Do Normal Games Affect Ranked Placements? (Reddit) – The Definitive Answer

No, normal games do not directly affect your ranked placements in most competitive games. Your ranked placement matches are primarily determined by your internal matchmaking rating (MMR). While normal games can indirectly influence your MMR, the impact is typically minimal compared to your performance in ranked queues. Let’s dive deeper into this topic, addressing common misconceptions and providing a comprehensive understanding of how matchmaking and ranking systems function.

Understanding MMR: The Key to Ranked

What is MMR and How Does It Work?

MMR (Matchmaking Rating) is a hidden numerical value assigned to each player, representing their skill level in a specific game mode. This value is used to match players of similar skill levels in both normal and ranked games. Think of it as a secret score that the game uses to decide who you should play against. Your starting MMR is often based on a default value or your performance in a tutorial or initial placement matches. After that, it adjusts based on your wins and losses. Winning increases your MMR, while losing decreases it. The amount it changes depends on several factors, including the MMR of your opponents and teammates.

The Difference Between MMR and Rank

It’s crucial to understand the difference between MMR and your visible rank (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, etc.). Your rank is a visual representation of your skill, which is influenced by your MMR. However, the two are not always perfectly aligned. For instance, you might have a high MMR but be stuck in a lower rank due to a losing streak. The system will eventually try to correct this imbalance, leading to higher LP (League Points) gains for wins until your rank catches up to your MMR. Essentially, MMR is the engine, and your rank is the speedometer.

Normal Game MMR vs. Ranked Game MMR

Most games maintain separate MMRs for different game modes, especially for normal and ranked queues. This separation is crucial because players often approach normal games with a different mindset and level of seriousness compared to ranked. Therefore, your performance in normal games won’t directly impact the MMR used for your ranked placements or ranked games in general. The system recognizes that you might be experimenting with new champions, roles, or strategies in normal games, so it avoids penalizing your ranked progress for these activities.

The (Indirect) Influence of Normal Games

Warming Up and Practice

While normal games don’t directly affect your ranked MMR, they can indirectly improve your performance in ranked. By using normal games as a warm-up or practice ground, you can hone your skills, refine your strategies, and become more comfortable with new champions or roles. This improved skill level can then translate into better performance in your ranked games, leading to higher win rates and a subsequent increase in your ranked MMR.

Learning New Champions and Roles

Normal games provide a low-pressure environment to learn new champions and roles. Experimenting in ranked without proper practice can lead to losses, which negatively impact your MMR. Using normal games to master these new elements allows you to enter ranked with more confidence and a higher chance of success.

Team Composition and Communication

Practicing team composition and communication in normal games can also be beneficial. Coordination is crucial for success in ranked, and normal games offer a chance to develop these skills with different players. Understanding how to effectively communicate strategies and work as a team can significantly improve your win rate in ranked.

Common Misconceptions About Normal Games and Ranked

The “Hidden Ranked” Myth

One common misconception is that normal games are secretly used to determine your ranked placements. While the system might use your initial normal game performance to estimate your starting MMR, this influence is minimal and quickly overridden by your actual ranked performance. The system prioritizes your wins and losses in ranked games to accurately assess your skill level.

The Importance of Normal Game Win Rate

Some players believe that a high win rate in normal games will somehow boost their ranked MMR. However, the system is designed to primarily consider your performance against other ranked players. A high normal game win rate might indicate overall skill, but it won’t automatically translate into a higher rank.

Ranked Anxiety and Normal Game Avoidance

Many players experience ranked anxiety and avoid playing ranked games altogether, opting to stick to normal games. While this is a personal choice, it’s important to remember that playing ranked is the only way to truly climb the ladder and improve your visible rank. Avoiding ranked due to fear of losing will prevent you from reaching your full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does my normal game MMR affect who I play with in ranked?

Not directly. Your ranked MMR is the primary factor in determining your ranked matches. While the system might consider your overall activity, the focus is on matching you with players of similar skill levels in the ranked queue.

2. Will losing a lot of normal games lower my starting MMR in ranked?

Possibly, but the effect is likely minimal. Your initial MMR seed might be influenced by your early normal game performance, but your ranked placement matches will quickly establish your true skill level.

3. Should I only play meta champions in normal games to prepare for ranked?

It’s a good idea to practice meta champions to understand their strengths and weaknesses. However, normal games are also a great place to experiment with off-meta picks and develop your own unique playstyle.

4. How many ranked games does it take to accurately determine my MMR?

The number of games varies depending on the game, but typically, 10-20 ranked games are sufficient for the system to accurately assess your skill level and assign you an appropriate rank.

5. Is it better to play normal drafts or normal blind pick to prepare for ranked?

Normal draft is generally considered a better preparation for ranked because it mimics the pick and ban phase, allowing you to practice drafting strategies and counter-picking.

6. Does playing with lower-ranked friends in normal games affect my ranked MMR?

Playing with lower-ranked friends in normal games won’t directly affect your ranked MMR. However, if it consistently leads to losses, it might indirectly influence your initial MMR seed for ranked placements.

7. Can I “boost” my ranked MMR by playing well in normal games with high-ranked friends?

No. Your ranked MMR is primarily determined by your performance in ranked games. Playing well in normal games against higher-ranked friends might improve your skills, but it won’t artificially inflate your ranked MMR.

8. What’s the best way to use normal games to improve my ranked performance?

Focus on practicing specific skills, learning new champions, and developing team coordination. Analyze your normal game replays to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategies.

9. Do different regions have separate MMRs for normal and ranked games?

Yes, MMRs are typically region-specific. Your performance in normal games in one region won’t affect your ranked MMR in another region.

10. How often does MMR reset, and does it affect normal game MMR as well?

MMR typically resets at the start of each season. This reset affects both ranked and, to a lesser extent, normal game MMR. However, the reset is usually a “soft reset,” meaning your MMR is adjusted based on your previous season’s performance, not completely wiped.

11. If I have a long losing streak in normal games, should I avoid playing ranked?

It’s wise to address the root cause of your losing streak. If you’re struggling with a specific champion or role, use normal games to practice and improve before jumping into ranked.

12. Are there any exceptions where normal game performance might influence ranked placements?

In some newer games or games with smaller player bases, the system might initially rely more heavily on normal game data to seed your ranked MMR. However, this influence is usually temporary and diminishes as you play more ranked games.

In conclusion, while normal games can be a valuable tool for improving your skills and preparing for ranked, they do not directly affect your ranked placements or MMR. Focus on honing your abilities, practicing effectively, and playing your best in ranked games to achieve your desired rank. Good luck on the Rift, Summoner!