For countless League of Legends players, truly diving into the heart of the game means experiencing it in full screen mode. This isn’t just about aesthetics; full screen can significantly enhance visual clarity and focus, and crucially, it can boost game performance by dedicating system resources more effectively to the game itself.
If you’re looking to maximize your immersion and optimize your gameplay, here’s a straightforward guide to switching to full screen and understanding the nuances of League’s display options.
Step-by-Step: The Path to Full Screen
Transitioning to full screen in League of Legends is a remarkably simple process that can be done directly within a match:
- Start a Game: Begin by launching League of Legends and entering any type of match. This could be a quick training session, a custom game, or a regular PvP match – the method remains the same.
- Open the Settings Menu: Once you’re in-game, press the ESC key on your keyboard. This will bring up the comprehensive “Options” menu.
- Navigate to Video Settings: On the left-hand side of the Options menu, locate and click on the “Video” tab. This section houses all your display-related settings.
- Select Window Mode: Within the Video tab, you’ll find a dropdown menu labeled “Window Mode.” Here, you’ll be presented with three primary options:
- Full Screen: This is your target for maximum immersion and performance.
- Borderless: A popular alternative for those who frequently switch between applications.
- Windowed: The standard windowed mode, ideal for playing while having other windows visible.
- Choose Full Screen: Click on “Full Screen” to select it. While Full Screen is the go-to for competitive play and deep immersion, “Borderless” mode is an excellent choice if you need to seamlessly alt-tab between League and other applications without the game minimizing.
- Adjust Resolution (Optional but Recommended): For the sharpest visual experience and to avoid any stretching or black screen bars, it’s highly recommended to set the resolution to match your monitor’s native display size (e.g., 1920×1080 for most modern monitors).
- Apply Changes: After making your selection, click the “Apply” button to confirm your new settings. The game should immediately transition to your chosen display mode.
Quick Tip for Instant Switching:
For even faster transitions, you can instantly toggle between full screen and windowed mode at any point during a game by simply pressing Alt + Enter on your keyboard.
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Why Embrace Full Screen?
The benefits of playing League of Legends in full screen extend beyond just aesthetics:
- Performance Boost: Full screen mode often translates to higher framerates (FPS) and reduced input lag. This is because your operating system prioritizes the game, dedicating more system resources to it rather than background applications.
- Enhanced Visual Clarity: A full screen view eliminates all desktop distractions, maximizing your field of vision within the game. This heightened focus is absolutely crucial in the fast-paced, competitive environment of League of Legends.
- Stability (with a caveat): While full screen generally offers the best performance, some players with lower-end PCs might surprisingly find windowed mode to be more stable, though this is less common.
Borderless vs. Full Screen: Choosing Your Fighter
The choice between Borderless and Full Screen often comes down to individual playstyle and needs:
- Borderless Mode: An excellent choice for streamers or players who frequently multitask. It allows for fluid transitions between the game and other open applications without the need to minimize League of Legends, preserving your place in the action.
- Full Screen Mode: The undisputed champion for competitive play and ultimate immersion. It locks your focus purely on the game, though it’s less convenient for quickly switching tasks.
Important Note:
It’s crucial to understand that only the in-game experience of League of Legends supports full screen mode. The League of Legends client itself (the launcher where you select game modes, view profiles, etc.) cannot be made full screen. While the client window can be resized within certain limits, true full screen is exclusively reserved for the gameplay.
In Summary
Switching to full screen in League of Legends is a straightforward configuration that can profoundly impact your gameplay experience. By eliminating distractions and potentially boosting performance, proper display settings ensure you remain fully immersed, focused, and in complete control as you battle for victory on Summoner’s Rift.
Written by:
Christian