Leveling up in League of Legends is more than just a number—it’s a milestone that unlocks rewards, new features, and progression. Whether you’re a newcomer working toward unlocking Ranked mode or a seasoned player grinding for loot capsules, understanding how leveling works can help you play more efficiently.
But one question often lingers: How many games does it actually take to level up? The answer depends on several key factors—game mode, performance, win/loss record, and XP boosts.
Let’s break it down.
How Leveling Works in League of Legends
After reaching level 30, which unlocks Ranked mode, leveling continues indefinitely with no upper cap. With each new level, players receive a Champion Capsule that contains Blue Essence and, occasionally, champion shards.
Experience points (XP) are earned by completing games. The faster and more successfully you play, the more XP you earn.
XP Per Game: What You Can Expect
1. Normal and Ranked Summoner’s Rift
- Win: Around 200 XP
- Loss: Around 150 XP
- Time Factor: Games lasting longer than 30 minutes tend to give a bit more XP.
2. ARAM
- Slightly less XP per game than Summoner’s Rift
- Win: ~170 XP
- Loss: ~120 XP
3. Event or Rotating Game Modes (e.g., URF)
- XP gains vary, usually lower due to shorter game times.
4. Co-op vs. AI
- Lower XP overall, especially after level 10
- Win: ~100 XP or less
- Loss: Often below 70 XP
Note: AFKing or receiving penalties can dramatically reduce your XP.
How Many Games per Level?
A typical level-up requires around 2,500 to 3,000 XP. Given that:
- A player averaging 180 XP per game will need 14–17 games to level up.
- With consistent wins and longer matches, that number can drop to 10–12 games.
- Using an XP Boost, you can cut this in half, leveling up in as few as 5–8 games.
Speeding Up the Process
If your goal is to level quickly—perhaps to unlock Ranked, earn Blue Essence, or farm capsules—consider these tips:
1. Win More
XP rewards are higher for wins than losses. Duo queue or premade teams can help boost your win rate.
2. Play Longer Games
Quitting early or stomping fast can reduce XP gains. Full-length matches yield more.
3. Use XP Boosts
There are two types:
- Per Win Boosts: Add bonus XP for every win
- Duration Boosts: Add a percentage of XP to every game during a time window (e.g., 3 days)
These can be purchased through the store using RP.
4. Avoid Co-op vs. AI
Unless you’re a beginner, these matches give significantly less XP after level 10.
Why Leveling Still Matters
While many players focus on Ranked and Champion Mastery, leveling continues to offer small but meaningful rewards:
- Champion Capsules = free Blue Essence
- Milestone prestige rewards for ultra-high levels
- Occasional event-based level rewards
Final Thoughts
So how many games does it take to level up in League of Legends? Realistically, expect 10–17 games per level, depending on how you play. With XP boosts and strategic grinding, you can cut that number down significantly.
Whether you’re chasing your first level 30 or grinding toward level 300, knowing how XP works can help you get there faster—and with fewer tilt-inducing losses along the way.
Written by:
Christian