League of Legends has a hidden ranking system that determines your true rank, separate from what is displayed to others. This system prevents players from exploiting the ranked ladder. Your hidden rank, known as MMR or Elo, is different from the rank shown on your profile.
In a recent post on the League subreddit, a player shared their experience of trying to queue up with a teammate after winning a game together. Despite their success, they were unable to party up due to the significant difference in their ranks. This raises the question of how players with varying ranks can randomly meet in a game but not queue together.
The answer lies in MMR, which aims to create balanced matches. When you go on a winning streak, you earn more LP and climb ranks quickly because your MMR is higher than your displayed rank. The game expects you to perform at a higher level. In the case of the players in the Reddit post, the Gold player may have been a higher rank previously, leading to their match with the Emerald player. However, they cannot duo together to prevent exploiting high MMR to dominate lower-ranked players. Meeting in a random game is purely chance, and if they want to play together again, they must rely on luck once more.
A commenter named Maggi_McSWAG shared a similar experience when trying to queue with an unranked friend. Unable to do so, they ended up on the same team by queuing separately. This loophole has existed for a long time, prompting some players to question the necessity of MMR restrictions.
Some players, like JapanesePeso, feel frustrated when constantly matched against higher-ranked opponents. They believe it hinders their enjoyment of the game and discourages them from playing. Unfortunately, Riot is unlikely to make significant changes to the hidden MMR system in the near future. To improve their MMR, players must focus on winning games, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Finding a friend with a smurf account or grinding solo queue games are potential solutions to alter their MMR.
In conclusion, League of Legends employs a hidden MMR system to ensure balanced matches. This system prevents players from exploiting their high MMR to dominate lower-ranked opponents. While some players find this frustrating, the only way to improve their MMR is through winning games and persevering.
Source: DOTESPORTS
