In League of Legends, where emotions often run high and one misstep can cost an entire game, saying “sorry” might seem like a small act—but it can have a surprisingly big impact. Whether it’s a missed smite, an overzealous tower dive, or an accidental KS (kill steal), knowing how to apologize—and when to do it—can be the difference between a tilted team and a comeback victory.
Why Saying Sorry Matters
In a fast-paced, team-based game like League, players are constantly making decisions under pressure. Mistakes are inevitable. But how you respond to those mistakes can shape your team’s mood and morale.
A simple apology serves multiple purposes:
- It acknowledges responsibility, which diffuses blame.
- It shows emotional maturity, calming potential tension.
- It helps re-focus the team on the game instead of interpersonal frustration.
In solo queue especially, where communication is already fragile, a timely “my bad” can prevent a game from spiraling into chaos.
The In-Game Language of Apology
While League of Legends doesn’t have a built-in apology command, there are several quick and effective ways to say sorry in the heat of the match:
- “mb” – Short for “my bad.” Quick, informal, and widely understood.
- “sry” or “sorry” – More explicit and sometimes seen as more sincere.
- “my fault” – Takes clear ownership of the mistake.
- “shouldn’t have done that” – A reflective, non-confrontational way to acknowledge a misplay.
- Ping wheel “On My Way” spam – Some players use it humorously to signal regret after an obvious blunder.
Tone is key here. A sarcastic or passive-aggressive “sorry” (“sry for carrying I guess”) will do more harm than good. The goal is to de-escalate, not stir things up.
When (and When Not) to Apologize
While being polite is generally good practice, timing matters. Mid-fight is not the moment to type out a heartfelt apology. Use short forms or wait for downtime between objectives. On the other hand, over-apologizing or beating yourself up in chat can distract the team or lower confidence.
Apologies are most useful:
- After an accidental overcommit or mistimed ultimate
- When you take a jungle camp meant for a teammate
- If your call led to a bad fight
- After an unintentional flame or miscommunication
Cultural Norms in Different Regions
Interestingly, how players apologize—or whether they apologize at all—can vary by server. In North America and Europe, players may be more likely to type short apologies. On Korean or Chinese servers, communication is often more focused on efficiency and pings, with apologies communicated through fast in-game actions (like immediately backing off or helping the laner you affected).
Final Thought: Humility Wins Games
Saying sorry in League of Legends isn’t about admitting defeat—it’s about showing your team that you care about the shared goal of winning. In a community often criticized for toxicity, a sincere apology stands out. It’s a small gesture, but one that can help turn strangers into teammates—and sometimes, losses into victories.
So next time you flash into a wall, miss your ult, or steal Baron with a rogue Lux laser—just type “mb.” Your team might flame less. They might even say “all good.”
Written by:
Christian