How to Actually Improve at League of Legends (No, Seriously)

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help you improve your skills in League of Legends effectively. Based on insights from top pros and coaches, it offers practical strategies to enhance your gameplay, mindset, and overall performance. Whether you're a beginner or looking to climb the ranks, these steps will guide you on your journey to becoming a better player.

Step 1: Adopt a Growth Mindset

• Understand the difference between a fixed mindset (believing your abilities are static) and a growth mindset (believing you can improve through effort).
• Embrace challenges in the game as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles.
• Reflect on your gameplay and identify areas for improvement, rather than focusing solely on wins and losses.

Step 2: Shift to Results Based Thinking

• Focus on the outcome of your games but analyze your performance beyond just winning.
• Ask yourself questions like:
  • What could I have done differently?
  • Did I make decisions that align with my goals?
• Use these reflections to guide future practice and decision-making.

Step 3: Embrace Probability Based Thinking

• Recognize the role of chance in games and avoid placing blame on bad luck.
• Analyze the probabilities of certain actions or plays and make decisions based on likely outcomes.
• This mindset helps you stay calm during unfavorable situations and encourages strategic thinking.

Step 4: Overcome Negativity Bias

• Acknowledge that negative experiences can overshadow positive ones.
• After each game, list out what went well to balance your perspective.
• Focus on building a habit of recognizing successes, no matter how small.

Step 5: Implement Error-Based Learning

• Treat mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.
• Review your games to identify errors and determine how to avoid them in the future.
• Consider keeping a journal of your mistakes and how you plan to improve on them.

Step 6: Engage in Deliberate Practice

• Dedicate time to practice specific skills or concepts rather than playing mindlessly.
• Break down the skills you want to improve (like last hitting or map awareness) and create focused practice sessions.
• Use in-game scenarios to simulate challenges you want to overcome.

Step 7: Use Interleaving Techniques

• Mix different skills or topics during practice instead of focusing on one at a time.
• For example, practice last hitting, then work on positioning, followed by team-fighting strategies.
• This method helps improve retention and adaptability in real gameplay situations.

Step 8: Apply Spaced Repetition

• Space out your practice sessions for better retention of skills and concepts.
• Instead of cramming, revisit learned skills regularly to reinforce your memory.
• Create a schedule that allows you to review and practice over time.

Step 9: Manage Your Mental Stack

• Be aware of how much information you can handle at once during a game.
• Focus on a few key concepts or objectives per match to avoid overwhelming yourself.
• Gradually increase the complexity of what you are trying to manage as you become more comfortable.

Step 10: Set Realistic Expectations

• Understand that improvement takes time and consistent effort.
• Set short-term and long-term goals that are achievable.
• Celebrate small victories to stay motivated on your path to improvement.

Conclusion

Improving at League of Legends is a multifaceted journey that requires a combination of mindset shifts, strategic thinking, and dedicated practice. By adopting these actionable steps, you can enhance your skills, learn from your experiences, and ultimately climb the ranks more effectively. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of growth as a player.