If you're a League of Legends player, you've probably asked yourself, "Does rank reset every split league?" The answer, as of 2025, is no... anymore! League is moving away from the frequent rank resets that you might be used to. Let's dive into the details and understand what this shift means for your climb.
At a Glance:
- Only One Major Reset: Starting in 2025, there's only one significant rank reset per year, at the beginning of the season. No more mid-year jolts!
- Victorious Skins Simplified: You can now earn the base Victorious skin by winning 15 ranked games in each thematic season. Chromas still require climbing higher.
- Smoother Apex Tier Climbs: MMR soft resets will be less aggressive for Diamond+ players, reducing early-season volatility.
- Decay Adjustments: Inactive accounts will see increased decay if they've been dormant for 6+ months, but future adjustments will be more selective.
- Goal: The aim is a more rewarding, fair, and enjoyable ranked experience.
Why the Change to Ranked Resets?
For years, Riot Games implemented ranked resets with each split to keep things "fresh" and theoretically encourage players to re-engage. However, this system created some unintended consequences. Players reported feeling burnt out from the constant grind. The ladder also became more volatile, especially in the early weeks after a reset. This is where "MMR hell" stories originate! Essentially, the problem was ranked fatigue and an uneven playing field, especially in Diamond+ tiers.
The New Ranked Reset System: Only One Big Reset Per Year
The biggest change coming to League of Legends ranked in 2025 is the reduction to a single yearly reset. This means that your hard-earned rank won't be slashed multiple times a year. Instead, you'll have a longer period to maintain and improve your position. This change addresses the core issue of ranked fatigue. You will have more time to climb without feeling the pressure to constantly "re-prove" yourself.
Earning Victorious Skins: Easier, But Still Rewarding
The pathway to obtaining the Victorious skin sp league of legends is also changing. Previously, you needed to reach Gold and then grind out either 80 Split Points or 1000 Split Points if you were below Gold. The new system is more straightforward: win 15 ranked games (solo/duo, flex, or a combination) during each thematic season.
Climbing to higher ranks isn't completely irrelevant, though. You'll still need to climb if you want to earn those coveted Victorious skin chromas.
Apex Tier Adjustments: Less Volatility in Diamond+
If you're a Diamond or higher player, you'll appreciate this change. The MMR (Matchmaking Rating) soft resets are being toned down. The goal here is to reduce the chaotic mix of Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger players in the initial weeks after a reset. This change should result in a more stable and predictable climb in the upper tiers. No more feeling like you're playing a coin-flip game against players who should (or shouldn't) be at your MMR! This should create a smoother experience.
Dealing with Inactive Accounts: Decay Rate Adjustments
Riot Games has also been tweaking the decay rate for inactive accounts. If you haven't played ranked in six months or more, expect a significant rank drop. In the past, someone in Platinum might now find themselves in Silver upon returning. This change was implemented because returning players often had lower win rates (30-40%), negatively impacting the matches for everyone else.
However, even Riot has acknowledged that this change had some negative side effects, especially around Diamond+. They plan to apply decay adjustments more selectively in the future.
Addressing Rank Inflation: Making the Climb Meaningful
In recent years, there's been a noticeable "rank inflation" in League of Legends. Higher ranks, like Master tier, became overcrowded in some regions. This also led to skill disparities between regions for the same rank. Some players experienced rank drops of up to six divisions! This adjustment was somewhat controversial, as it felt unfair to some players who had legitimately climbed.
Common Questions About Ranked Resets (and the Answers)
Let's tackle some frequently asked questions about ranked resets and League of Legends in general, especially in light of these changes:
- Will my MMR still be affected by the yearly reset? Yes, your MMR will still undergo a soft reset at the start of each year. This means that your previous season's performance will influence your initial placement, but it won't be a complete wipe.
- What happens to my LP if I don't play for a while? If you're inactive for an extended period, you'll experience LP decay. The higher your rank, the more significant the decay. This prevents players from hoarding LP without actively playing.
- Are rank resets region-specific? The timing of the yearly reset and the decay rates are generally consistent across regions. However, the difficulty of climbing and the skill level at each rank can vary significantly between regions.
- How many ranked splits are there and how does that affect the season? To better understand the overall structure it would be helpful to review Ranked Splits Explained for LoL, so you can plan accordingly.
- Why did my rank drop so much after the split 3 changes? The rank inflation adjustments implemented in Split 3 of a recent season made it harder to reach those higher ranks. If you experienced a significant drop, it was likely due to a combination of this adjustment and the previously mentioned decay rate changes.
Navigating the New Ranked Landscape: Tips for Success
With the change to a single yearly reset, you need to adjust your approach to ranked play. Here's some practical guidance to help you climb effectively:
- Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for a massive rank jump every split, focus on consistent improvement throughout the year. Small, incremental gains add up over time.
- Prioritize Consistency: Play regularly to maintain your MMR and prevent LP decay. Even a few games a week can make a difference.
- Focus on Improvement: Analyze your replays, identify your weaknesses, and work on specific skills. Don't just blindly grind games.
- Adapt to the Meta: League of Legends is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest champion buffs, nerfs, and item changes.
- Manage Tilt: Everyone has bad games. Learn to recognize when you're tilting and take a break before it affects your performance. A loss streak isn't the end of the world!
- Find a Duo Partner (Optional): Playing with a reliable duo partner can improve your communication and coordination, increasing your chances of winning. Just make sure you synergize well!
- Don't be afraid to experiment in Normals: Test out new builds and champions in Normal games before bringing them to Ranked.
The Ongoing Challenges (and What to Expect)
While the new ranked system aims to address many long-standing issues, some challenges remain:
- Regional Variance: The skill level at a given rank still varies significantly between regions. This is an inherent issue due to different player populations and playstyles. Riot Games is constantly monitoring regional data and making adjustments as needed.
- Rank Manipulation: Boosting and other forms of rank manipulation remain a concern. While the resets helped to address boosted accounts, ongoing monitoring and enforcement are necessary.
- Matchmaking Quality: While the goal is to improve matchmaking, finding the perfect balance is an ongoing process. There will always be occasional imbalances, but Riot Games is committed to refining the system.
Taking Control of Your Ranked Journey
Ultimately, the changes to the League of Legends ranked system are designed to create a more rewarding and enjoyable experience. By understanding these changes, setting realistic goals, and focusing on consistent improvement, you can take control of your ranked journey and climb to new heights. The most important thing is to play smart, adapt to the meta, and have fun!