The term “elo hell” is a common cry of frustration for many League of Legends players who feel stuck in a low rank despite their efforts. It’s often perceived as a cycle of bad luck with teammates, but in reality, it’s a personal challenge that can be overcome with a disciplined approach to self-improvement. Getting out of “elo hell” is less about your teammates and more about a dedicated focus on your own game.
Master the Fundamentals
The most impactful way to climb is by perfecting the core mechanics of the game.
- Last-Hitting and Wave Management: This is the foundation of gaining gold and experience. Practice last-hitting minions in custom games to improve your consistency. Learn wave management techniques like freezing the lane near your tower to deny your opponent gold and experience, or slow-pushing to build up a large minion wave that can crash into an enemy tower, creating opportunities for other plays on the map.
- Champion Mastery: Instead of playing a wide variety of champions, specialize in a small pool of reliable champions for your main and secondary roles. This allows you to master their abilities, understand their power spikes, and consistently execute optimal combos and skill rotations.
- Positioning: A seemingly small mistake in positioning can lead to a game-losing death. Learn where to stand in skirmishes and teamfights to maximize your damage and utility while minimizing your risk of being caught out.
Focus on Macro Play and Objectives
Beyond individual mechanics, understanding the bigger picture of the game is crucial for consistent climbing.
- Objectives over Kills: Kills are flashy, but objectives win games. Prioritize dragons, Rift Herald, and Baron. Use pings and communication to coordinate with your team to secure these objectives.
- Map Control: Use proper wave management to create pressure on the map. A well-timed push can force an enemy to respond, opening up opportunities for your team to take a turret or an objective on the other side of the map.
Develop Mental Resilience
The psychological aspect of the game is just as important as the mechanical one.
- Growth Mindset: View every game, win or loss, as a learning opportunity. Take breaks when you’re on tilt and avoid the temptation to blame your teammates. The only factor you can control is your own performance.
- Positive Communication: Be a leader in your games. Use constructive pings and communication. A positive attitude can boost team morale and help turn a difficult game around.
Seek Feedback and Simplify
- Review Your Games: Watch replays of your matches. This is the single best way to identify your own mistakes and understand where you could have made a different, better decision.
- Simplify: Don’t complicate things. Stick to a small champion pool and focus on your core strengths. This helps build consistency and confidence, making the climb feel less like a struggle and more like a steady progression.
Written by:
Christian