In the world of League of Legends, the ranked experience isn’t limited to solo or duo play. Enter Flex Queue—a ranked mode designed to test not just individual skill, but the power of coordination, teamwork, and adaptability. While often overshadowed by the more popular Solo/Duo Queue, Flex offers a unique twist on competitive gameplay, appealing to both casual squads and aspiring esports teams.
A Different Kind of Ranked
Flex Queue allows players to queue up in groups of one, two, three, or five. The only exception is groups of four, which are not permitted to maintain fairness and avoid lopsided team dynamics. Unlike Solo/Duo Queue, which matches you against others also playing alone or with one partner, Flex can pit full teams against a mishmash of solos and duos—adding a layer of unpredictability.
What truly sets Flex apart is the way it emphasizes macro play and coordination. The ranked climb here is often slower, and matchmaking can be more variable, but it offers a platform to develop the kind of communication and synergy that solo play simply doesn’t demand. It’s a sandbox for shot-callers, support mains who thrive on vision control, and ADCs who trust their peelers with their lives.
A Separate Climb, a Separate Identity
Importantly, Flex Queue has its own ranking system, distinct from Solo/Duo. A player could be Platinum in Flex and Silver in Solo/Duo—or vice versa. Some players use this separation to practice off-roles, experiment with new champions, or play more relaxed games with friends without risking their main rank.
Others take Flex very seriously. Organized amateur teams use it as a proving ground, a place to simulate scrim-like environments without the full pressure of tournaments. For them, Flex isn’t “just for fun”—it’s where they train to win.
Perception and Reality
Despite its benefits, Flex Queue often suffers from a reputation problem. Many high-level players dismiss it as “casual” or “unbalanced,” citing frequent rank disparities in matchmaking. Because of this, some feel Flex is less competitive or less “pure” than Solo/Duo. But that’s missing the point.
Flex Queue isn’t meant to be a clone of Solo/Duo. It’s an alternative space within League of Legends—one that values the collective over the individual. It teaches different lessons, rewards different skills, and offers a different kind of satisfaction. Winning in Flex isn’t just about carrying—it’s about coordinating.
The Bottom Line
Flex Queue is League of Legends’ underrated team lab: a space where strategy trumps mechanics, and where communication can turn the tide. Whether you’re climbing with your squad or just looking for a new angle on ranked play, Flex offers a window into what League looks like when it’s not just about you—it’s about us.
Written by:
Christian