Wondering how many times you have to claw your way back to Gold for that Victorious skin in League of Legends? The answer used to be tied to the number of ranked splits in a season, impacting how often your rank would be soft-reset. However, with upcoming changes in 2025, the number of splits is becoming less impactful on rank resets than it used to be. Let's break down how this works.
At a glance:

  • In 2024 and prior, League of Legends seasons were divided into three ranked splits, but this is changing in 2025.
  • The impact of splits on rank resets is being reduced. Focus is shifting to a single, larger reset at the start of the year.
  • While your rank won't fully reset between splits, higher tiers (Diamond and above) still experience decay, requiring consistent play.
  • You do need to play 15 ranked games each split to earn progress towards the Victorious skin.
  • The number of splits impacts how often you need to play to maintain rank and earn split-specific rewards.
  • Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is soft-reset less aggressively for Apex players (Diamond+).

The Evolution of Ranked Splits in League

Traditionally, a League of Legends ranked season was segmented into three splits. Each split brought a fresh thematic, new challenges, and a chance to earn rewards based on your performance. The number of splits mattered because each split used to involve a soft reset of your rank, forcing you to re-prove your skill. As detailed in "Ranked Splits: What You Need To Know," Riot Games is changing the ranked system significantly in 2025, moving to a single yearly reset.
However, it's still crucial to understand how the previous system worked to appreciate the upcoming changes.

Understanding the Impact of Splits on Rank

Previously, each split included a soft MMR (Matchmaking Rating) reset. This meant that your MMR, which is the hidden number determining your skill level, was nudged closer to the average. For most players, this resulted in a small rank adjustment, often around one division. So, if you ended Split 1 in Gold II, you might start Split 2 in Silver II or Gold IV after placements.
These resets served several purposes:

  • Maintain Ladder Integrity: Prevented rank inflation and ensured the competitive landscape remained fresh.
  • Provide Opportunities: Gave players multiple chances to climb and improve their rank.
  • Reward Engagement: Encouraged consistent play throughout the season.
    However, the constant resets also had drawbacks. Players in higher ranks, specifically Diamond and above, often experienced frustration due to the influx of high-skill players in lower-ranked games after the soft reset. The reduced impact of splits on resets directly addresses this issue in 2025.

Key Changes Coming in 2025: One Big Reset

The biggest change coming in 2025 is the move to a single annual reset instead of multiple split resets. This means:

  • One Major Climb: Players will have one primary climb throughout the year.
  • Less Frequent Disruption: Ranked integrity will be preserved without constant rank fluctuations.
  • Apex Tier Stability: Less aggressive soft resets for Diamond+, reducing frustration and smoothing the climb.

Earning Victorious Skins: Still Split-Dependent

While rank resets are changing significantly, Victorious skins remain tied to splits, albeit with a different earning mechanic. Forget the Split Points grind!
Here's how it works for Victorious skin progression:

  • Win 15 Games: In each thematic season (split), win 15 ranked games (solo/duo, flex, or a combination).
  • Consistent Effort Required: You can't just pile up wins in one split and skip the others.
  • No Losses Counted: Unlike previous split point systems, only wins matter.
    Example: To earn all the Victorious skin chromas for a season, you need to win 15 ranked games in each split. This ensures participation and rewards consistent performance.

Rank Decay: Maintaining Your Hard-Earned Position

Even with the changes to ranked splits, rank decay remains a factor, particularly for players in Diamond and higher.
Key points about rank decay:

  • Inactivity Penalties: If you don't play ranked games for a certain period, your rank will gradually decrease.
  • Preventing Inactivity Abuse: Rank decay ensures that players actively maintain their skill and don't simply "park" their accounts at a high rank.
  • Keep Playing: Consistently play games to avoid rank decay.
    Practical Tip: Check the specific decay rules for your rank tier in the League client to understand the inactivity thresholds. The client will provide warnings before decay starts.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Let's tackle some frequently asked questions about League of Legends ranked splits and resets:
Q: Will my rank completely reset every split in 2025?
A: No. The major change coming in 2025 is that there will be one significant reset at the start of the year, removing the need for smaller resets between the splits.
Q: Do I need to play ranked every split?
A: Yes, if you want the Victorious skin and its accompanying chromas! You need to win 15 ranked games each split to earn them.
Q: If I reach Master tier, will I automatically drop to Platinum every split?
A: No. With the changes in 2025, Apex tier players will have less aggressive MMR resets. You still need to maintain your rank by playing games to avoid decay.
Q: Why did Riot change the ranked system?
A: The changes aim to address several issues, including rank inflation, inconsistent skill distribution across regions, and frustration among high-elo players with frequent resets.
Q: If i've been away from the game for a few years, where will I be placed?
A: Riot increased the decay rate in Split 3 last year for accounts inactive for 6+ months. Historically, an extended break could lead to a significant rank drop, even multiple tiers. However, the 2025 changes may lessen this initial drop. Expect to be placed lower than your previous rank, requiring you to climb back.

Takeaways and Next Steps

The number of League of Legends ranked splits in a season impacts how frequently you need to engage with the ranked ladder. While the system is evolving in 2025 to reduce the impact of splits on rank resets, here’s your actionable guide to understanding and thriving in the current and future ranked environment:
Actionable Playbook:

  1. Understand the 2025 Format: Familiarize yourself with the single-reset system and its implications for your climb.
  2. Prioritize Consistent Play: Even with less frequent resets, actively play ranked to maintain your rank and avoid decay, especially in Diamond and above.
  3. Focus on Victorious Skin Wins: Win those 15 ranked games each split to secure the Victorious skin and chromas.
  4. Monitor Rank Decay: Keep an eye on decay warnings in the client and play regularly to maintain your hard-earned rank.
    By understanding the role of ranked splits and adapting to the system changes, you can optimize your climb and achieve your ranked goals in League of Legends.