In the competitive world of League of Legends, ranking up is a goal shared by millions of players worldwide. At the core of the ranked system lies a crucial concept: LP, or League Points. Understanding what LP is — and how it works — is essential for anyone aiming to climb the ladder and prove their skill.
What Is LP?
LP stands for League Points. It is the numerical score used to track a player’s progression within the ranked divisions of League of Legends. Players earn or lose LP based on the outcome of their ranked matches — gaining LP for wins and losing it for defeats.
The ranked ladder is divided into several tiers: Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. From Iron to Diamond, each tier contains four divisions (e.g., Silver IV to Silver I). LP acts as the currency for advancing through these divisions and tiers.
How LP Progression Works
Each division contains 100 LP. When a player reaches 100 LP, they enter a promotion series. For example:
- To go from Silver II to Silver I, you need to win a best-of-three series after reaching 100 LP.
- To move from Gold I to Platinum IV, a best-of-five promotion is required.
Once in Diamond and above, promotions no longer use series. Instead, players advance directly based on LP thresholds and performance.
How LP Is Calculated
The amount of LP gained or lost depends on several factors:
- Matchmaking Rating (MMR): An internal number that reflects your actual skill level.
- Your current rank vs. your MMR: If your MMR is higher than your visible rank, you’ll gain more LP per win and lose less per loss.
- Streaks: Winning or losing streaks can affect your MMR, and thus your LP gains/losses.
A typical win might earn 18–25 LP, while a loss might cost 15–22 LP. However, if your MMR is too low for your rank, you may gain only 10 LP per win and lose 25 for a defeat — a clear sign you’re being nudged toward a lower rank.
LP Decay and Inactivity
In higher tiers (Diamond and above), LP decay comes into play. Players must stay active by playing a minimum number of games over time to maintain their LP. If not, they’ll gradually lose LP until they drop to a lower division or tier.
This mechanic keeps the top of the ladder competitive and ensures only active players retain elite positions.
Climbing Smart
For players looking to climb efficiently:
- Focus on win consistency over short bursts of victories.
- Play when focused; a string of losses can quickly undo progress.
- Understand your MMR and adjust expectations — sometimes, losses hurt more than wins help.
Ultimately, LP is more than just a number. It’s a reflection of performance, consistency, and resilience in one of the most competitive online games in the world. Whether you’re aiming for your first Gold promotion or chasing the Challenger leaderboard, managing your LP journey is key to success on Summoner’s Rift.
Written by:
Christian