And, let’s face it; it’s not easy to tell your friends that you don’t want to play ranked with them, is it? Your ranked partners can only be one division higher or lower than you are in order to play with you, but that might not be enough. Although it has recently been changed for Elo higher than diamond, there is still a huge difference between the skill of a Silver V player and a Gold I player. In addition, you may feel like playing Dynamic Queue with your friends has been pulling your skill down where it doesn’t belong. There is also that one important thing that Solo Queue had and it has been lost with the introduction of the Dynamic Queue - your LP, your MMR and your rank have been something you have accomplished by yourself. It was your pride, not anyone else’s. And it made us feel good.

Of course, there is another problem here where your friends aren’t pulling you down, but climbing you up where you don’t belong. We can’t forget there are players who strictly want to play solo ranked and get annoyed by this on daily basis. Queueing up with 2+ friends who are overall much better at the game will eventually get you to the elo higher than the one you really deserve. There, when you queue up alone, there’s unfortunately a huge chance that you will “destroy” the game for other people. Mentioning high queue timers and a problem where you can get full LCS team as your opponents in higher elo is something we’ve heard about so much it’s not even needed to mention.

On the other hand, it feels reviving when you feel both like playing ranked and having fun with your friends at the same time and you are actually able to do that. It might seem irrelevant at first, but just remember how many times you had two good friends online (on around the same skill as you) and had to decide with whom you will queue up. Someone always had to feel left out and I’m pretty sure you wished you could play ranked with both of them more than just a few times. For non-loners, Dynamic Queue was a perfect opportunity to play the game as it should be played - with the skill of teamwork. Furthermore, with the Dynamic Queue we are able to choose which roles we want to play. Most of the pro players would say that in order to climb the ladder, it is best to find one or maybe two roles which suit us the best. This is what we got with Dynamic Queue; now, we are able to choose the two roles we wish to play without praying on getting the first pick when the play button comes out.

So, what is it that we can conclude? Do we really need Solo Queue back or will we adapt to Dynamic Queue soon? There is only one possible explanation - it depends on a player. Some hate Dynamic Queue, some like it more than Solo Queue. Some felt revived when they got an option to climb the ladder with friends and chose their roles, some hate the fact they might be playing against premades. Don’t mind me saying, but in my opinion, most of the player base doesn’t actually care that much. As long as the game is fun, it’s good. Don’t forget it is the most important thing about playing a game - fun. It is only a game, after all!

To sum it all up, I want you to remember one thing. People who dislike something will always be louder than the ones who got nothing against it. I’d be happy to hear all of you - whether you like or hate Dynamic Queue. Until then, good luck and have fun!

Are you into fantasy leagues? Then check out AlphaDraft and put together your allstar lineup!