How to Get S in League of Legends
In the fast-paced world of League of Legends, achieving an S rank is the ultimate goal for many players. It’s a badge of honor that signifies exceptional skill, game sense, and teamwork. But how do you climb the ranks and secure that elusive S rank? This guide will walk you through the essential strategies and mindset required to reach the pinnacle of League of Legends ranking.
1. Understand the S Ranking System
Before diving into the mechanics, it’s crucial to understand what the S rank represents. The ranking system in League of Legends evaluates your performance based on various factors, including:
Kills, Assists, and Deaths (KDA)
Objective Takes (Towers, Inhibitors, Nashor, and Baron)
Gold and Experience Earned
Teamfight Participation
Overall Game Impact
The S rank is awarded when you consistently outperform expectations in these areas. However, it’s not just about individual stats; it’s also about how you contribute to your team’s victory.
2. Master Your Champions
Consistency is key to climbing the ranks. Focus on a small pool of champions that you can play exceptionally well. For example, if you’re a mid-laner, mastering champions like Azir or Sylas can significantly improve your mechanics.
Here’s why champion mastery matters:
Mechanics: Proficiency in abilities, combos, and positioning.
Game Knowledge: Understanding when to trade, roam, or take objectives.
Decision-Making: Knowing when to fight or retreat based on the game state.
Pro Tip: Spend time in custom games and practice your mechanics. The more comfortable you are with your champion, the better your decision-making will be in high-pressure situations.
3. Improve Your Map Awareness
Map awareness is the difference between a good player and a great one. Keep an eye on:
Minion Waves: Track the flow of minions to anticipate enemy movements.
Ward Timers: Know when key wards expire to set up ambushes.
Enemy Jungler: Use tools like warding and vision scores to track their position.
For instance, if you notice the enemy jungler is taking the top-side Scuttle Crab, you can coordinate with your team to secure vision control or set up a counterplay.
4. Communicate and Coordinate with Your Team
Teamwork makes the dream work. In League of Legends, communication is essential for securing victories. Here’s how to communicate effectively:
Call Out Enemy Movements: Use pings or voice chat to alert your team about missing enemies or potential threats.
Coordinate Objectives: Plan your Baron, Elder Dragon, or inhibitor takes with your team to maximize your advantage.
Set Up Vision Control: Work together to place wards in key areas to gain map control.
Case Study: In a high-stakes teamfight, a well-coordinated LeBlanc hook or Thresh flay can turn the tide of battle. Communication ensures that these plays are executed flawlessly.
5. Learn from Your Mistakes
Every loss is an opportunity to improve. After each game, take a moment to:
Review Your Gameplay: Identify mistakes, such as overextending in lane or miscalculating trades.
Analyze Team Decisions: Reflect on whether you could have taken objectives more effectively or avoided unnecessary fights.
Adjust Your Strategy: Adapt your playstyle based on what you’ve learned.
Pro Tip: Use tools like OP.gg or Blitz.gg to analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
6. Stay Mindful of Your Mental State
Tilt is your worst enemy in ranked games. A single tilt-induced mistake can cost your team the game. Here’s how to stay focused:
Stay Calm: Take a deep breath after a bad trade or teamfight.
Focus on the Next Play: Instead of dwelling on mistakes, concentrate on the upcoming opportunities.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: A positive mindset fosters better teamwork and decision-making.
7. Study High-Level Play
Watching professional players or high-elo streamers can provide valuable insights into advanced strategies and mechanics. Pay attention to:
Champion Select Strategies: Learn how to counterpick effectively.
Itemization: Understand how to build your champion based on the game state.
Macro Plays: Study how pros take objectives and manipulate minion waves.
Example: If you’re a jungler, watch how professional junglers path, gank, and