For players aiming to swiftly level up their League of Legends accounts, the choice of game mode can make all the difference. While various modes offer experience points (XP), a clear leader emerges when it comes to maximizing gains: Summoner’s Rift.
Summoner’s Rift: The XP King
Summoner’s Rift, specifically in its Normal Draft or Ranked formats, consistently provides the highest XP per match for the average player. A typical game lasting 25-35 minutes can yield around 200–300 XP for a win and 150–250 XP for a loss.
The key to its efficiency is the game’s duration; the experience system heavily favors longer matches that extend beyond 10 minutes, rewarding the time players invest. To maximize XP, winning consistently, playing with a coordinated group, and avoiding early leaves are crucial factors.
Other Game Modes: Alternatives and Exceptions
While Summoner’s Rift is the gold standard, other game modes offer different leveling experiences:
- ARAM (All Random, All Mid): This mode is a solid option for more casual XP farming. Games are shorter, typically lasting 15–25 minutes, and can award 150–250 XP for a win. While the per-game XP is slightly lower than Summoner’s Rift, ARAM’s fast pace can sometimes make it more efficient on a per-hour basis.
- Co-op vs. AI: Once a favorite for rapid leveling, this mode has been significantly nerfed. Now, the most substantial XP gain comes from the “First Win of the Day” bonus, which can provide 400–500 XP. Subsequent matches, especially for accounts above level 10, offer dramatically reduced rewards, making it a less viable option for serious grinding beyond the daily bonus.
- Rotating Game Modes: Special events that introduce modes like Ultra Rapid Fire (URF) or Nexus Blitz can occasionally rival or even surpass Summoner’s Rift in XP-per-minute efficiency. Their fast-paced nature and unique reward scaling make them excellent for leveling, but their limited availability restricts their usefulness for long-term farming.
- Practice Tool and Custom Games: These modes offer no XP and are therefore useless for leveling up.
Tips for Maximizing Your XP
Beyond choosing the right game mode, players can employ several strategies to boost their XP gains:
- Claim the “First Win of the Day”: This mission provides a significant XP bonus and should always be a priority.
- Use XP Boosts: Both time-based and win-based XP boosts can dramatically increase gains, especially during long play sessions.
- Consistency is Key: Avoiding penalties for leaving games or going AFK is essential, as these actions lower XP rewards.
- Play with Friends: Grinding with a coordinated group can increase your win rate and, as a result, your XP-per-hour.
In summary, for players seeking the fastest path to level 30 or beyond, Summoner’s Rift is the definitive choice. Winning matches that last over 25 minutes, utilizing XP boosts and daily bonuses, and playing consistently are the most effective ways to farm experience.
While other modes like ARAM offer a decent alternative for variety, none can surpass the raw XP potential of Summoner’s Rift.
Written by:
Christian