The information in this post has been updated for 2024.
What is League of Legends Queue Dodging?
The process of abandoning a champion choosing screen before the game begins is known as queue dodging. To begin, let’s establish the stage: You’ve pressed the “Find Match” button and are now waiting for a League of Legends match. You arrive at the champion select page after being matched with other players. This is where the teams choose their champions and plan their strategy for the forthcoming match. But then you decide to leave. This is referred to as ‘queue dodging’.
It’s not without consequences, though. Queue dodging typically results in a time penalty before you can queue again and can also result in a loss of League Points (LP) in ranked games.
Why Do League of Legends Players Dodge Games?
The reasons for dodging can be as varied as the League of Legends player base. It is sometimes strategic. You may notice that your team composition is weak in comparison to the enemy’s, or that a teammate has chosen a champion with which they are unfamiliar. It can be really personal at times. Perhaps a fellow player is being toxic in pre-game conversation, or you realize you don’t have enough time to play the entire match. Dodging is a tool at your disposal for whatever cause.
Dodging the Promotional Series Games
The thought of dodging during a promotional series can be daunting. After all, you’ve fought hard to reach this point. But should you dodge? The answer is subjective, depending on your priorities and confidence. You have always one free dodge in every promotion series, after that dodging a promotional game will count as a loss, but it won’t affect your Match Making Rating (MMR). Therefore, if you’re confident in your ability to climb and want to maintain a healthier MMR, it could be a strategic decision to dodge a match you believe is doomed from the outset.
Dodging in Normal and Ranked Games Within 12-Hours
Riot Games have implemented a system to discourage habitual dodging. If you dodge a game, you receive a six-minute timeout and lose three LP for the first offense in ranked solo/duo. Dodge again within a 12-hour period, and that timeout increases to 30 minutes, and you lose 10 LP. In normal games, the time penalty also scales with repeated dodging within a 12-hour period.
So, is it worth it to dodge multiple times within this time frame? Well, that depends on what you value more – your time or your LP. If you believe that the upcoming match will be a definite loss, then accepting the dodge penalty could be a better option than wasting 20-50 minutes on a losing game. It’s a decision that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis.
When Should You Dodge a Game and When You Shouldn’t?
Queue dodging is a powerful tool, but it’s not always the right choice. It’s important to understand that dodging is primarily about damage control. If you’re convinced that the upcoming match is a sure loss due to factors such as poor team composition or toxic teammates, it’s often better to accept the dodge penalty than to risk a demoralizing and potentially time-consuming defeat.
However, dodging should not be used to escape every unfavorable situation. Remember, every loss is also a learning opportunity. Playing against a superior team can teach you valuable lessons about strategy and champion mechanics. Moreover, dodging too frequently can lead to increased penalties, including longer queue timeouts and greater LP loss. Use your dodges sparingly and strategically.
Conclusion
To dodge or not to dodge?
That is, after all, the question. As previously said, the answer is highly dependent on the exact circumstances and your own judgment. It is critical to understand that queue avoiding is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it has the potential to save you from a certain defeat or a toxic gaming experience. On the other hand, relying too much on dodging can deprive you of learning opportunities and result in growing penalties.
In conclusion, it’s up to us, as players, to make informed decisions about when to dodge a game. Always weigh the pros and cons before making the choice. Keep your cool, keep learning, and keep enjoying the game. After all, that’s what it’s all about, right?
The decision of “to dodge or not to dodge” is not always easy. But with careful thought and understanding of the potential consequences, you can make the choice that’s best for you and your League of Legends journey. Happy gaming!
