League of Legends: Why Is Quickplay So Much Easier Than Ranked?

As a League of Legends enthusiast with a few thousand hours under my belt, I find myself echoing Raff2020’s confusion regarding the stark contrast between Quickplay and Ranked modes. My journey in this game has been a rollercoaster ride, from the carefree days of experimenting with champions in Quickplay to the nail-biting tension of Ranked matches that leave me sweating bullets.

I remember my early days, when I was just a noob trying out weird champion builds and off-role shenanigans without a care in the world. Those casual games were where I honed my foundational skills, learning the ropes without feeling too much pressure. Quickplay was like a vacation, a stress-free zone where I could unwind after a long day of work or school.

But then came Ranked mode, and it felt like stepping into a gladiator’s den. The stakes were higher, the competition fiercer, and the focus on winning intense. It was like going from playing with action figures to participating in actual battles—and I wasn’t always prepared for the intensity. I found myself struggling to keep up, feeling outclassed by my opponents who seemed to know every trick in the book.

The presence of smurfs didn’t help matters either. One minute I’d be enjoying a casual game against higher-skilled players who let loose and experimented, and the next, I’d be up against these smurfs—players better than me, dominating my team with ease. It felt like a never-ending cycle of frustration and stagnation in the lower ranks.

But despite the challenges, I learned valuable lessons from my Ranked experiences. The competitive environment forced me to adapt, learn new strategies, and improve my skills at an accelerated pace. I started revisiting past games to identify areas for improvement, and slowly but surely, I began to climb the ranks.

Nowadays, I find myself appreciating both modes for their unique qualities. Quickplay offers a fun and relaxed environment where I can unwind and experiment, while Ranked pushes me to grow and adapt. If you ask me, it’s this blend of casual fun and intense competition that makes League of Legends so richly complex—and keeps me coming back for more!

Oh, and let me tell you a joke to lighten the mood: Why was the summoner’s rift always grumpy? Because it had too many ward traps! (I’ll see myself out now…)

In a recent post, player Raff2020 pondered over the contrast between casual and competitive play modes in League of Legends – Quickplay and Ranked. As a newcomer at Iron 4, they’ve found Quickplay more enjoyable and less pressurizing, which has sparked doubts about their abilities and the game dynamics in both settings. So, what makes Quickplay appear simpler while Ranked is nerve-wracking? Let’s delve into the insights from the gaming community on this intriguing observation.

Am I getting carried in quickplay? Why is it so much easier than ranked.
byu/Raff2020 inleagueoflegends

Summary

Quickplay is generally viewed as a more laid-back environment, allowing for casual gameplay.
Ranked matches feature players who are more invested and serious about winning, leading to a different level of competition.
Many players suggest that the difference in performance can be linked to matchmaking and the presence of smurfs in lower ranks.
Player expectations and motivations vary greatly between Quickplay and Ranked, affecting individual experiences.

The Casual Vibes of Quickplay

Quickplay is similar to relaxing at a casual get-together after a hard week’s work – everyone’s unwinding, and the atmosphere is less strict. Players enter the game with an openness to try out different champions without fear of criticism, creating a space where innovation can flourish. As BestGirlNat puts it, “Quickplay is simply more laid-back – people don’t put as much pressure on each match, so mistakes are more common.” This relaxed environment encourages players to express themselves freely, whether they’re trying out a new champion or playing a role outside their usual comfort zone. For Raff2020, this freedom from pressure results in a sense of contributing more, regardless of the final score, which ultimately enhances the overall fun. If you’ve ever experimented with an unconventional champion build in Quickplay, you know exactly what I mean – it’s all about having a good time and taking things easy!

The Rigor of Ranked Matches

From a different perspective, joining the Ranked arena can be similar to walking into a coliseum where gladiators fight. Players are paired based on their abilities, the rewards are significant, and the pressure to win can cause anxiety like that felt before a first date (but you do have the option to lose your opponent with a poorly executed move). Da_Electric_Boogaloo points out that “Ranked is more challenging because you’re pitted against players at your skill level and typically need to contribute to the victory.” With high hopes, players often work together within their lanes, constantly trying to ensure they come out on top. The increased pressure can make even skilled players like Raff feel overwhelmed, struggling to leave a mark in games. Those who once enjoyed leisurely gaming under a sunny sky might now find themselves breaking into a cold sweat under the intense scrutiny of Ranked matches.

Smurfing and its Implications

Smurf accounts, which are high-level players creating new accounts to overpower novice players, make the Ranked mode more intricate. Players like nousabetterworld point out the unfairness, stating “better players in normal games…are already carrying.” Consequently, even when a player faces opponents of similar rank, a smurf on the opposing team can instantly disrupt the fairness of the competition. While Quickplay might offer more skilled players who play for fun and experiment, leading to enjoyable matches, Ranked could repeatedly pit these same players against smurfs—an unpredictable factor that may lead to disheartening losses and slow progress up the ranks.

Expectations Shape Experiences

As a gamer myself, I’ve noticed that the gap between the laid-back attitude in Quickplay and the intense focus on winning in Ranked is quite stark. It’s like night and day! In Quickplay, folks just want to play their favorite characters and have a good time, while in Ranked, it’s all about securing the victory. This difference significantly shapes our gaming experience in each mode. For those who dive into Ranked expecting a casual game, it can be quite a shock. The atmosphere turns serious, with everyone giving it their all and the competition becoming fiercer. It takes some getting used to, especially for newcomers, and if they’re not ready for the intensity, they might even feel discouraged.

Personal Growth Through Challenge

Quickplay’s relaxed vibe is a delight, yet it’s important to remember that it may hide some tough lessons. The fun and pressure-free environment helps players lay the groundwork for their skills, but just like Raff suggests, we shouldn’t forget to eventually let go of the training wheels. On the flip side, the Ranked mode presents authentic challenges that encourage progress, even though it might seem like a grueling climb up a steep mountain without a cheerleader. Players often revisit previous games to refine their skills and devise new strategies, which creates a cycle of continuous learning that deepens their understanding of the game’s mechanics. Persisting in the Ranked setting could be the most valuable lesson of all, as Raff points out, because every defeat offers a chance to learn something significant, if we just look closely enough at our elo rankings.

As a passionate League of Legends player, I’ve found that the contrast between Quickplay and Ranked modes can be puzzling at first, but it’s this mix of relaxed fun and intense rivalry that gives the game its extraordinary depth. While Quickplay offers a more relaxed, less intimidating environment, the tough challenges in Ranked mode help hone my skills and push me to grow as a player. Recognizing the diverse reasons why people play – whether for a casual good time or to prove themselves on the battlefield – helps me appreciate each game’s unique essence. So, whether I’m dodging skill shots in Quickplay or locked in a fierce struggle in Ranked, every game offers valuable lessons and experiences!

2025-01-04 18:44