Each year, millions of League of Legends players around the world embark on a new ranked journey. Whether you’re grinding to hit Gold, pushing for Challenger, or just trying to improve, one question often arises: how long is a League of Legends season?
The answer isn’t just important for competitive players—it shapes everything from content releases and esports events to patch cycles and reward distribution. Here’s a comprehensive look at how long League of Legends seasons last, how they’re structured, and what players can expect during the year.
The Basics: What Is a Season in League of Legends?
A season in League of Legends refers to the game’s ranked competitive cycle, during which players can climb the ladder, earn seasonal rewards, and track their progress.
Each season marks a fresh start, resetting ranks and often introducing new gameplay mechanics, items, champions, and visual updates. Riot Games uses seasons to structure the game’s evolution, balance changes, and competitive calendar.
Average Season Length: About 10–11 Months
On average, a League of Legends ranked season lasts between 10 and 11 months.
Example season timelines:
- Season 12: January 7, 2022 – November 14, 2022
- Season 13: January 10, 2023 – November 20, 2023
- Season 14 (2024): Split into two ranked splits, running across most of the year
The season typically begins in January and ends in November, with a brief offseason in December. During this downtime, ranked play is still available—but rewards and standings reset for the next competitive year.
Season Structure: Splits, Patches, and Events
In recent years, Riot introduced ranked splits, dividing each season into parts:
- Two ranked splits per season (starting in 2024)
- Each split offers split-specific rewards, resets, and progression
- A new promotion and demotion system reduces grind while keeping competitive integrity
This new structure helps maintain engagement throughout the year and prevents burnout by giving players mid-season milestones.
Each season is also shaped by:
- Biweekly patch updates (balancing champions, items, and runes)
- Seasonal events (e.g., Lunar Revel, Worlds, MSI)
- Champion releases and reworks
The Preseason: The Bridge Between Seasons
Between November and January, League of Legends enters the preseason—a time for experimentation and massive game changes.
During preseason:
- Riot introduces new systems (like jungle changes, terrain reworks, or item overhauls)
- Players can test mechanics before ranked resets
- No ranked rewards are distributed, but match data still contributes to progression (e.g., honor, mastery)
While it’s less competitive, preseason is crucial for understanding the coming season’s meta.
When Does Ranked Reset?
Ranks reset at the start of each split, not just once per year. In the current system:
- Your ranked position resets, and you must play placement matches (usually 10 games)
- Placement determines where you start in the new split
- MMR (Matchmaking Rating) from the previous season carries over slightly, affecting matchmaking
This gives returning players a sense of continuity while still offering a fresh challenge.
Why Season Length Matters
Understanding the season’s length helps players:
- Pace their ranked grind
- Time their peak performance for reward cutoffs
- Engage with updates and events that align with seasonal shifts
- Optimize Battle Pass and event progress
For professional players, the season also aligns with the global esports calendar, including the LCK, LCS, LEC, and LPL, as well as international events like MSI and Worlds.
Final Thoughts
A League of Legends season lasts about 10–11 months, with two ranked splits and a brief preseason in between. This annual rhythm defines how players compete, how Riot updates the game, and how the global community comes together in one of the most successful games of all time.
Whether you’re a casual ranked grinder or a competitive hopeful, understanding the season timeline is key to making the most of your League experience, just like the average length of a game.
Written by:
Christian