League of Legends Introduces Major Ranked Changes in 2025 to Help Players Achieve Higher Ranks

Starting in 2025, League of Legends will reintroduce a single annual reset for ranked play, transitioning away from the softer seasonal resets that characterized the previous season. This change aims to refine the competitive experience for players while honoring their efforts from each season.

Currently, players in League of Legends begin each new season at a slightly decreased rank compared to their standing at the end of the previous season. This adjustment occurs before placement matches, where players will be assigned their opening rank based on their performance in these initial games.

For returning players, the placement matches have been streamlined to just five games, providing a more efficient entry into each new season while still maintaining a competitive edge.

Details on the New Annual Reset System

The splash art for Noxus Season One — Image courtesy of Riot Games

The revamped ranked system will implement a significant reset of both visible ranks and Matchmaking Rating (MMR) at the start of January. While specific tuning details for the reset have not yet been disclosed, it’s expected to follow a structure reminiscent of those established in 2022 and earlier seasons.

Players will still have the opportunity to obtain three prestigious Victorious skins throughout the year, which require winning 15 ranked games during the active season.

Andrei Van Roon, the Head of League Studio, noted the rationale behind this change: “Ranked resets have sparked considerable discussion concerning the frequency of climbs, the pace at which players ascend, and the balance between rewarding experiences and those that feel tedious.”He continued, “Upon reflection, we have recognized that the previous system may not have served League effectively. Therefore, we are reverting to a singular, comprehensive reset at the beginning of each year, with no additional resets planned thereafter.”

This new structure is designed to grant players more time to progress through ranks, potentially allowing them to achieve higher standings without the pressure of an accelerated grind. Striking the right equilibrium in the competitive environment is evidently a primary focus for Riot Games, and this modification is likely to influence the highest ranks players can achieve in League of Legends positively.