In the fiercely competitive world of League of Legends, even the smallest advantages can shape the outcome of a match. One of the most debated — and statistically backed — discussions in the community is the “Blue Side vs. Red Side” dilemma. Despite Riot Games’ efforts to balance both, many players and analysts argue that Blue Side is simply better.
But why is that the case? Is it map layout, champion visibility, or something else entirely? Here’s a closer look at why Blue Side continues to hold an edge in League of Legends.
Pick Order Advantage in Draft
Perhaps the most well-known Blue Side benefit comes from drafting order in champion select. In both ranked and pro play, the Blue team gets first pick — a powerful edge in a meta where certain champions can define entire games.
Having first pick allows a team to:
- Secure high-priority meta champions early
- Force bans from Red Side, limiting their flexibility
- Craft compositions with early control over power picks
While Red Side can counter-pick the final champion, Blue Side often sets the tone of the draft, especially in coordinated team play.
Better Objective Control — Especially Baron
Map layout in League of Legends is not perfectly symmetrical. Though visually balanced, certain structural elements favor Blue Side — notably when it comes to vision control and approach angles to Baron Nashor.
The Blue Side jungle provides:
- Easier access to Baron from safer angles
- More natural vision control paths via mid and top lane
- Favorable warding positions that are harder for Red Side to clear
In late game teamfights around Baron, these small pathing and vision advantages can make a critical difference, especially at higher levels of play.
Camera and Perspective Bias
Though often overlooked, camera angle bias subtly favors Blue Side. The default in-game camera looks slightly downward, making the bottom-left to top-right orientation (Blue to Red) more intuitive.
This has gameplay implications:
- Blue Side players tend to see skillshots more clearly
- It’s easier to judge distances and angles from the Blue Side perspective
- Movement from Blue to Red feels smoother for many players, especially in fast-paced situations
While professional players often use unlocked camera settings to minimize this, for the majority of players — especially those climbing the solo queue ladder — it still matters.
Win Rate Evidence
Across multiple seasons and patches, Blue Side has shown a small but consistent win rate advantage, typically hovering between 1% and 4%, depending on region, game mode, and patch.
In professional play, this becomes even more noticeable during key patches where a first-pick champion (like Maokai, Aphelios, or Sejuani) can dominate the meta. Teams often opt for Blue Side in best-of series when given the choice, and analysts frequently point out its strategic value.
Riot’s Response: Constant Adjustments
Riot Games is well aware of the asymmetry and actively tweaks the game to reduce side bias. Adjustments over the years have included:
- Changing jungle pathing and XP scaling
- Modifying Baron and Dragon vision angles
- Tweaking pick-ban order rules in pro play
Despite this, the first-pick power and map design quirks still lean slightly in Blue Side’s favor — especially in solo queue and pro drafts.
Conclusion: Marginal Advantage, Major Impact
Is Blue Side objectively overpowered? No. League of Legends remains a game where strategy, execution, and teamwork decide most matches. But when the skill gap is small, and the meta is unforgiving, every tiny edge matters — and Blue Side continues to offer a few more of them.
Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring pro, understanding the subtle advantages of Blue Side can help you approach games more strategically. And when you get that first pick? Use it wisely — the numbers are on your side.
Written by:
Christian