The clock reads 4:30 p.m., and I can almost feel the tension in the air as two undefeated teams prepare to clash. Just a couple of hours earlier, at 2 p.m., La Salle—holding a 1-1 record—will try to reclaim momentum against Far Eastern University, who remain winless at 0-2. It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with competitive League of Legends. The stakes, the strategy, the sheer will to climb the ranks—it’s all there, whether you're watching esports or grinding solo queue. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that transforming your gameplay isn’t just about mechanical skill; it’s about adopting strategies that reshape how you approach the game. And today, I want to share some of the insights that helped me climb from Gold to Diamond in just two seasons.
Let’s start with something I wish I had internalized earlier: macro decision-making separates good players from great ones. I used to think landing skill shots and winning lane were everything. But then I’d lose games despite dominating my opponent, and it frustrated me to no end. One match stands out—I was ahead by three kills mid-lane, but my team lost every objective. We had no vision around Baron, no control over dragon timers, and by the 25-minute mark, the enemy had secured three dragons and two Heralds. That loss stung, but it taught me a vital lesson: individual performance means little without map-wide awareness. Nowadays, I constantly track objective spawn timers. For example, I note that the first dragon typically respawns every 5 minutes after it’s taken, and I adjust my recalls and roams accordingly. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many players ignore this. In my experience, teams that secure the first two dragons win roughly 68% of their games—a stat I’ve observed across hundreds of matches in Platinum and above.
Another strategy that transformed my gameplay is adaptive itemization. I remember a particular ranked game where the enemy team had a fed Zed, and our squishy backline was getting deleted every teamfight. Instead of sticking to my usual build, I rushed a Stopwatch and later upgraded it to Zhonya’s Hourglass. That single decision turned the game around. We aced them in the next fight, secured Baron, and closed out the match. It’s moments like these that highlight the importance of flexibility. I’ve noticed that lower-ranked players often follow cookie-cutter builds without considering the enemy composition. But in higher elo, every item purchase is a calculated response to the game state. For instance, if the opposing team has heavy crowd control, I’ll prioritize Mercury’s Treads early, even if it delays my core items. This kind of adaptability doesn’t just apply to items—it extends to runes and summoner spells too. I’ve won lanes simply by swapping from Teleport to Ignite against passive opponents, securing early kills that snowballed into mid-game dominance.
Communication is another pillar of climbing the ranks, though it’s often overlooked. Early in my League journey, I’d play silently, pinging occasionally but never using chat to coordinate. That changed when I duo-queued with a friend who emphasized shot-calling. We started timing our engages with simple phrases like, “I’ll flash-ult their carry in three seconds,” and our win rate skyrocketed. Even in solo queue, I make it a point to type quick messages—like “enemy jungler top side, free dragon”—which has led to a noticeable improvement in objective control. According to my own tracking, games where I actively communicate result in a 15-20% higher chance of securing early drakes and Heralds. Of course, not every team will listen, but the effort alone keeps me focused and proactive. It’s like the La Salle vs. FEU scenario I mentioned earlier—teams that adapt and communicate under pressure often bounce back, just as La Salle might against a struggling opponent.
Then there’s the mental game. I’ll be honest—I’ve tilted. Hard. There was a stretch where I lost eight games in a row, and each defeat made me play more recklessly. It took a step back to realize that rank isn’t just about grinding; it’s about consistency. These days, I limit myself to three ranked games in a row unless I’m feeling exceptionally sharp. If I lose two in a row, I take a break—watch a stream, grab a snack, or even review my replays. This habit alone has probably saved me from dropping entire divisions. I also use a simple rule: if my CS drops below 7 per minute in more than two consecutive games, I call it a day. It’s a small metric, but it keeps me accountable. And let’s not forget positivity. Complimenting a teammate on a good play or saying “nice try” after a failed fight can work wonders. I’ve turned around seemingly hopeless games just by keeping morale high.
Wrapping this up, I want to emphasize that ranking up in League isn’t a mystery—it’s a process. The strategies I’ve shared, from macro awareness to mental resilience, have been game-changers for me. They’re the same principles that separate teams like La Salle, fighting to bounce back, from those stuck in a slump. As you apply these tips, remember that progress might not be linear. You’ll have bad games, unlucky streaks, and moments of doubt. But stick with it. Review your matches, stay adaptable, and keep communication clear. Before long, you’ll see your rank climb, and more importantly, you’ll enjoy the game in a whole new way. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a ranked queue to jump into—maybe I’ll see you on the Rift.