The moment the clock strikes noon on May 15th, the League of Legends ladder will feel a little different. That's because the lol split 2 start is upon us, bringing with it a fresh chance to climb, new rewards to earn, and a recalibration of your hard-earned rank. If you're wondering exactly how your rank is affected, you're in the right place.
At a glance:
- Your current visible rank will be reset, replaced by a banner showing your Split 1 achievement.
- You'll need to play 5 placement games to get your initial rank in Split 2.
- Your MMR (Matchmaking Rating) undergoes a "soft reset," influencing your placement.
- Expect to be placed lower than your Split 1 rank, but your previous climb matters.
- LP gains will be reset, so win rates will matter more.
The Big Reset: What Disappears, What Remains
Let's be clear: the lol split 2 start doesn't completely erase your progress. Think of it more like a seasonal tune-up than a full reboot. While your visible rank vanishes, leaving only a badge of honor from the previous split, the system remembers your MMR.
What gets wiped:
- Visible Rank: Say goodbye to that shiny Diamond badge... temporarily.
- LP Gains: Your League Points are reset, so everyone starts fresh.
What stays behind the scenes: - MMR (Matchmaking Rating): This hidden number is a crucial factor. It reflects your skill level and dictates the quality of your opponents and teammates. The reset is "soft," meaning it pulls your MMR closer to the average, but it doesn't erase it entirely.
- Split Points: The Split Points you have acquired will be used to determine rewards.
The Placement Games Gauntlet
After the reset, you won't jump straight back into your old rank. You'll need to battle through 5 placement games. These aren't just any matches; they significantly impact your initial Split 2 rank.
Key considerations for your placement games:
- Treat them seriously: Each win or loss heavily influences your starting rank.
- Play your best champions: Now isn't the time to experiment with unfamiliar picks.
- Focus on teamwork: A coordinated team has a much higher chance of winning.
Think of it like this: Your MMR is the foundation, and placement games are the building blocks that determine the height of your initial tower (your rank). If you perform well, you'll start higher.
Soft Reset Explained: How MMR Affects Your Placement
The soft MMR reset is arguably the most important, yet least understood, aspect of the lol split 2 start. It's the invisible force that shapes your initial ranking.
- What it is: A slight adjustment to your MMR, pulling it closer to the median MMR for all players.
- Why it matters: It prevents extreme rank inflation or deflation and keeps the ladder competitive.
- How it impacts you: A higher MMR before the reset means you'll be placed against tougher opponents in placement games, but it also means you have the potential to climb higher after those games.
Essentially, the system is saying, "Okay, you were Diamond, but let's see if you still play like a Diamond."
To understand the bigger picture of all the changes, find out more about ranked split 2.
Understanding the "Lower Rank" Placement
The statement that you'll be placed into "a lower rank" after the reset is often misinterpreted as a punishment. It's not! It's a necessary part of the system's recalibration.
Here's why it happens:
- Ladder Compression: Over time, players tend to climb, leading to rank inflation. The reset gently compresses the ladder, ensuring that ranks accurately reflect skill levels.
- Fresh Start: It gives everyone a renewed sense of progression and motivation to climb.
- Fairness: It provides a more level playing field for players who might not have played as much in the previous split.
Example: Let's say you ended Split 1 in Platinum II. After your placement games, you might be placed in Gold I or Gold II. Don't be discouraged! This is perfectly normal, and your MMR will help you climb back quickly if you deserve to be higher.
Practical Playbook: Maximizing Your Lol Split 2 Start
Here's a concrete plan to make the most of the rank reset:
- Analyze your Split 1 Performance: What champions did you excel at? What strategies worked well? Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Prepare a Champion Pool: Focus on a small, well-rounded selection of champions you're comfortable with. Aim for versatility – be able to fill different roles and adapt to various team compositions.
- Warm-up Before Placements: Don't jump straight into ranked. Play a few normal games to get your mechanics sharp and your game sense honed.
- Mute Toxic Players: Tilt is your worst enemy. If someone starts being negative, immediately mute them to protect your mental state.
- Focus on Improvement, Not Just Wins: View each game as an opportunity to learn and improve, regardless of the outcome. Review your replays, identify mistakes, and focus on correcting them.
- Be Adaptable: The meta changes, so stay informed about the latest champion buffs and nerfs, item changes, and popular strategies.
Case Snippet: A player who ended Split 1 in Gold IV focused on mastering three champions: Garen (top), Xin Zhao (jungle), and Lux (mid). They practiced consistently in normal games, focusing on farming efficiently, rotating effectively, and making smart objective calls. As a result, they won 4 out of their 5 placement games and were placed in Silver I, allowing them to quickly resume their climb.
Split 2 Rewards: What You Can Earn
The lol split 2 start also means a new opportunity to earn rewards based on your performance throughout the split. Riot Games provides rewards based on split points earned, gained each game through wins and losses.
Split Point Rewards
- 30 Split Points: Split Icon
- 60 Split Points: Split Emote
- 80 Split Points: Blue Essence
- 100 Split Points: Ranked Split Ward Skin
Quick Answers: Common Questions about the Lol Split 2 Start
Q: Will my LP gains be affected after the reset?
A: Yes, LP gains are reset with the new split. Winning more games will lead to higher LP gains, and higher LP rewards.
Q: Does my rank decay during the split?
A: Rank decay only applies to players in Master tier and above. If you're below Master, you don't have to worry about decay.
Q: What if I don't play any placement games?
A: You'll remain unranked until you complete your placement games. Your MMR will still be affected by your previous performance and any normal games you play.
Q: I ended Split 1 in Iron IV. Will I still be placed lower?
A: The shift will be smaller, but yes, expect to be placed somewhere in Iron, close to where you originally ended. The soft MMR reset will still affect your placement.
Q: How long does Split 2 last?
A: Each split lasts approximately four months.
Your Next Steps: Dominate the Ladder
The lol split 2 start is an exciting opportunity to prove your skills, climb the ranks, and earn new rewards. By understanding how the reset works, preparing strategically, and focusing on improvement, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on consistent performance, maintain a positive attitude, and enjoy the journey. The Summoner's Rift awaits!