Why Am I Getting Only 1 Shield Per Win And Loss In League Of Legends

Hey guys, it's super frustrating when you're grinding in League and the rewards just don't seem to match the effort, right? If you're experiencing the dreaded 1 shield per win and loss in your ranked games, you're definitely not alone. This issue has popped up for many players, and understanding the underlying reasons can help you navigate the system and, hopefully, get back to earning those sweet LP gains. Let's dive into the potential causes and what you can do about it. Getting only one shield per win or loss in League of Legends can be incredibly demotivating, especially when you're trying to climb the ranks. It feels like you're barely making any progress, and the smallest setback can erase hours of hard work. To truly understand this issue, we need to delve into the mechanics of the League Points (LP) system and how it interacts with your Matchmaking Rating (MMR). Your MMR is essentially a hidden number that reflects your skill level, and it's the primary factor that the system uses to match you with other players. The amount of LP you gain or lose is heavily influenced by the relationship between your visible rank and your MMR. If your MMR is significantly lower than your current rank, the system will try to correct this discrepancy by giving you fewer LP per win and more LP per loss. This is because the system believes you're ranked higher than you should be, based on your actual skill level as indicated by your MMR. Think of it like this: the game is trying to gently nudge you back to the rank that it thinks you truly belong in. This can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you feel like you're playing well but still not seeing the LP gains. However, it's important to remember that the system is designed to create fair and balanced matches, and MMR is the key metric it uses to achieve this. The frustration of earning only one shield per win can be amplified by the feeling of helplessness. It's like running on a treadmill – you're putting in the effort, but you're not moving forward. Many players in this situation start to question their own performance and wonder what they're doing wrong. It's easy to fall into a cycle of negativity, which can further impact your gameplay. So, what can you do about it? The most effective solution is to consistently perform well and win games. This will gradually improve your MMR, and as your MMR catches up to your rank, you'll start to see more significant LP gains. It's a slow process, but it's the most reliable way to fix the issue in the long run. Remember, League of Legends is a complex game, and the ranking system is designed to be a long-term reflection of your skill. Don't get discouraged by short-term setbacks, and focus on improving your gameplay.

Understanding the League Points (LP) System

The League Points (LP) system is the backbone of ranked play, and understanding its nuances is crucial to climbing effectively. You gain LP for winning games and lose LP for losing them, but the amount of LP you gain or lose isn't fixed. It varies depending on several factors, most importantly your MMR. If your MMR is higher than your current rank, you'll typically gain more LP per win and lose less per loss. This is because the system believes you belong in a higher rank and is trying to help you get there faster. Conversely, if your MMR is lower than your current rank, you'll gain less LP per win and lose more per loss. This is the system's way of correcting what it perceives as an inflated rank. It's essential to recognize that the LP system isn't just about winning and losing individual games; it's about your overall performance and how the system perceives your skill level. A common misconception is that winning a certain number of games will automatically guarantee a promotion. While consistent wins are important, your MMR is the underlying factor that determines your long-term progress. For instance, if you've had a recent losing streak, your MMR may have dropped, even if your visible rank hasn't changed yet. In this scenario, you might find yourself gaining fewer LP per win, even if you're still winning more games than you're losing. This is the system trying to bring your rank in line with your MMR. It's also worth noting that the LP system can be affected by factors outside of your individual performance. For example, if you're playing in a duo queue, the system will take your duo partner's MMR into account when calculating your LP gains and losses. If your duo partner has a significantly lower MMR than you, you might gain less LP per win than you would if you were playing solo. The same principle applies to premade teams in Flex Queue. Additionally, the system may make adjustments to LP gains and losses throughout the season to maintain the overall balance of the ranked ladder. These adjustments are usually minor, but they can sometimes have an impact on individual players. To truly master the LP system, it's important to focus on improving your gameplay and consistently performing at your best. This will naturally raise your MMR over time, which will lead to more consistent and satisfying LP gains. Don't get too caught up in the short-term fluctuations of LP; instead, focus on the long-term goal of climbing to your desired rank. Understanding the LP system is like understanding the rules of a game – it allows you to play more strategically and make informed decisions. By recognizing the factors that influence your LP gains and losses, you can better navigate the ranked ladder and achieve your goals. Remember, patience and consistency are key.

The Role of Matchmaking Rating (MMR)

Your Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is the hidden number that truly drives your ranked experience in League of Legends. Think of it as the game's secret assessment of your skill level. Unlike your visible rank (e.g., Gold, Platinum), your MMR is a continuous value that fluctuates based on your wins and losses, as well as the MMR of your opponents. The higher your MMR, the tougher the opponents you'll face, and the more LP you'll gain for a win (and the less you'll lose for a loss). Conversely, a lower MMR means easier opponents, but also smaller LP gains and larger LP losses. The relationship between your MMR and your visible rank is what dictates the consistency of your LP gains. If your MMR is significantly higher than your rank, the system sees you as being "under-ranked" and will award you more LP per win to help you climb faster. This is why you might sometimes see huge LP gains (20+) when you're on a win streak – the system is trying to catch your rank up to your MMR. However, if your MMR is lower than your rank, the system sees you as being "over-ranked" and will give you fewer LP per win and more LP per loss. This is the situation that causes the dreaded 1 LP gains, and it's the system's way of trying to gently nudge you back to the rank that it believes you belong in. This MMR system is designed to create fair and balanced matches, ensuring that players are consistently challenged at their appropriate skill level. It also prevents players from being artificially boosted to ranks they don't deserve. However, it can be frustrating when you feel like you're playing well but the system is holding you back due to a lower MMR. Improving your MMR is the key to resolving this issue. The most effective way to raise your MMR is to consistently win games against players with higher MMRs than your own. This demonstrates to the system that you're capable of competing at a higher level, and it will adjust your MMR accordingly. Another important aspect of MMR is that it's not a static value. It's constantly being updated based on your performance, so even a small losing streak can have a negative impact on your MMR. This is why it's crucial to maintain a consistent level of play and avoid tilt-queuing after a loss. Remember, MMR is a long-term reflection of your skill, not just a snapshot of your current performance. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Focusing on improving your gameplay and consistently winning games will ultimately lead to a higher MMR and a more satisfying ranked experience. The MMR system is the silent guardian of the ranked ladder, ensuring fairness and balance for all players. While it can be frustrating at times, understanding how it works is crucial to navigating the ranked climb successfully. So, keep grinding, keep improving, and let your MMR reflect your true skill level.

Possible Reasons for Low LP Gains

Let's break down the possible reasons for those frustratingly low LP gains. As we've discussed, the primary culprit is usually a discrepancy between your MMR and your visible rank. But what causes this discrepancy in the first place? One common scenario is a losing streak. If you've recently experienced a series of losses, your MMR will have dropped, potentially significantly. Even if your rank hasn't changed yet, the system will recognize the lower MMR and adjust your LP gains accordingly. This is the system's way of trying to prevent you from climbing to a rank that it believes you can't consistently maintain. Think of it like a safety net – it's there to prevent you from falling too far, but it can also feel like it's holding you back when you're trying to climb. Another factor that can contribute to low LP gains is inconsistent performance. If you're winning some games but losing others, your MMR might not be able to keep up with your rank. The system needs to see consistent wins to believe that you're truly improving, and if your performance is erratic, it will be more hesitant to award you large LP gains. This is why it's so important to focus on consistency and avoid tilting after a loss. A third possible reason is playing against opponents with lower MMRs. If you're consistently matched against players who are ranked lower than you, the system won't see those wins as particularly impressive, and you'll likely gain less LP for them. This is especially true if you're playing in a duo queue with a partner who has a significantly lower MMR than you. In this case, the system will adjust the matchmaking to account for the lower MMR player, which can result in you facing easier opponents and gaining less LP. It's also worth noting that the timing of your games can sometimes play a role. If you're playing during off-peak hours, the matchmaking pool might be smaller, which can lead to less balanced matches. In these situations, you might be more likely to face opponents with lower MMRs, which can impact your LP gains. So, what can you do if you suspect that one of these factors is contributing to your low LP gains? The first step is to assess your recent performance. Have you been on a losing streak? Are you playing consistently well? Are you facing opponents who are significantly lower ranked than you? Once you've identified the potential cause, you can start to take steps to address it. The most important thing to remember is that improving your MMR is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time and consistent effort to climb the ranked ladder, so don't get discouraged by short-term setbacks. Focus on improving your gameplay, playing consistently, and winning games, and your MMR will eventually catch up to your rank.

How to Improve Your MMR and Gain More LP

Okay, so you're stuck in the 1 LP gain rut and you're itching to climb. The key, as we've established, is to improve your MMR. But how do you actually do that? It's not as simple as just winning a few games; it's about consistently performing well and demonstrating to the system that you deserve to be at a higher rank. The most effective strategy is to focus on consistent wins. Winning streaks are your best friend when it comes to MMR. Each consecutive win will boost your MMR more significantly than a single win surrounded by losses. Think of it as building momentum – the more you win, the more the system believes in your ability, and the more LP you'll gain. But winning isn't just about luck; it's about improving your gameplay. Focus on identifying your weaknesses and working to overcome them. Are you struggling with your laning phase? Are you making poor decisions in the late game? Watch replays of your games, identify your mistakes, and actively work to correct them. There are tons of resources available to help you improve, from professional guides and coaching services to YouTube videos and online communities. Take advantage of these resources and make a conscious effort to learn and grow as a player. Another important aspect of improving your MMR is champion mastery. It's tempting to jump between different champions, especially when you're trying to counter-pick your opponents. However, focusing on a smaller pool of champions that you truly excel at will make you a more consistent and reliable player. When you master a champion, you understand their strengths and weaknesses, you know how to play them in different matchups, and you can make better decisions in the heat of the moment. This consistency will translate into more wins and a higher MMR. In addition to champion mastery, map awareness and strategic decision-making are crucial skills for climbing the ranked ladder. Pay attention to the minimap, track the enemy jungler, and communicate with your team. Make smart rotations, secure objectives, and avoid unnecessary risks. Good decision-making can often be the difference between a win and a loss, and consistently making the right calls will significantly impact your MMR. Finally, remember to stay positive and avoid tilt. Tilt is the enemy of progress in League of Legends. When you're tilted, you're more likely to make mistakes, play aggressively, and make poor decisions. If you find yourself getting frustrated or angry, take a break and come back to the game with a fresh perspective. A positive attitude will not only make the game more enjoyable, but it will also help you play better and improve your MMR. So, to recap, improving your MMR is about consistent wins, improving your gameplay, mastering your champions, making smart decisions, and staying positive. It's a holistic approach that requires dedication and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Say goodbye to those 1 LP gains and hello to the climb!

Staying Positive and Avoiding Tilt

Let's talk about a crucial aspect of climbing in League that often gets overlooked: staying positive and avoiding tilt. This might sound like simple advice, but it's one of the most powerful tools you have in your ranked arsenal. Tilt, for those who might not be familiar, is that frustrating state of mental or emotional confusion or frustration, which may cause you to play worse. It's that feeling of frustration, anger, or despair that can creep in after a bad game, a series of losses, or even just a few frustrating plays. When you're tilted, your decision-making goes out the window, you become more impulsive, and you're more likely to make mistakes. It's like your brain is working against you, and it can be incredibly difficult to shake off. The key is to recognize the signs of tilt early on and take steps to prevent it from spiraling out of control. One of the first signs of tilt is often increased frustration or anger. You might find yourself getting more easily annoyed by your teammates, more critical of your own play, or more prone to blaming external factors for your losses. You might also start to feel more anxious or stressed about your games, and you might find it harder to focus on the task at hand. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take a break. Step away from the game, do something you enjoy, and give yourself time to cool down. Don't try to force yourself to play through tilt; it will only make things worse. Another effective strategy for avoiding tilt is to focus on the process, not the outcome. It's easy to get fixated on your LP gains and losses, but this can be a dangerous trap. If you're constantly worrying about your rank, you're more likely to get stressed out and tilted when things don't go your way. Instead, focus on improving your gameplay, making good decisions, and playing to the best of your ability. The results will follow naturally if you focus on the process. It's also important to cultivate a positive mindset and avoid negativity. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it's friends, teammates, or even just motivational content. Avoid getting drawn into arguments or flame wars, and focus on constructive communication. Remember, League of Legends is a team game, and a positive attitude can make a huge difference in your team's performance. Finally, don't be afraid to mute toxic players. There's no point in subjecting yourself to verbal abuse or negativity. If someone is being toxic, mute them and focus on playing your own game. Your mental well-being is more important than winning a single game. Staying positive and avoiding tilt is a skill that takes practice, but it's a skill that will pay dividends in the long run. By mastering your emotions and maintaining a positive mindset, you'll not only improve your gameplay, but you'll also make the ranked climb a much more enjoyable experience. So, take care of your mental health, stay positive, and keep grinding! Remember guys, we are on the same boat.

Conclusion

So, earning only 1 shield per win and loss in League can be super annoying, but understanding the system is half the battle. It usually boils down to your MMR being out of sync with your rank. Focus on consistent wins, improving your gameplay, and staying positive, and you'll climb that ladder in no time. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint! Keep grinding, keep learning, and you'll get there. It's frustrating to see such small gains, especially when you feel like you're putting in the effort and playing well. However, understanding the underlying mechanics of the ranking system can help you manage your expectations and approach the game with a more strategic mindset. The key takeaway is that your visible rank is not the sole determinant of your progress. Your MMR, the hidden rating that the system uses to match you with other players, plays a crucial role in how much LP you gain or lose per game. When your MMR is significantly lower than your rank, the system will try to correct this discrepancy by awarding you fewer LP for wins and penalizing you more heavily for losses. This is the primary reason why you might be experiencing the dreaded 1 LP gains. To overcome this, you need to focus on improving your MMR. This means consistently performing well and winning games, especially against opponents with higher MMRs than your own. It's a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance, but it's the most reliable way to fix the issue in the long run. In addition to improving your gameplay, it's also important to maintain a positive attitude and avoid tilt. Tilt can cloud your judgment, lead to poor decision-making, and ultimately hinder your progress. Take breaks when you need them, focus on the process rather than the outcome, and don't let negativity get the best of you. Remember, climbing the ranked ladder in League of Legends is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way, but by understanding the system, focusing on improvement, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can achieve your goals and reach your desired rank. So, don't get discouraged by short-term setbacks. Keep grinding, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun! The journey is just as important as the destination, and the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you finally reach your goal will be well worth the effort. You've got this, guys! Now go out there and dominate the Rift!