Have you ever wondered what your MMR is in League of Legends? The League of Legends ranking system is more complex than the visible divisions and leagues on your profile. This hidden value, known as Matchmaking Rating (MMR), represents your true skill level in the game.
This article will explain everything you need to know about LoL MMR, how it works, and how it affects your climb in ranked games.
What is MMR and how does it work?
MMR is a hidden number that determines who you will be matched against in ranked games. It’s calculated based on your individual performance in each match. Factors include your KDA (kills, deaths, and assists), gold score, objective control, and damage dealt and taken. The goal of MMR is to create fair and balanced matches by pairing players of similar skill levels. This means that regardless of your current rank, you will theoretically always play against opponents with the same MMR as you.
Where can I see my LoL MMR?
Riot Games has not made player MMR public, so there is no official way to see it. However, there are third-party tools that can give you an estimate of your MMR. These tools work by analyzing your match history and comparing it to that of other players.
Keep in mind that these tools are not 100% accurate, but they can give you a general idea of your LoL MMR. These estimations usually have an accuracy of plus or minus 95% with a margin of error of around 200 points.
MMR vs. LP
LP (League Points) are the points you see and earn/lose in ranked games. Unlike MMR, LP is a visible value that represents your progress within a division. The LP system is designed to reward consistency. The more you win, the more LP you will gain, and the more you lose, the more LP you will lose. Upon reaching a certain number of LP, you will promote to the next division.
It is important to remember that MMR and LP are not the same thing. MMR is your true skill level, while LP is your position within a division. It is possible to have a high MMR and low LP, or vice versa.
The relationship between MMR and LP
- Matchmaking: MMR is used to match you with players of your skill level.
- LP Gains and Losses: The amount of LP you gain or lose after each game depends on your MMR and the MMR of your opponents
- If your MMR is higher than the average MMR of your team, you will gain more LP than you lose if you lose.
- If your MMR is lower than the average MMR, you will gain less LP and lose more.
- Promotions and Demotions: Upon reaching a certain number of LP, you will promote to the next division. If you lose enough LP, you will demote to the previous division.
- Differences between MMR and LP: It is possible to have a high MMR and low LP, or vice versa. This can happen for several reasons:
- Starting a new season: At the beginning of each season, your MMR is reset, but your LP is not.
- Win or loss streaks: If you win or lose many games in a row, your MMR will change faster than your LP.
Watch Riot Games Support’s video to get an idea of how it works or their article talking about MMR.
Why are my LoL games Unbalanced?
Due to the popularity of League of Legends, some players use elo boosting services, which allow them to level up in the league system even when their playing experience doesn’t allow them to. These “boosted players” can cause imbalances in games. Also, when playing against premade teams, the difference in MMR of the players can cause the game to feel unbalanced, if one or more players are playing much better or worse than their team average.
Tips for raising LP and MMR
- Improve your skill level: Practice regularly, learn from your mistakes, and watch videos of professional players.
- Be consistent: Don’t expect to raise LP overnight. It takes time and effort to climb the ranks.
- Play with friends of your own skill level: If you play with friends of your own skill level, you will be more likely to win games.
- Don’t give up: If you have a bad streak, don’t get discouraged. Keep playing and eventually you will start winning again.
Do ARAM and normal MMR matter for ranked?
Aram and Normal MMR can matter for ranked. If you are playing against higher elo players in Aram and Normal games, you will improve your MMR and will play against better players in ranked. If you are playing against lower elo players in Aram and Normal games, you will decrease your MMR and you will play against worse players in ranked. This does not work if you are already playing Ranked. You can’t boost your MMR by playing normal games if you are already playing ranked.
Other factors that can vary LP Gains/Losses
- System-wide issues can trigger loss prevention, which also caps LP gains.
- AFK/Leaver penalties can reduce your LP not only for the game you went AFK in, but also for the game after.
- You have larger or smaller than average odds of winning a single game due to rank disparities on one or both teams or other advantages/disadvantages.
- Consolation LP may be awarded when a teammate is reported and verified for AFK, leaving, or intentional feeding.
Different queues and modes
There are different MMRs for Normal, Solo/Duo, and Flex queues. This means losses in Flex queue will not affect your Solo/Duo MMR. However, your initial placement in Ranked will take your Normal MMR into consideration. Queuing with friends can also result in slightly more difficult opponents or reduced LP gains.
Conclusion
Understanding your MMR is crucial for improving your ranked gameplay in League of Legends. By focusing on improving your skills, being consistent, and playing with similarly skilled players, you can effectively climb the ranks.
