Every League of Legends player dreads and anticipates the same event: the ranked season reset. Whether you ended the last season as Diamond, Gold, or Iron, every player starts fresh with placement matches that reset their grind. The question is: how do you climb from zero effectively after the reset?
This Ranked Season Reset Guide: Climbing From Zero breaks down everything you need to know about resets, placement games, strategies, and mindset so you can maximize your climb right from day one.
What Is the Ranked Season Reset?
At the beginning of each new ranked season, Riot performs a soft reset of everyone’s rank.
- Soft Reset: You don’t start at Iron, but your rank is lowered by several divisions.
- Placement Matches: You play 10 (or sometimes fewer in split systems) games to establish your starting rank.
- MMR Carryover: Your hidden Matchmaking Rating (MMR) carries over, so your starting rank depends on last season’s performance.
Example:
- A Gold IV player may reset to Silver II.
- A Diamond IV player may reset to Platinum II.
Why Riot Resets Ranks
- Fresh Competitive Start: Ensures every player re-earns their spot.
- Balance: Prevents inactive players from keeping inflated ranks.
- Excitement: Keeps the grind alive each season.
Step 1: Mindset for Climbing After Reset
- Stay Calm: Losses in placements hurt, but MMR swings are less punishing early.
- Avoid Tilt: Reset season attracts unstable metas and experimental picks.
- Focus on Improvement: Climbing is easier if you view the reset as a training opportunity.
Step 2: Play Placement Matches Smart
- Queue Times: Play when you’re fresh and focused, not tilted.
- Comfort Picks Only: Don’t test new champions during placements.
- Warm Up First: Play normals or ARAM before ranked.
- Target at Least 6 Wins: Each win significantly improves your starting rank.
Step 3: Choose the Right Champion Pool
A small, strong champion pool is essential when climbing from zero.
Best Champion Pool Strategy:
- 1 Main Carry Pick: The champ you’re most confident with.
- 1 Backup Pick: For when your main gets banned or countered.
- 1 Flex Pick: Something adaptable to multiple roles.
Examples by Role:
- Top: Darius, Garen, Camille.
- Jungle: Hecarim, Jarvan IV, Warwick.
- Mid: Ahri, Annie, Yasuo.
- ADC: Jinx, Kai’Sa, Miss Fortune.
- Support: Thresh, Lulu, Leona.
Step 4: Focus on Macro, Not Just Micro
When everyone starts fresh, macro awareness wins games.
- Objectives > Kills: Dragons, Rift Herald, and Baron matter more than flashy plays.
- Wave Management: Learn freezing, slow pushing, and fast pushing.
- Vision Control: Wards win games by preventing ambushes.
Step 5: Abuse Early Season Meta
- Check Patch Notes: Resets often coincide with big changes.
- Play Broken Champs: Don’t be afraid to pick “overpowered” champions.
- Follow High-Elo Trends: Watch streamers to see which picks dominate early season.
Step 6: Duo Queue (Smartly)
- With Synergy: Play with someone in a complementary role (e.g., ADC + Support).
- Avoid Tilt Partners: If your duo tilts easily, it hurts both of you.
- Voice Comms: Simple calls can change fights instantly.
Step 7: Track Your Progress
- Use Tools: U.GG, OP.GG, and Porofessor show win rates, KDA, and champion stats.
- Analyze Losses: Focus on what you could’ve done better.
- Set Milestones: Aim for short-term goals (Silver → Gold → Plat).
Common Mistakes After Reset
- Over-Grinding Early: Playing 10 games straight often leads to burnout.
- Experimenting Too Much: New champs should be tested in normals, not placements.
- Ignoring Meta Changes: Builds shift drastically after preseason patches.
- Blaming Teammates: Everyone is rusty—focus on yourself.
FAQ: Ranked Season Reset
Q: How many placement games do I need?
A: Typically 10, but in split systems it can be fewer.
Q: Can I drop more than one rank below my previous season?
A: Yes, but your MMR ensures you don’t fall too far.
Q: What’s the fastest way to climb after reset?
A: Stick to a strong 2–3 champion pool, play meta picks, and focus on objectives.
Q: Do wins matter more than losses during placements?
A: Yes, each win pushes your MMR higher than a loss drops it.
Conclusion
The Ranked Season Reset Guide: Climbing From Zero is all about preparation, discipline, and adaptation. By sticking to a focused champion pool, playing smart placements, and abusing early meta trends, you can set yourself up for a strong season climb.
Remember: climbing is not about sprinting through 10 games, but about building consistent habits over time. With the right mindset and strategies, you’ll rise back to—and beyond—your previous rank.
