In the world of League of Legends, ranked play is where players test their skills in competitive matches, striving to climb a structured ladder of divisions and tiers. At the very bottom of that ladder lies Iron, the lowest official rank in the game.
Introduced by Riot Games to fine-tune matchmaking and create a fairer environment, Iron has become both a proving ground for beginners and a reminder of the importance of mastering fundamentals.
Why Iron Exists
Before Iron’s introduction, Bronze served as the lowest tier. However, Bronze encompassed a vast skill range, often pitting newcomers against much more experienced players. This imbalance led to frustrating experiences for beginners, many of whom were overwhelmed before they had the chance to learn the basics.
Iron was designed to solve that problem. By creating an additional tier, Riot ensured that new and struggling players face opponents of comparable ability. Matches are now more balanced, and players at the start of their ranked journey can focus on learning without being outclassed immediately. In short, Iron makes the competitive ladder more accurate and inclusive.
Who Plays in Iron
Iron is home to a small but important portion of the player base—roughly 1–2% of all ranked players. Those in Iron are often:
- Newcomers to League of Legends, experimenting with champions and game mechanics.
- Players learning fundamentals, such as farming minions, map awareness, or positioning in teamfights.
- Gamers adjusting to ranked play, where the stakes and pressure are higher than in casual matches.
Because of its role as a true entry-level tier, Iron acts as a learning environment rather than a mark of failure. It provides clear benchmarks for improvement and progression, helping players see tangible growth as they climb.
How the Tier Works
Like all ranks in League of Legends, Iron is divided into four divisions:
- Iron IV – The starting point and lowest division.
- Iron III
- Iron II
- Iron I – The highest division within Iron, just below Bronze IV.
Players move up (or down) divisions by gaining or losing League Points (LP), earned based on match outcomes and matchmaking rating (MMR).
How to Move Up From Iron
Climbing out of Iron isn’t about flashy plays or risky strategies—it’s about mastering the basics:
- Farm efficiently: Last-hitting minions consistently is the foundation of gold and item progression.
- Stay alive: Reducing unnecessary deaths keeps your team stronger and prevents opponents from snowballing.
- Map awareness: Use the minimap, track enemy positions, and respond to objectives like Dragon and Rift Herald.
- Champion mastery: Stick to a small pool of champions to develop consistency and confidence.
- Positive mindset: Avoid tilt and toxicity—attitude often separates climbers from those who remain stuck.
Consistently applying these fundamentals allows players to move from Iron IV up through the ladder, with Bronze as the next milestone.
The Bigger Picture
While Iron may carry a stigma as the “lowest rank,” it plays a vital role in the League of Legends ecosystem. It ensures fairness, protects new players from overwhelming matchups, and provides a structured entry point into ranked play.
For those willing to learn and improve, Iron is less a pitfall than a launchpad—the first step on a rewarding journey up the competitive ladder.
Written by:
Christian