What is Smurfing in League of Legends?
Smurfing in League of Legends refers to playing games in a lower skill level than you actually belong. It’s when skilled players use alternative accounts to play in lower ranks for various reasons.
There is an ongoing debate about whether smurfing should be allowed in the game. Playing against smurfs can be frustrating because they have a skill advantage, making it difficult to win. Smurfs often dominate games and snowball their lead to ensure victory.
Why Do People Smurf?
There are multiple reasons why players smurf. Some do it to play with lower-ranked friends or to have fun dominating games against less skilled players. Others use smurfing to try out new champions without pressure. However, the main reason people smurf is to boost accounts, level them up, or sell them, which is against the community and developer guidelines.
Are There Any Consequences to Smurfing?
Smurfing is not explicitly prohibited by the game’s policies, which is why it is allowed. High-ranked and professional players often openly smurf for personal reasons, such as having multiple accounts in the Challenger tier. While smurfs affect lower-ranked players, Riot Games does not punish them because they don’t have malicious intentions. Players are free to create additional accounts as long as they adhere to the terms of service. Many streamers also smurf to create content by climbing from low ranks to high ranks with self-imposed restrictions.
Smurfing has become increasingly popular in the League community as a way to have fun after reaching one’s peak rank. Some players create new accounts to experience the ladder climb again without the stress of their main account. It is advisable to avoid ranking at the beginning and end of seasons to minimize encounters with smurfs. Riot Games has implemented systems to detect and expedite smurfs’ progress to higher ranks while minimizing the impact on other players.
The community has mixed opinions about smurfing. Some argue that it is a natural part of the game, as players need to climb and face opponents of different skill levels. Others believe that smurfing ruins the experience for lower-ranked and new players who face more experienced opponents.
Conclusion
Smurfing can be bannable in League of Legends if the person engages in toxic behavior and intends to ruin other players’ games. If you consider creating a smurf account, be aware that it can result in punishment if done with negative intentions. It’s important to prioritize fair and enjoyable gameplay for all players.