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One of the major changes to League of Legends ahead of Season 7 is how ranked play functions. In previous seasons, ranked play was something available only for solo or duo players, meaning players in parties of one or two.
But last season, Riot tried a new experiment with Dynamic Queue, allowing players to queue up for ranked in a group of any size. Some positives were gained from it, including the new champion select that allowed for role selection, but overall community reaction forced another change.
This year, there are two different queues with entirely separate ladders. It’s a little confusing, so let’s break down the differences. These queues are live for the preseason, and the new season starts December 6.
Solo/duo queue
How many can you play as: 1-2 players
Advantages: For the more serious ranked player
Disadvantages: Salt. Lots and lots of salt
Which ladder is used during preseason: Last year’s ranked ladder (you’ll start where you left off)
Does preseason impact your MMR: Yes!
When does it reset: December 6
Flex queue
How many can you play as: 1, 2, 3 or 5 players
Advantages: Play with friends! A (probably) less serious version of ranked
Disadvantages: Matchmaking problems still abound, and mismatched groups (duo bot lane vs. individuals, group of 5 vs. 3 and 2) could make for bad games
Which ladder is used during preseason: A completely different one, so you’ll have to do placement matches
Does preseason impact your MMR: Yes!
When does it reset: December 6
Normal draft
How many can you play as: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 players, if you’re lucky enough to be in a region where this game mode wasn’t disabled
Advantages: Play with any number of people! No LP at stake!
Disadvantages: Many people are literally unable to play this mode anymore
Does it impact your ranked MMR: No!
Blind pick
How many can you play as: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 players
Advantages: A quicker version of champion select
Disadvantages: You will have to scramble not to play support
Does it impact your ranked MMR: No!