League of Legends is famously a five-versus-five game, built on team coordination, objective control, and synchronized strategy. But what if you’re not in the mood to queue up with friends—or prefer to game alone altogether? Can you actually play League of Legends by yourself? The answer is yes, but with some important context.
Let’s break down the ways League accommodates solo players, what challenges they face, and why many still choose to go it alone.
Solo Queue: The Most Common Path
If you’re playing competitively, Solo/Duo Queue is the default ranked mode. Despite its name, solo players make up the majority of the queue. You don’t need a premade team to climb the ranks—just pick your role, lock in your champ, and carry (or survive) as best you can.
While it is possible to queue with one friend, Riot’s matchmaking balances teams by pairing them against similar setups. This keeps the experience fair and ensures that solo players aren’t at a disadvantage.
The ranked ladder is full of players who solo their way to high Elo—proof that while League is a team game, individual skill and decision-making still shine.
Normal Games and ARAM: Chill Solo Options
If ranked isn’t your thing, Normal Draft and Blind Pick allow you to jump into matches solo with less pressure. These casual modes are ideal for:
- Testing new champions
- Practicing mechanics
- Having fun without stakes
Another solo-friendly option is ARAM (All Random All Mid). It’s fast-paced, low-stress, and features just one lane, so there’s less emphasis on macro strategy and more on pure brawling. It’s also popular with solo players looking for quick games.
Co-Op vs. AI: The True Solo Experience
For a completely solo-friendly mode, there’s Co-op vs. AI, where you and four others face off against computer-controlled opponents. While it’s not as challenging as PvP, it’s great for:
- Learning the game
- Trying new builds
- Earning first-win bonuses with minimal effort
You can queue alone, and games are often filled with other solo players doing the same.
Custom Games and Training Mode
Want to play truly alone, with no teammates or enemies? You can do that, too.
- Custom Games let you create your own private match with bots or alone, perfect for exploring the map or practicing mechanics.
- Practice Tool (Training Mode) is a sandbox environment where you can spawn items, reset cooldowns, and simulate scenarios. This is a go-to for anyone looking to refine skills without the pressure of live competition.
Challenges of Solo Play
While League of Legends supports solo play, the game still revolves around teamwork. Playing solo can be frustrating when:
- Teammates don’t communicate
- Team comps lack synergy
- You get matched with coordinated duos
Still, strong solo players can influence the outcome through mechanics, shotcalling, and smart decision-making.
The Social Side: Optional, Not Required
Though League has social features—like Clubs, Parties, and in-game chat—they’re not mandatory. You can mute players, disable chat entirely, or opt out of voice features. The community is what you make of it.
Some players prefer the self-reliance and focus that comes from solo queuing. Others enjoy the freedom of choosing when and how to engage with others.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can absolutely play League of Legends by yourself. Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder solo, chilling in ARAM, or experimenting in Practice Tool, the game offers a wide range of solo-friendly experiences. While teamwork is at the heart of the game, League respects the lone wolf—because sometimes, the best victories are the ones you earn alone.
Written by:
Christian