Every League of Legends player knows the mix of excitement and dread that comes with a new season. Ranked placements are a crucial part of the game, but they’re also a source of confusion and frustration. Whether you’re trying to climb the ladder or just find your footing after the reset, the placement matches set the tone for your ranked journey. Here’s a detailed look at how placements work in 2025, what challenges you might face, and what results you can expect.
Why Placements Feel Frustrating
Placements are supposed to match you to a rank that reflects your skill level. But for many players, the process feels anything but accurate. A key source of frustration is the hard reset, which Riot introduced to level the playing field at the start of each season. While this reset lowers everyone’s MMR (matchmaking rating), it can leave many players feeling misplaced—either too low, where games feel unreasonably easy, or too high, where every match becomes a struggle.
For players returning to ranked, the hard reset often results in a rank that’s significantly lower than where they ended the previous season. This can be especially demoralizing for those who worked hard to climb and are now starting again at the bottom of the ladder.
A common misconception is that placements only consider your wins and losses. As explained in a helpful article from UnrankedSmurfs on how placements work, Riot’s algorithm actually factors in your individual performance. Metrics like KDA, vision score, and objective control influence your MMR, even if you lose. This complexity can make the system feel opaque and leave players questioning why their rank doesn’t align with their expectations.
What’s New in Placements for 2025?
This year, placements continue to follow the updated format introduced in Season 13. Players will play 5 placement matches instead of the 10 required in earlier seasons. For new accounts, there’s an additional requirement: you’ll need to complete 10 normal matches before unlocking ranked.
The hard reset is once again in place for 2025. According to UnrankedSmurfs’ breakdown of Season 15 placements, this reset is designed to encourage fresh competition and prevent skill stagnation at higher ranks. However, it also means that most players can expect to start 1-2 tiers lower than where they ended last season.
For example:
- Gold players might begin the season in Bronze or Silver.
- Diamond players could find themselves in Platinum or even Gold.
The reset affects everyone, regardless of skill level, which contributes to a chaotic matchmaking environment in the first few weeks of the season.
You can find more about season 2025 changes here.
How to Manage Placement Frustrations
It’s easy to feel disheartened during placements, especially when the stakes feel high. Here’s how to navigate the process and set realistic expectations:
First, remember that your placements aren’t the final word on your rank. The system is designed to adjust quickly based on your early-season performance. If you’re placed lower than expected, strong games in the following weeks can help you climb rapidly.
Second, focus on your individual performance. Riot’s algorithm rewards good play, even in losses. High KDA, effective warding, and strong objective control will contribute to better MMR gains over time.
Finally, consider the context of your matches. Early-season games are often chaotic because players of varying skill levels are lumped together as the system recalibrates. This doesn’t mean your entire season will feel this way; things stabilize after the first few weeks.
What Results Can You Expect?
Your final placement depends on several factors: your previous rank, how you performed in placements, and how the reset impacts your MMR. As highlighted in the Unranked Smurfs articles, older accounts with a ranked history tend to be placed more predictably, while new accounts experience more volatility.
For returning players, placements will typically leave you 1-2 tiers below your previous rank. A Gold 3 player might end up in Silver 1 or Bronze 2, for example. New accounts, on the other hand, are heavily influenced by the results of their initial 10 normal games and their placement performance.
If you win all five placement matches, you can expect to land in a rank close to your previous MMR. However, the difference between winning or losing all five games is usually only a few divisions. This is why focusing on individual performance is more important than fixating on match outcomes.
The Bigger Picture of Placements
While placements can feel frustrating, it’s important to remember their purpose: to establish a starting point for your ranked journey. They’re not a measure of your overall skill but rather a snapshot of your current performance.
If you’re struggling with placements or unhappy with your rank, tools like smurf accounts or boosting services can provide a different perspective. As UnrankedSmurfs suggests, new accounts often climb faster, making them a popular option for players looking to avoid the chaos of early-season games.
If new account is not your cup of tea we recommend you try elo boosting with duo option, which allows you to learn from your booster. It’s 100% OK according to Riot Summoner’s Code of Conduct.
Ultimately, placements are just the beginning. The real climb happens in the weeks and months that follow. Focus on improving your gameplay, enjoy the journey, and trust the system to place you where you belong.
Placements are never easy, but with the right mindset, they can be a valuable opportunity for growth. Good luck on the Rift this season—you’ve got this!
