Ever feel like you're just getting into your groove in League of Legends, only to have the rug pulled out from under you? That's often the feeling when a ranked split ends. But instead of a sudden stop, think of it as a well-timed reset, a chance to catch your breath and then dive back in with renewed purpose.
League of Legends doesn't just have one long, drawn-out ranked season anymore. They've smartly divided the year into two distinct "splits." This isn't just to keep things fresh; it's a way to make tracking your progress feel more manageable and, importantly, to give you more regular opportunities to snag some sweet rewards. The first split usually kicks off in January, and the second one hits around the middle of the year. The whole season wraps up towards the end of the year, typically in November.
So, what happens when a new split begins? Your rating gets a reset. It's not a complete wipe, but you'll need to play ten "qualifying matches" to get back onto the leaderboard. Don't be surprised if your starting rank after these games is a little lower than where you finished the previous split. Your performance in those qualifiers, plus how you did during the preseason (that period between seasons), really sets the stage for your new starting point. And here's a neat little detail: the highest rank you can possibly start a new split at is Platinum I. Anything beyond that? That's all on you to climb!
Climbing the ranks is its own reward, of course, but Riot Games knows how to sweeten the deal. As you progress and especially at the end of each split, there are prizes to be earned. These aren't just random drops; they're visual symbols that really show off your achievements. Think crests that display your current rank on your profile and even on the loading screen before a match. You can also customize your summoner icon with frames that reflect your rank in the corresponding queue. It's a nice way to let everyone know you've put in the work.
Let's talk about "Victorious Images" – these are the tangible rewards you can earn. In Season 2023, you'd get these by playing ranked games, racking up "Split Points," and maintaining at least Honor Level 2. The number of games and wins needed for these emblems varies depending on your rank. If you're in Iron, Bronze, or Silver, you'll need 1,600 Split Points. But if you've hit Gold or higher, it's a much more accessible 80 Split Points. Now, there's a catch: if you're aiming for that Gold threshold and get demoted before you unlock the emblem, you'll have to go back to the 1,600 Split Point requirement. The good news? Once you unlock an emblem, it's yours to keep, even if you drop in rank later. That unlocked emblem stays with you! You can check your progress towards these emblems on the Ranked Games page, so you always know how close you are.
And it's not just about your rank; your behavior matters too. Reaching Honor Level 3 or higher gets you rewards, but if you're aiming for those coveted "Champions of Honor" skins, you'll need to hit the maximum Honor Level 5 before the season ends. These are special skins reserved for players who've shown exceptional sportsmanship and skill throughout the season.
Earning Split Points is pretty straightforward. You get them by playing ranked matches – whether it's solo, duo, or flex queue. For every win, you'll earn 10 Split Points, and for every loss, you get 6. This system is designed to help you progress and unlock those rewards on the split progress bar more consistently. It's all about consistent effort and showing up, split after split.
