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League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most played games in the world, but for newcomers, the first steps on Summoner’s Rift can feel overwhelming. Between over 160 champions, hundreds of items, five unique roles, and fast-paced teamfights, your early experience might feel like trying to learn chess while the pieces are constantly moving.

That’s why Riot Games has designed a structured progression for your first matches. These initial games are not just random battles—they’re learning experiences crafted to help you understand the fundamentals while rewarding you along the way.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what happens during your first 10 matches, from tutorials to objectives, including tips, role insights, common mistakes, and how to transition smoothly into becoming a stronger player.

Chapter 1: The Tutorial – Your First Steps

Before your first real match, you’ll complete the League of Legends tutorial, where the game introduces the absolute basics:

• Movement & Attacking: You’ll learn to right-click to move and attack.
• Abilities: Each champion has 4 abilities (Q, W, E, R). You’ll unlock them as you level up in the match.
• Minions & Gold: Last-hitting minions earns gold, which is then spent on items.
• Objectives: Towers, inhibitors, and ultimately the Nexus are your real goals.

💡 Pro Tip: Spend extra time practicing last-hitting minions. It’s the most important skill in the game and determines your gold income.

Chapter 2: Co-op vs AI Matches (Games 1–3)

After the tutorial, Riot encourages you to play Co-op vs AI games, where your team is made of real players but the enemies are bots.

Why this matters:

• Bots play predictably, so you can test mechanics safely.
• Great for experimenting with champions.
• You can focus on learning your role without worrying too much about enemy pressure.

✅ Beginner’s Checklist in Co-op Games:

1. Practice last-hitting 50+ minions in 10 minutes.
2. Use your Summoner Spells (Flash, Heal, Ignite) effectively.
3. Buy items from the shop after recalls.

Chapter 3: Your First PvP Matches (Games 4–6)

Once you’re comfortable, the game lets you queue for PvP (Player vs Player) matches. This is where things get exciting:

• Your enemies will also be beginners.
• Riot’s matchmaking system (MMR) ensures you don’t face veterans yet.
• Some matches may still include bots to balance teams.

Here you’ll begin to learn about lane assignments:

• Top Lane – Tanky bruisers (Garen, Darius).
• Jungle – Farming monsters and ganking lanes (Master Yi, Warwick).
• Mid Lane – Burst mages or assassins (Lux, Ahri).
• ADC (Bot) – Ranged damage dealers (Ashe, Jinx).
• Support (Bot) – Protect and set up kills (Leona, Soraka).

💡 Pro Tip: Stick with 1–2 champions at first. Mastery comes from repetition.

Chapter 4: How Matchmaking Works in Your First 10 Games

Your first matches won’t throw you against pro players. Instead, Riot’s new player matchmaking pool ensures you face others around your skill level.

• Games 1–3: Mostly bots or beginners.
• Games 4–7: More humans, light competition.
• Games 8–10: You’ll face more coordinated opponents as the system calibrates your skill.

By the end of these 10 matches, Riot starts forming a real MMR profile for you, which will impact future games.

Chapter 5: Champion Selection in Early Matches

At the start, you’ll only have access to a rotating free champion pool plus a handful unlocked permanently.

Beginner-friendly picks include:

• Garen (Top): Simple tanky fighter.
• Ashe (ADC): Long-range, easy to learn.
• Lux (Mid/Support): Ranged mage with strong poke.
• Master Yi (Jungle): Easy jungle clears, strong duelist.
• Soraka (Support): Heals and protects allies.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t worry about playing “meta champions.” Focus on those that are fun and easy to understand.

Chapter 6: What to Focus On in Each Match

Here’s how you should approach your first 10 games:

Games 1–3 (Learning Basics)

• Focus: Farming and ability usage.
• Goal: Reach level 6, unlock ultimate ability, and test combos.

Games 4–6 (Role Awareness)

• Focus: Understanding lanes and objectives.
• Goal: Learn when to push lane vs when to retreat.

Games 7–10 (Teamplay & Objectives)

• Focus: Rotate with team for Dragon, Rift Herald, or towers.
• Goal: Understand how teamfights work.

Chapter 7: Objectives and Map Awareness

By the mid-point of your early matches, you’ll be introduced to the importance of objectives:

• Dragons: Give stacking buffs.
• Rift Herald: Helps take towers.
• Baron Nashor: Late-game buff for pushing.
• Turrets: Protect lanes, must be destroyed to reach Nexus.

💡 Vision Tip: Always buy a Control Ward early. Vision = safety.

Chapter 8: Summoner Spells in Your First Games

Your Summoner Spell choices matter. For beginners, stick with:

• Flash (mandatory for almost all roles).
• Heal/Ignite/Teleport depending on your champion.

Examples:

• Top Lane: Flash + Teleport.
• Mid Lane: Flash + Ignite.
• ADC: Flash + Heal.
• Support: Flash + Ignite/Exhaust.
• Jungle: Flash + Smite.

Chapter 9: Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

❌ Chasing kills endlessly → Leads to death.
✅ Focus on farming and objectives.

❌ Ignoring map pings → Misses ganks or danger.
✅ Check minimap every 5 seconds.

❌ Wasting Flash → Using it randomly.
✅ Save it for clutch moments (escaping, engaging).

❌ No wards → Leads to ambushes.
✅ Always carry a Stealth Ward and place it.

Chapter 10: Rewards & Progression in the First 10 Matches

Riot rewards beginners with missions that unlock:

• Blue Essence (currency).
• Champion Shards.
• Skins and icons.

This system ensures even if you lose, you’re still progressing.

Chapter 11: Transition After Your First 10 Matches

By the end of these games, you’ll notice:

• Matchmaking will pair you with slightly more experienced players.
• You’ll understand basic champion kits and lane roles.
• You’ll start exploring item builds.

💡 Pro Tip: Create a “comfort champion pool” of 2–3 champions per role before moving into ranked later.

Chapter 12: Advanced Beginner Advice

• Stick to one role first. Consistency speeds up learning.
• Learn when to recall. Don’t overstay for minions if you’re low HP.
• Communicate with pings. Even without chat, you can warn teammates.
• Don’t flame teammates. Focus on your own play.

Conclusion

Your first 10 matches in League of Legends are not just random games—they’re carefully designed stepping stones to ease you into one of the most competitive games in the world.

You’ll start with bots, move to beginner PvP, and by match 10 you’ll be thinking about farming, objectives, and teamwork. Remember: every great player, from streamers to pro champions, once stood where you are now.

So, don’t stress about mistakes—embrace the learning curve. With patience and consistency, you’ll soon discover why League of Legends has captivated millions for over a decade.