If you’ve ever watched a League of Legends stream or listened to pro player comms, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “We’ve got prio” or “I need prio before we contest.” Short for priority, “prio” is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — strategic concepts in League’s fast-paced, macro-driven gameplay.
But what exactly does prio mean, and why is it a game-changer in competitive and ranked play?
What is it?
In League of Legends, prio refers to a lane’s ability to move first — usually because the lane is pushed in and under control. A player with prio has the freedom to roam, rotate, or help with objectives before their opponent can.
In simple terms: prio = lane control = map impact.
Types of Prio and Why They Matter
1. Lane Priority
Lane prio happens when a player pushes the minion wave faster than their opponent. This forces the enemy to farm under turret and gives the pushing player room to:
- Roam to other lanes
- Help the jungler with objectives
- Invade or protect vision
- Rotate for a fight
For example, if a mid laner has prio, they can leave lane to help their jungler take Scuttle Crab or assist with a skirmish in the river — without missing farm or giving up lane pressure.
2. Objective Priority
Before contesting an objective like Dragon, Herald, or Baron, teams need lane prio. If your bot lane has prio, they can rotate to Dragon first, set up vision, or even start the objective before the enemy can respond.
Teams without prio often arrive late, blind, or outnumbered — giving up control and risking poor teamfights.
3. Map Priority
Beyond lanes, prio also applies to overall team movement and tempo. A team with better map priority controls vision, rotations, and timing — dictating where fights happen and when.
Why Is Prio So Important?
Priority is one of the core concepts behind macro play in League. It’s not just about winning your lane — it’s about how your lane impacts the rest of the map.
Good teams and high-Elo players constantly use prio to:
- Secure early dragons or Rift Heralds
- Dive side lanes
- Force enemy reactions
- Snowball gold leads safely
In pro play, prio often determines draft strategy, early pathing, and even win conditions. Click the following link to learn about low priority.
How to Get and Use Prio
- Push the wave early, but do it safely — overextending without vision can backfire.
- Communicate with your jungler — tell them when you have prio and are ready to help.
- Use your freedom wisely — ward enemy jungle, invade, or reset to buy items.
- Watch your opponent’s movement — if they leave lane while you’re under turret, they have prio.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and using prio in League of Legends is what separates reactive players from strategic ones. It’s not just a fancy pro term — it’s a mindset that lets you think one step ahead and play for more than just your lane.
Whether you’re a jungler timing a gank, a laner setting up a roam, or a shotcaller prepping for a Dragon fight, knowing who has prio can make or break the play.
Written by:
Christian