MMR in League of Legends: How It Works and How to Increase It
Are you wondering what your MMR is in League of Legends? This guide will explain how MMR works, why it matters, and how you can increase it to climb the ranks more efficiently.
What Is My MMR? – How MMR Works in League of Legends
Matchmaking Rating, commonly abbreviated as MMR, is a hidden value in League of Legends that determines who you play against in ranked games. While your rank (Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.) provides a general indication of your skill level, your MMR is a more accurate measure of your current performance.
How MMR Works
- Hidden Score: Unlike your LP (League Points) and your tier/division, MMR isn't visible to you or other players. It's an internal value used by Riot Games' matchmaking system.
- Matchmaking: When you queue for a game, the system tries to find players with similar MMR values to ensure fair matches.
- Influence on LP Gain and Loss: The difference between your MMR and the average MMR of your rank influences your LP gains and losses. If your MMR is higher than expected for your rank, you'll gain more LP for a win and lose less for a defeat.
Why MMR Matters
While achieving a higher rank and division is rewarding, your MMR truly reflects your skill and determines your opponents. A higher MMR means you're more likely to face and be teamed with higher-skilled players.
How to Increase Your MMR
- Consistent Winning Streaks: The most straightforward way to increase your MMR is by winning games, especially against opponents with a higher MMR.
- Play With and Against Better Players: Consistently matched with higher-ranked players will adjust your MMR upwards over time.
- Limit Losses: Minimizing losing streaks prevents rapid MMR drops. Taking breaks during bad streaks helps avoid tilting.
- Improving Your Gameplay: Regularly review your games, learn from higher-ranked players, and adapt to the current meta.
- Stay Updated: Keep track of game patches that buff/nerf champions and introduce new mechanics. Staying up-to-date ensures you’re always playing optimally.
How to Reset Your MMR
- Seasonal Resets: At the start of a new season, there's a soft reset that adjusts your MMR slightly toward the average.
- Decay: In some games, rank (and sometimes MMR) decays if you don’t play ranked matches for an extended period. Check how decay applies to League of Legends.
- New Account: Creating a new account resets your MMR completely. You can also buy a fresh level 30 account to start playing ranked faster.
- Improving Your Gameplay: If you feel your MMR doesn’t represent your skill, the best way to reset it is through consistent gameplay improvement.
Conclusion
MMR in League of Legends is more than just a hidden number. It's a reflection of your current skill and performance in the game. By focusing on improvement, adapting to changes, and maintaining a positive win rate, you can steadily increase your MMR and climb the ranks. Whether you’re aiming for Gold, Platinum, or even Challenger, understanding and optimizing your MMR is crucial to your journey.
By implementing these strategies and consistently striving to improve, you'll not only see your MMR rise but also your overall enjoyment and mastery of League of Legends. Happy climbing!