League of Legends MMR Explained

league of legends mmr explained

MMR in League of Legends: All You Need to Know

League of Legends is not just a game. It is a competitive arena where the players display their skills and go up the ranked ladder. Yet, what is the driving force of this climb? Bright games and occasional pentakills can be replaced by the MMR, a hidden number that is your actual skill level. League MMR is the core of the game. The average player who is serious about the game should have a clear understanding of the game and even have the ability to improve on it to reach their full potential in a ranked game.

This guide will first introduce what matchmaking rating in League of Legends is, how MMR is calculated, and then discuss the most crucial part of it. In addition, we will tell you about some calculators for estimating MMR.  Also, we will reveal the truth about common but mostly false beliefs about this system.

What is MMR in League of Legends

MMR, or Matchmaking Rating in LoL, is a hidden value that represents your skill level in League of Legends. Riot Games uses this matchmaking rating to create balanced matches, ensuring you play against opponents of similar skill. Think of it as your secret ranking, separate from your visible League Points (LP) and division.

Here’s why MMR matters in League:

  • Fair Matches: This ensures that you won’t be crushed by players far above your skill level and dominated by those far below. This creates a more enjoyable and competitive experience for everyone.
  • Accurate Ranking: It influences your LP gains and losses. If your MMR is higher than your current rank, you’ll gain more LP for wins and lose less for losses, helping you climb faster. Conversely, if your MMR is lower than your rank, you’ll gain less and lose more LP until your rank aligns with your true skill.
  • Progress Tracking: While you can’t see your exact MMR, you can infer its changes based on your LP gains and losses. This allows you to track your progress and see how your skills are developing over time.

MMR is a complex algorithm that considers various factors, including your win/loss ratio, individual performance, and the strength of your opponents. It’s constantly being updated based on your match history, ensuring that it accurately reflects your current skill level.

How To Check LoL MMR

While Riot Games doesn’t publicly display your MMR, there are ways to get a good estimate. If you want to find your MMR in League of Legends, there are several third-party websites that have developed calculator tools. They analyze your match history and other data to provide an approximation of your MMR.

How is MMR calculated

Riot keeps the exact matchmaking rating formula a secret, but here are the key factors that influence it:

  • Winning and Losing: Winning consistently is the most important factor in raising your MMR. Conversely, losing streaks can significantly lower it.
  • Opponent Strength: Beating players with higher MMR than you will result in a larger MMR boost, while losing to lower-MMR players will cause a more significant drop.
  • Individual Performance: While winning is crucial, your individual contribution also matters. Factors like kills, deaths, assists, objective control, and overall game impact can all influence your MMR adjustments.
  • Rank Changes: When you win or lose promotion series, or move between divisions, your matchmaking rating will be adjusted to reflect your new rank.

How Can You Check Your MMR Manually

While not as precise as using checkers in League of Legends, you can get a rough idea of your MMR by observing changes in your LP. If you’re consistently gaining around 17-22 LP per win, your MMR is likely close to the average for your current rank. Larger gains suggest your matchmaking rating is higher, while smaller gains or larger losses indicate it’s lower.

Best League MMR Checkers

some league mmr checker

Here are a couple of popular websites that offer estimation tools:

  • lolmmr.com: This site boasts over 95% accuracy in estimating your MMR based on your summoner name, region, and other data.
  • mylolmmr.com: This site goes a step further by providing MMR estimates for different game modes, including Ranked Solo/Duo, Ranked Flex, ARAM, and even Normal games. Yes, it also offers an ARAM MMR checker specifically for ARAM enthusiasts.

Remember that these are just estimates, and your actual MMR might differ slightly. However, they can give you a good general idea of where you stand.

How to Improve my MMR in League of Legends

lol mmr dropped

Now that you understand what MMR is and how to check it, let’s focus on the most important part: how to improve it. Boosting your MMR in League requires a combination of consistent performance, smart decision-making, and continuous improvement.

Here are some key tips to help you climb the ranked ladder:

  • Focus on Winning: This might seem obvious, but winning consistently is the most effective way to raise player MMR. Develop a winning mindset, analyze your mistakes, and learn from every game.
  • Play with and Against Better Players: Challenge yourself by playing with and against players who are better than you. This will expose you to new strategies and help you improve faster.
  • Master Your Role: Whether you’re a top laner, jungler, mid laner, ADC, or support, understanding your role’s responsibilities and mastering your champion pool is crucial for consistent performance.
  • Limit Losses: While losing is inevitable, try to avoid tilting and going on losing streaks. If you find yourself losing multiple games in a row, take a break to reset your mentality and come back stronger.
  • Improve Your Gameplay: Actively seek ways to improve your gameplay. Watch streams of high-ELO players, analyze your replays, and identify areas where you can improve. Focus on macro play, decision-making, and mechanics.
  • Stay Updated: League of Legends is constantly evolving, with new patches, champions, and meta changes. Stay up-to-date with the latest changes to ensure you’re playing at your best.

More About the MMR System in League

The MMR system is more complex than just your win/loss ratio. It takes into account various factors to create a comprehensive picture of your skill level.

MMR vs. ELO in League of Legends: What’s the Difference

While often used interchangeably, MMR and ELO are not exactly the same. ELO is a more general rating system used in various competitive games, while MMR is a specific implementation used by Riot Games for League of Legends. The core concept is similar, but the exact calculations and factors considered may differ.

Why is MMR important for Ranked Games

Matchmaking rating is the backbone of the ranked system. It determines how you gain and lose LP. It influences your matchmaking, and ultimately dictates your progress on the ranked ladder. A higher MMR score will accelerate your climb, while a lower MMR will make it more challenging.

Does Aram and Normal MMR matter for ranked

While not directly linked, your MMR in ARAM and Normal games can indirectly affect your ranked MMR. Playing against strong opponents in these modes can improve your overall game sense and mechanics, which can translate to better performance in ranked games.

Who are the players with highest MMR

MMR Euw leaderboard on op.gg

The players with the highest MMR are typically those at the top of the Challenger ladder. Websites like OP.GG track and display the MMR of top players, giving you a glimpse into the upper echelons of League of Legends skill.

As of November 28th, 2024:

  • EUW server: The top-ranked player is Thors Snoresson, boasting a Challenger rank with 2014 LP and an impressive MMR of 8068.
  • NA server: The highest-ranked player is as5mdlk7smakld12, holding 1877 LP and an estimated MMR of 8170.

Conclusion

MMR is a fundamental yet hidden aspect of League of Legends ranked play. It’s the driving force behind matchmaking, LP gains and losses, and your overall progress on the ladder. By understanding how matchmaking rating works and actively working to improve it, you can unlock your true potential and climb to new heights in ranked play. So, focus on consistent wins, master your champion pool, and watch your MMR skyrocket!