Hey everyone! Let’s dive into some exciting updates for Ranked play in 2026. We’re tackling some of the biggest issues you’ve shared, like matchmaking, autofill, and queue times. Here’s what you can expect.
Improving Autofill Experience
We all know some roles are way more popular than others in League, which is why autofill exists. It helps keep queue times short, especially for roles like mid-lane. Still, we understand how frustrating it is to get stuck in a role you’re not good at, especially if it impacts your rank. That’s why we’re changing the autofill system to make matches feel fairer and give you some extra rewards for your efforts.
This season, if you’re autofilled, we’ll first try to match you with another autofilled player in the same role. If that’s not possible, we’ll ensure teams have an equal number of autofilled players, so the game feels balanced. If things go south, the team with more autofilled players will be matched with slightly higher MMR players. This should make autofill situations feel more even, even though they’re rare.
To reward you in these situations, we’re introducing a new system called the Aegis of Valor. If you manage to score a C or higher in an autofilled game, you’ll get double LP or avoid losing any LP at all. You’ll see a notification at the start of the match letting you know what you could earn, making it easier to stay motivated.
Addressing Dodging Issues
Dodging can be really annoying, not just for you but also for your teammates. It wastes time and messes up the flow of the game. To tackle this, if you dodge, your autofill status will carry over to your next match. Plus, in higher ranks (Master and above), a dodge will now count as a loss, and you’ll face a cooldown period. This will encourage better play and fewer dodges in those lobbies, creating a more stable matchmaking environment.
Faster Game Start Times
No one likes waiting too long to get into a game. We’re working on eliminating delays from dodging and lobby issues. One step we’re taking is to remove the ability to ban a teammate’s champion during champ select. This should help keep the atmosphere more positive right from the get-go. We’re also reducing timers and animations in champ select by about 30 seconds to help you jump into games faster.
Clarifying Ranked Skill Levels
Over the years, we’ve seen player skills across the ranks evolve. A Bronze player today knows quite a bit more about the game than they did in the past. So, we’re recalibrating how ranks align with actual skill levels, especially at the lower tiers. This update isn’t about inflating ranks but ensuring they match today’s gameplay standards.
We’re also adding a Climb Indicator. This will show when your visible rank is lower than your current MMR. This way, if you’re playing in a Platinum lobby and there’s a Silver player, you’ll know they’re on their way up and likely belong in the match.
Additional Changes
We’re also adjusting how MMR is calculated for Flex and Solo/Duo modes. If you’ve ever played Flex with friends and faced someone way more skilled, you know how frustrating that can be. So, we’ll align Flex ranks closer to Solo/Duo ranks to level the playing field while still keeping games fun.
Lastly, we’re reintroducing the option to duo in Solo/Duo at all ranks, including Challenger. We’ve made improvements in our anti-cheating measures, so we’re confident this move won’t allow manipulation of the ranked system.
That’s the rundown of what’s coming in 2026! We’re eager to enhance your Ranked experience and will keep an eye on queue health and your feedback. Here’s to good luck on your climb!
