LoL guides· 28 Oct 2026· 1 min read· Updated for patch 26.21

Placement matches: how to make the most of your 5 games

What counts in placements, how to prepare and the mistakes to avoid.

At the start of the season you play 5 placement matches that decide your first league. Every win counts a lot, so they’re worth preparing for.

What affects your result

  • Wins and losses: this matters most.
  • Last season’s league: it sets your starting point.
  • Your opponents’ level: beating strong opponents lifts you more.

Before you start

  1. Warm up with one or two normal games.
  2. Play your main role and your best champions.
  3. Play when you have time and you’re rested, without rushing.

During the games

  • Focus on not dying early: a bad streak in these 5 games weighs a lot.
  • Communicate with pings, not chat.
  • If you lose two in a row, take a break before continuing.

Common mistakes

  • Trying new champions in ranked.
  • Playing all 5 games in one rushed session.
  • Dodging for no reason, which costs LP and time.

Want to lock them in?

At BoostForge a Challenger or Grandmaster booster plays your placement matches with the highest win rate, or joins you in duo if you’d rather play yourself.

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