When it comes to League of Legends, climbing the ranked ladder isn’t just about mechanics or macro—it also involves smart matchmaking and knowing how to navigate the role selection system. That’s where role priority comes in.
Every player knows the frustration: you queue up for your favorite role—maybe mid or jungle—only to be placed in something completely different. But did you know Riot Games uses a role priority system behind the scenes to balance queues, and that you can manage how often you get your preferred role?
Here’s everything you need to know about how to change priority in League of Legends, and how the system actually works.
What Is Role Priority?
Role priority is Riot’s way of optimizing queue times and matchmaking fairness. When you enter a ranked or normal draft queue, you’re asked to select two roles: your primary and secondary. The system then matches you into a game, prioritizing your selections but also making sure games start quickly and teams are balanced.
Roles with fewer players queuing for them—like support or fill—are more likely to receive priority. In contrast, popular roles like mid or jungle may have longer queue times or lower priority, depending on demand.
How to Change Role Priority Before a Match
Changing your priority is easy—it just takes a little awareness at the role selection screen.
Step-by-Step:
- Open the League of Legends client and enter Ranked Solo/Duo or Draft Pick mode.
- In the role selection screen, click on the roles to set your preferences:
- First pick = Primary Role
- Second pick = Secondary Role
- Want to increase your chances of getting your main? Set it as your primary, and consider pairing it with a less popular role (e.g., support) as your secondary.
- You can also select “Fill” to enter any available role—doing this frequently will increase your priority for your primary role in future games.
Using Autofill and Fill to Your Advantage
If you’re willing to be flexible, Riot rewards you. By queuing as “Fill” or accepting autofill (especially during high-demand times), you gain something called autofill protection.
Autofill protection guarantees that your next few games will give you one of your preferred roles, essentially boosting your priority. This can be a strategic choice for players trying to fast-track into specific roles like jungle or mid.
Does Queue Time Affect Priority?
Yes. The longer you’re in queue, the more the system adjusts to give you your preferred role. That means if you’re playing in an off-peak hour or waiting longer than usual, the game will likely favor your primary selection to avoid frustrating delays.
Can You Change Role Priority In-Game?
No. Once you’ve entered champion select, your role is locked for that match. However, if you and a teammate agree to swap roles, you’re free to do so by communicating in chat and trading champions during the pick phase.
Tips for Increasing Your Role Priority
- Pair a popular role with an unpopular one (e.g., Mid + Support).
- Queue as Fill occasionally to earn autofill protection.
- Avoid duo queueing with someone choosing the same main role.
- Play during off-peak hours when competition for popular roles is lower.
Final Thoughts
In League of Legends, climbing the ladder is as much about smart matchmaking management as it is about raw skill. By understanding how Riot’s role priority system works and learning how to adjust it in your favor, you can increase your chances of landing your main, cut down on frustration, and take control of your ranked experience. Because sometimes, the biggest play happens before the game even begins.
Written by:
Christian