If you're used to checking your lol match history on the League of Legends website, brace yourself: the site is shutting down. September 7th is the day Riot Games pulls the plug, citing low usage in favor of in-client and third-party options. But don't worry, your match data isn't disappearing! Let's break down what this means for you and how you can still access all that juicy post-game stat analysis.
At a glance:
- The official League of Legends web match history site is shutting down on September 7th.
- Match history remains accessible through the League of Legends client.
- Third-party websites and apps that use Riot's API will continue to offer match history services.
- Riot is working on a better data access solution for esports sites.
- This change is due to low usage of the official website compared to other available options.
Why Is Riot Shutting Down the LOL Match History Website?
The short answer: because almost no one was using it. Riot stated that most players prefer to view their match history within the League of Legends client itself, or through the plethora of third-party websites and applications readily available. Maintaining a website with low traffic simply isn't a good use of resources. This allows them to focus on improving other areas of the game and the developer experience.
Where Can I Find My Match History Now?
The good news is your match history isn't gone, it's just moving. You have a few options:
- League of Legends Client: This is the most straightforward method. Simply launch the client, navigate to your profile, and then click on the "Match History" tab. All your recent games will be displayed there, with detailed statistics available for each match.
- Third-Party Websites: A plethora of websites and applications utilize Riot's API to provide enhanced match history experiences. These often include more detailed statistics, analysis tools, and the ability to track other players. Examples include OP.GG, LoLalytics, and Mobalytics.
- Riot API: For developers and hardcore data enthusiasts, the Riot API provides direct access to match history data. This allows for the creation of custom tools and analyses. Riot's Developer Relations team will be supporting the API and transitioning it to a new service.
Understanding the League of Legends Client Match History
The League of Legends client offers a basic but functional match history view. Here’s what you’ll find and how to use it:
- Game List: A chronological list of your recent games, showing game mode, champions played, and basic results (win or loss).
- Detailed Match Stats: Clicking on a specific game provides in-depth stats including KDA, CS, damage dealt, items purchased, and more.
- Timeline: A visual representation of key events in the game, such as kills, tower takedowns, and objective control.
- Build Orders: Review the items you and other players built throughout the game, helping you analyze build effectiveness.
While convenient, the in-client match history has its limitations. It typically only stores a limited number of recent games. This is where third-party sites shine.
Level Up Your Game with Third-Party Match History Sites
Third-party websites offer a significant upgrade over the in-client match history, providing a wealth of analytical tools and features. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Extended History: Most sites store a much larger history of your games, allowing you to View Your League Match History over a longer period.
- Advanced Statistics: Dive deeper into your performance with metrics like damage share, objective control percentage, and vision score.
- Opponent Analysis: Scout your opponents by viewing their match history, champion pool, and preferred roles. This can give you a crucial edge in ranked games.
- Team Composition Analysis: Some sites analyze team compositions to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential counter-picks.
- Build Recommendations: Get personalized build recommendations based on your playstyle and the current meta.
- Replay Downloads: Easily download replays of your games for offline analysis.
Many of these sites offer both free and premium features. The free tiers often provide enough data for most players, while the premium tiers unlock more advanced analysis tools and features.
Choosing the Right Third-Party Match History Site
With so many options available, selecting the right third-party match history site can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors:
- Features: What are you looking for in a match history site? Do you need advanced statistics, opponent scouting, or build recommendations?
- User Interface: Is the website easy to navigate and understand? A cluttered or confusing interface can hinder your analysis.
- Data Accuracy: How reliable is the data provided by the website? Look for sites that are known for their accuracy and up-to-date information.
- Pricing: Is the website free or paid? If paid, is the cost worth the features offered?
- Community Reviews: Check online reviews and forums to see what other players are saying about the website.
Popular choices like OP.GG are often a good starting point, offering a balanced set of features and a user-friendly interface.
Understanding Riot's API and Its Role
Riot's API (Application Programming Interface) is the backbone of many third-party League of Legends websites and applications. It allows developers to access game data, including match history, player statistics, and champion information. This data is then used to create the features and tools that players rely on for analysis and improvement.
Riot's decision to discontinue the match history website doesn't affect the API itself. Third-party developers will still be able to access match history data through the API, and Riot is even working on a new service to improve data access for esports sites, ensuring the competitive scene has the information it needs.
Esports Data and the New Riot Data Solution
Esports organizations and data providers rely heavily on match history data to analyze player performance, team strategies, and tournament trends. Riot recognizes the importance of this data and is developing a separate solution to improve data access for these organizations.
This new solution is expected to provide more reliable and efficient access to match history data, ensuring that esports analysts and casters have the information they need to provide insightful commentary and analysis.
How to Leverage Match History for Improvement
Match history isn't just about bragging rights; it's a powerful tool for self-improvement. Here's how to use your match history to identify areas where you can improve your gameplay:
- Identify Recurring Patterns: Look for patterns in your wins and losses. Are you consistently struggling against certain champions or in specific phases of the game?
- Analyze Your KDA and CS: KDA (Kills, Deaths, Assists) and CS (Creep Score) are important indicators of your performance. Analyze your KDA and CS in different games to see where you're excelling and where you're falling behind. It helps to Check Your Ranked History to only see games that matter.
- Review Your Item Builds: Are you building the right items for your champion and the current game situation? Review your item builds to see if you can optimize them for better performance.
- Track Your Vision Score: Vision control is crucial for success in League of Legends. Track your vision score to see how well you're contributing to your team's vision.
- Watch Your Replays: Replays are a powerful tool for identifying mistakes and areas for improvement. Watch your replays to see what you could have done differently in key situations.
Common Questions About LOL Match History
Let's tackle some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion:
- Will my old match history be deleted when the website shuts down? No. Your match history data will still be stored and accessible through the client and third-party websites.
- How far back does the in-client match history go? The League of Legends client typically stores a limited number of recent games. The exact number may vary depending on the client version.
- Are third-party match history sites safe to use? Most reputable third-party match history sites are safe to use. However, it's always a good idea to exercise caution and avoid sites that ask for your login credentials.
- Do I need to pay for a third-party match history site? Many third-party match history sites offer both free and paid features. The free tiers often provide enough data for most players.
- Will this affect my ability to track my progress in ranked games? No. You can still track your progress in ranked games through the client and third-party websites.
The Future of League of Legends Data Analysis
The discontinuation of the official match history website marks a shift towards a more community-driven approach to data analysis. By focusing on the API and supporting third-party developers, Riot is empowering the community to create innovative tools and resources that enhance the player experience. As the game evolves, expect to see even more sophisticated and insightful data analysis tools emerge, helping players of all skill levels improve their gameplay. Third party sites often show a lot more than Explore League History, so keep an open mind.
Actionable Next Steps: Embrace the Change
The sunsetting of the web match history might feel like a loss, but it’s also an opportunity. Take some time to explore the third-party match history websites and apps available. Find one that suits your needs and start using it to analyze your games and identify areas for improvement. Embrace the change and see how this community-driven approach can elevate your League of Legends experience.