Riot Games has announced a significant change to the requirements for playing Ranked matches in League of Legends. Starting in Patch 14.15, players will now need to participate in at least ten unranked matches on Summoner's Rift before being eligible for Ranked play. This adjustment aims to ensure that new players have a better understanding of the game and their skill level before entering the competitive environment.
Ranked Queue has always been one of the most popular game modes in League of Legends, allowing players to compete in classic 5v5 matches on Summoner's Rift. Success in this mode enables players to gain valuable LP (League Points) and climb the ranks from Iron to Challenger. Until now, the requirements for entering Ranked matches included being Level 30 or higher and owning at least 20 Champions. However, the new changes will add an additional layer of preparation for newcomers.
According to Lead Gameplay Designer Matt "Phroxzon" Leung-Harrison, this decision comes in response to observations that many new players were leveling up primarily through modes like ARAM and Bot matches. "We needed a better method to gauge their skill level before entering Ranked," he stated. Leung-Harrison emphasized that this change has been in the works for some time, reflecting the developers’ commitment to improving the overall competitive experience in League of Legends.
In addition to Ranked play, League of Legends offers various other game modes, such as ARAM, where players use randomized champions on a single-lane map, and Arena, which features quicker 2v2 duels. With these adjustments to Ranked requirements, Riot Games aims to create a more balanced and fair competitive environment for all players, ensuring that newcomers are better prepared to face off against more experienced opponents.
As the game continues to evolve, these changes reflect Riot’s ongoing efforts to enhance player experience and maintain the integrity of Ranked play in League of Legends.