League of Legends Low Priority Queue: The Ultimate Guide

Imagine this: you’re in the middle of a heated League of Legends match, things aren’t going your way, and frustration starts to boil over. You Alt+F4 out of the game in a fit of rage, only to find yourself facing a painfully long wait time when you try to queue up for the next one. Welcome to the low priority queue in League of Legends. 

This system, designed to combat the disruptive behavior of leaving matches early or going AFK, can be a real headache. But fear not, guys! This detailed guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to understand, navigate, and escape the dreaded low priority queue in LoL.

What is Low Priority in League of Legends

League of Legends thrives on teamwork and collaboration. When a player abandons a match, it creates a significant disadvantage for their team, ruining the experience for everyone involved. To combat this issue and maintain a fair and enjoyable environment for all, Riot Games introduced the low priority queue. This system acts as a virtual penalty box for players who frequently leave matches or go AFK. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, if you can’t commit to a full match, you’ll have to wait a bit longer to join a new one.”

The League low priority queue is essentially a separate queue with significantly longer wait times. It’s triggered by a system called Leaverbuster, which monitors player behavior and imposes penalties based on the frequency of leaves and AFKs. Think of Leaverbuster as the guardian of Summoner’s Rift, ensuring that everyone plays fair. The low priority queue is its way of keeping those who don’t in line. It’s a system that prioritizes the overall gaming experience and encourages players to be responsible members of the League of Legends community.

What Does the LeaverBuster System Do

LeaverBuster is an automated system integrated into League of Legends to discourage players from leaving matches or idling (AFKing) during gameplay. It’s like an invisible referee that’s always watching, ensuring fair play and a positive gaming environment for everyone. Here’s a closer look at what this system does:

• Monitors in-game activity: LeaverBuster constantly tracks player activity within matches, detecting when a player leaves a game prematurely or remains idle for an extended period.
• Evaluates leaving patterns: The system doesn’t just punish one-off instances. It analyzes patterns of leaving behavior, taking into account the frequency of leaves, the time between leaves, and the player’s overall game history.
• Issues warnings: Before resorting to penalties, LeaverBuster issues warnings to players who exhibit early signs of problematic leaving behavior. This serves as a gentle reminder to stay in the game and be a responsible teammate.
• Imposes low priority queue: If the warnings go unheeded and the player continues to leave matches, LeaverBuster will place them in the low priority queue. This means longer wait times before they can join new games.
• Escalates penalties: The penalties become progressively harsher as the player continues to leave matches. The more you leave, the longer you’ll be stuck in low priority queue.
• May result in temporary or permanent bans: In extreme cases of constant leaving, LeaverBuster can escalate the penalties to temporary or even permanent account suspensions. This is reserved for the most serious offenders who consistently disrupt the game for others.

It’s important to note that LeaverBuster only applies to matchmade games, such as normal, ranked, and Co-op vs. AI games. Practice tool, tutorial, and custom games are not penalized by LeaverBuster. However, ranked games are treated more strictly, as leaving a ranked match has a stronger effect on the progress of other players in the rankings.

How long is the low priority queue in League of Legends

So, you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of LeaverBuster and landed in the low priority queue. The burning question now is: how long will this punishment last? The duration of your stay in low priority queue depends on your tier level.

Here’s a breakdown of the different tiers and their corresponding penalties:

As you progress through the tiers, the penalties become increasingly severe. At first you’ll queue longer, but as you progress through the levels you’ll also encounter queue blocking, which prevents you from joining any games for a certain amount of time. Even after the lockout expires, you’ll be in a low priority queue until you’ve completed the required number of games without exiting.

How Do You Get Out of the Low Priority Queue

Escaping the League low priority queue requires patience and commitment. Essentially, you need to prove to LeaverBuster that you’ve learned your lesson and are ready to be a responsible player. Here’s how to do it:

• Complete the required number of games: Typically, you’ll need to complete five matchmade games without leaving, dodging champion select, or declining matches. This demonstrates your willingness to play your part.
• Avoid further violations: While serving your time in low priority queue, it’s crucial to avoid any further leaves or AFKs. Any violations will reset your progress and prolong your sentence.
• Wait out any lockouts: If you’re in a tier with a lockout penalty, you’ll have to wait for that period to end before you can start working your way out of low priority queue. There’s no shortcut around this, so use the time think about your actions and maybe practice some self-control techniques.

Remember, getting out of low priority queue is a test of your commitment to fair play. By completing the required games and avoiding further infractions, you can regain LeaverBuster’s trust and return to the regular queue.

How Does the Low Priority Queue Can Impact You

The low priority queue in LoL isn’t just an inconvenience; it can have a significant impact on your League of Legends experience. Here are some ways it can affect you:

• Loss of XP and LP: Leaving games can result in penalties that prevent you from earning XP (Experience Points) for the match. In ranked games, you might even lose LP (League Points), hindering your progress on the ranked ladder.
• Negative impact on MMR: Leaving matches can also negatively affect your MMR (Matchmaking Rating). MMR is a hidden value that determines the skill level of your opponents. A lower MMR can lead to less balanced matches and a less enjoyable gaming experience.
• Increased risk of reports: Players who frequently leave matches are more likely to be reported by their teammates. Accumulating reports can lead to further penalties, including chat restrictions or even temporary bans.
• Damage to reputation: Consistently leaving matches can damage your reputation within the League of Legends community. Other players may be less willing to team up with you or even view you as a liability.

Conclusion

The low priority queue in League of Legends is a crucial system that promotes fair play and protects the integrity of the game. While it can be frustrating to experience, it serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of commitment and sportsmanship in the League of Legends community.

By understanding the low priority queue in League of Legends and the LeaverBuster system, players can avoid the pitfalls of leaving matches and contribute to a more positive and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone. Remember, the key to avoiding the low priority queue is simple: stay in your games, play fair, and be a responsible summoner.