If you play ranked games in League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics, you may have seen a message on your profile saying your “Demotion Shield” is about to expire.
Demotion Shields are a feature that prevent you from dropping down a tier or division if you lose games after being promoted. This means you won’t immediately go back to a lower rank after a few unlucky matches.
What is a Demotion Shield in League?
After being promoted to a new division or tier for the first time, you’ll gain a Demotion Shield. This shield prevents you from dropping down if you lose additional games. It ensures that you don’t immediately go back to a lower rank after a few unlucky matches.
What does “Demotion Shield Expiring” mean?
When your Demotion Shield is expiring, it means that the shield’s effect is about to end. If you lose your next few matches after being promoted, there’s a high chance you’ll drop a division or tier. You’ll then need to climb back up the ranked ladder again. After being demoted, your LP (League Points) will be set between 25 and 75, depending on how many losses you had when you were at zero LP.
How long do Demotion Shields last?
Demotion Shields usually last about three games after advancing a division and ten games after advancing a tier. However, for the Master Tier, it’s always just three games. For example, if you’re in Platinum Five, you won’t briefly drop to Gold One without the shield.
It’s important to keep track of your Demotion Shield, as it can expire. Being demoted may feel like a failure, but it can also be an opportunity to improve and catch up on the ever-changing meta. Take the time to work on your skills before jumping back into ranked games.
How demotion works in LoL
If you lose more LP than you currently have or go into negative LP, you’ll be reduced to 0 LP and be at risk of demotion. Losing one game between divisions within a tier will result in demotion. However, you can quickly climb back up with one or two victories.
If you’re a high enough rank in League of Legends, you may also have to worry about decaying. This means dropping ranks because you haven’t played enough games.
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