Reaching Gold in League of Legends is a milestone for many players. It’s more than just a shiny badge—it’s the dividing line between the casual crowd and those considered “above average.” For years, Gold has symbolized competence, consistency, and a gateway to better rewards at the end of each ranked season. But once you’ve made it there, the nagging question begins to surface:
The short answer: Yes, you can—but not as easily as you might think.
How Demotion Works in League of Legends
Riot Games has designed the ranked system with a balance of progression and protection. Once you’ve climbed into a new division (say, from Silver I to Gold IV), you don’t immediately risk dropping out after a single loss. However, demotion is absolutely possible under the right conditions.
To demote from Gold to Silver, the following typically must happen:
- You lose multiple games at 0 LP (League Points) in Gold IV, the lowest tier of Gold.
- Your MMR (Matchmaking Rating) must fall below the threshold for Gold rank.
If your performance consistently drops, and your MMR suggests you’re not playing at a Gold-level skill, the system may decide it’s time to send you back to Silver I. It’s not personal—it’s just math.
There’s a Safety Net—But It’s Not Bulletproof
League’s ranked system has built-in protection when you first enter a new division. For example, after being promoted to Gold IV, you typically get a few games as a “grace period.” You won’t be demoted even if you lose a game or two right away.
But if you continue to lose and hover at 0 LP, that protection fades. The more you lose while stuck at the bottom of the division, the closer you get to demotion.
The key takeaway? 0 LP is not a safe space.
Demotion Doesn’t Equal Defeat
For many players, dropping from Gold back to Silver feels like a blow to their pride. But it’s important to remember: demotion is not a judgment of your overall ability—it’s a reflection of your recent performance.
League is a game of constant adaptation. The meta shifts, champions get nerfed or buffed, and players have hot and cold streaks. Getting demoted isn’t a death sentence; it’s a signal to re-evaluate, reflect, and refocus.
Ask yourself:
- Are you playing champions you’re comfortable with?
- Are you tilted or frustrated?
- Do you need a break to avoid burnout?
Sometimes, the best way to climb is to step back, regroup, and return with clarity.
When You Can’t Be Demoted: Season Rewards and Safety Zones
One area of confusion arises around season rewards. Once you reach Gold during a ranked season, do you need to maintain it to get the Victorious skin at the end?
Thankfully, no. Riot clarified that once you’ve achieved Gold and completed any required match minimums, you’ll receive your rewards—even if you fall back to Silver later in the season. So while a demotion might sting in the moment, your hard-earned seasonal loot is safe.
Final Thoughts: Demotion Is Just Part of the Climb
Yes, you can fall from Gold back to Silver—but it doesn’t mean you don’t belong there. League’s ranked ladder is dynamic. It tests your consistency, not just your peak performance. Instead of fearing demotion, view it as part of your growth as a player.
Because in the end, every climb includes stumbles—and sometimes falling down a step is exactly what you need to jump two steps higher.
Keep learning, keep grinding—and don’t let one rank define your worth. After all, it’s not the medal that makes the Summoner. It’s the mindset.
Written by:
Christian