League of Legends Ranks in Order: A Complete Guide to the Competitive Ladder

Introduction
Understanding the League of Legends ranking system is essential for players aiming to climb the competitive ladder. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, knowing the hierarchy of ranks, how they work, and strategies to advance can significantly improve your gameplay experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the League of Legends ranks in order, explain the mechanics behind the system, and share tips to help you ascend the tiers.

League of Legends Ranking System Explained

League of Legends (LoL) uses a tiered ranking system to categorize players based on skill and performance in Ranked Solo/Duo or Flex queues. Introduced in Season 1, this system has evolved over time, with Riot Games adjusting tiers (like adding Emerald in Season 13) to better distribute players and reflect skill levels.

The ranks are divided into nine primary tiers, each split into four divisions (except Master+). Your progress is tracked through League Points (LP), which you earn by winning matches. Here’s a breakdown of how the system operates:

• LP Gains/Losses: Win a match = gain LP. Lose = lose LP.

• Promotions: Climbing divisions (e.g., Silver II to Silver I) requires reaching 100 LP and winning a promotion match.

• MMR (Matchmaking Rating): A hidden score that determines your skill level, influencing LP gains and matchmaking.

League of Legends Ranks in Order (Lowest to Highest)

Below is the official order of LoL ranks, starting from the lowest tier to the pinnacle of competitive play:

1. Iron

   • Divisions: Iron IV, III, II, I

   • Iron is the starting point for new players. Focus on learning fundamentals here.

2. Bronze

   • Divisions: Bronze IV–I

   • Bronze players grasp basic mechanics but need consistency.

3. Silver

   • Divisions: Silver IV–I

   • The most populated tier. Silver players understand objectives but lack advanced strategies.

4. Gold

   • Divisions: Gold IV–I

   • Gold is considered "above average." Players here have solid mechanics and map awareness.

5. Platinum

   • Divisions: Platinum IV–I

   • Platinum marks the start of high-elo play, requiring refined skills and teamwork.

6. Emerald (Introduced in Season 13)

   • Divisions: Emerald IV–I

   • Emerald replaced the old Platinum and Diamond overlap, offering a smoother climb.

7. Diamond

   • Divisions: Diamond IV–I

   • Diamond players are among the top 3%—mastering macro play and champion mechanics.

8. Master

   • No divisions. Players compete for LP in a single tier.

   • Master tier is where professional and elite players begin to shine.

9. Grandmaster

   • A subset of Master, Grandmaster houses the top 700–1,000 players per region.

10. Challenger

    • The highest rank, reserved for the top 200–300 players per server. Challenger players often stream or compete professionally.

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How the Ranked System Works

Climbing the LoL ladder requires consistency and adaptability. Here’s what you need to know:

Placement Matches

New accounts or players returning after a season reset must complete 5 placement matches. These determine your initial rank based on performance and MMR.

LP and Promotions

• Earn LP by winning matches (typically 15–25 per win).

• Lose LP for defeats (10–20 points).

• Reach 100 LP in your current division to enter a promotion series (e.g., Silver I to Gold IV).

Season Resets

Ranks reset annually. Your previous season performance influences your starting point in the new season.

Ranked Decay

In Master+, inactivity for 10+ days causes LP loss. Stay active to maintain your rank!

Tips to Climb the LoL Ranks

1. Master 2-3 Champions: Specialize in a few roles/champions to improve consistency.

2. Focus on Objectives: Prioritize dragons, towers, and Baron over kills.

3. Track Meta Shifts: Adapt to patches by learning strong champions and builds.

4. Communicate: Use pings and chat to league of legends coordinate with teammates.

5. Review Your Games: Analyze replays to spot mistakes.

6. Stay Mentally Fresh: Tilted? Take a break to avoid losing streaks.

FAQs About LoL Ranks

Q: Can you drop from Gold to Silver?
A: Yes! Falling to 0 LP and losing more games can demote you.

Q: How does MMR affect LP gains?
A: High MMR = higher LP gains. Low MMR = smaller gains, even if you win.

Q: What’s the difference between Emerald and Platinum?
A: Emerald replaced the upper half of Platinum league of legends and lower Diamond, offering a clearer skill gap.

Q: How long does it take to reach Diamond?
A: It varies, but consistent players may take 1-2 seasons.

Q: How do I check my rank?
A: Go to your profile in the LoL client or third-party sites like OP.GG.

Conclusion
Climbing the League of Legends ranks is a challenging but rewarding journey. By understanding the hierarchy, mastering core mechanics, and staying adaptable, you can steadily progress from Iron to Challenger. Remember: improvement takes time, so focus on learning rather than LP. Ready to dominate the Rift? Queue up, apply these tips, and watch your rank soar!