If you’ve ever played a match of League of Legends, chances are you’ve seen a teammate type “/ff” into the chat—or maybe you’ve done it yourself. Short, sharp, and sometimes controversial, “FF” is one of the most commonly used abbreviations in the game’s community. But what does it actually mean, and why is it such a big part of League’s culture?
Here’s a closer look at what FF means in League of Legends, how it works in practice, and why it often sparks debate among players.
What Does FF Mean?
In League of Legends, “FF” stands for “forfeit”. It refers to the act of surrendering a game before the Nexus is destroyed. The term is used both as a command and as shorthand in conversation—“Let’s ff,” “They’re going to ff,” or “FF at 15.”
The official in-game command is /surrender, but most players simply type /ff in the chat to initiate a vote.
How Does the FF System Work?
The surrender feature allows players to end a match early if the majority of the team agrees that the game is no longer winnable—or no longer worth playing.
Here’s how it works:
- Timing:
- A surrender vote can first be called at 15 minutes in a 5v5 Summoner’s Rift match (if all five players are alive).
- Between 15 and 20 minutes, a surrender requires a unanimous 5-0 vote.
- After 20 minutes, the vote passes with a 4-1 majority.
- Command:
- Type /ff or /surrender in the chat.
- A vote panel appears, and teammates can vote yes or no.
- The outcome is determined immediately based on the vote results.
- Cooldown:
- If the surrender vote fails, another can’t be called for a few minutes.
When Do Players Use FF?
FF is most commonly used when:
- The team is far behind in gold or objectives
- One or more players are feeding or trolling
- A teammate disconnects or goes AFK
- The mood has shifted, and players are mentally checked out
However, opinions vary widely. Some players see FF as a practical way to move on from a lost cause. Others view it as giving up too early—especially when comebacks are possible.
The Culture Around FF
In many ways, the FF command reflects the psychology of competitive gaming. Some players will cling to hope no matter the score; others are quick to move on. Arguments often break out over whether or not to surrender, adding to in-game tension.
“FF at 15” has become a meme in itself—a way of expressing frustration, sarcasm, or even a preemptive surrender mindset when things go wrong early on.
It’s also worth noting that not all regions treat FF the same way. In some communities, surrendering is seen as practical and efficient. In others, it’s considered poor sportsmanship or a sign of weak mentality.
Final Thoughts
“FF” in League of Legends is more than just a command—it’s a cultural marker. It reflects how players handle adversity, tilt, and the line between optimism and realism. While the surrender function exists to save time and reduce frustration, it also raises questions about teamwork, mental resilience, and when to call it quits.
Whether you’re the kind who believes in miracle comebacks or the type who’s ready to /ff at the first double kill, one thing’s clear: in League, the decision to surrender is never just about numbers—it’s about mindset.
Written by:
Christian