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Ultimate Leveling and XP guide

Alistar Smyth

26 th  April 2022 Edited at: 25th September 2024

Leveling up your account is key to playing ranked and getting Blue Essence to buy more champions. Each level from the first gets you closer to ranked games and rewards you with Champion Capsules containing champion shards and Blue Essence to unlock more champions as you go. Some milestones will also give you themed borders, profile icons, Mythic Essence, and other cosmetic items. Check out our Leveling Rewards page if you want to see more.

This is a Summoner leveling guide, not to be confused with the in-game experience system that determines your champion's level in-game. We are talking about the level that allows you to unlock new features, Summoner Spells, and game modes and have access to ranked mode at level 30.

If you want to get to 30 fast to unlock ranked check out our Fastest Way to level 30 guide here. We level thousands of accounts each year so we know what we are talking about.

Level Cap in LoL

In the old days of League of Legends, the game had a level cap of 30. It was a big deal because it was the point where you could access ranked and it still is, but the cap is no more.

In 2017 Riot removed the level cap and players could level up forever. The highest level known is Nolife Flynn who has hit level 3000+ by playing Player vs. AI games non stop. Why does he do it? We have no idea, but good luck to him.

While levels used to matter, once you hit 30 your level doesn't affect gameplay. Account levels are now just a measure of how much time and effort you've put into the game. Whether you're level 2000 or level 50, your skill in LoL isn't measured by your account level. Some players may grind XP for years and be bronze, while others can be diamond or challenger with way fewer levels.

XP LOL - How it works

How much XP to level 30?

lvl 0 to 30 scale

Level 30 is the main goal for most new players as it unlocks ranked and allows you to start climbing the ranked ladder. Which is a goal to most players or at least it's mine!

To get there, you'll need a total of 37,392 XP. While that sounds like a lot, it's doable with the right approach and game modes.

How many games to level 30 (Math below):

Each game awards roughly 200 XP without any XP boosts or bonuses. Since you need 37,392 XP, that means you need to play around 190 games to level 30. Here's the math:

  • 37,392 XP (total) ÷ 200 XP (per game) = 187 games.

You'll need to play around 190 games to hit level 30 if you're not using any XP boosts or first win bonuses. But that number can vary depending on a few things.

Game Time and XP Variants:

lol leveling accounts stats

The amount of XP you get per game can vary greatly based on:

  • Wins vs. Losses: Winning a game gives you way more XP than losing one. On Summoner's Rift, a win gives you around 6.6 XP per minute, and a loss gives you 5.4 XP per minute.
  • Game Length: Shorter games (under 15 minutes) give you less XP. The ideal game length for XP farming is 15-25 minutes, which gives you the most XP for your time.
  • Game Mode: Co-op vs. AI games are quicker and easier but give slightly less XP than PvP modes. But they're almost impossible to lose, so they're a safe option for consistent XP farming.

Depending on how efficiently you play, you'll need to play around 30-40 hours to level 30, broken down as follows:

  • Standard PvP games: 25-30 minutes per game.
  • Co-op vs. AI (beginner bots): 15-20 minutes per game.
  • ARAM: Faster-paced; most games are 20-25 minutes.

XP Boosts

Using XP boosts can cut down the time and games required significantly. A double XP boost with a win-based XP boost can double or even triple your XP per game, getting you to level 30 in 80-100 games. That's 15-20 hours of playtime if you play efficiently.

Leveling in the Past vs. Now

Before Riot changed the XP and leveling system, leveling up took much longer. Leveling to 30 used to take twice as long as it does now and required a huge time investment to unlock ranked. The old system was harder on players, especially those who didn't win consistently or used boosts.

Now, with XP boosts, daily First Win of the Day bonuses, and the ability to earn XP across different modes (including ARAM and special events), the grind is much shorter. It's much less time-consuming than it was before, so it's more accessible for new and returning players to get into ranked asap.

Fastest Ways to Earn XP

Leveling to 30 can be sped up with a combination of proper selection of modes, using XP boosts efficiently, and winning as many games as possible. Here's how you can maximize your XP and cut down your leveling time:

If you want more in-depth analysis, remember we have a dedicated guide: Fastest way to Level 30 here.

Efficient use of XP Boosts

XP boosts are one of the best ways to speed up the grind to 30, but using them smart is key to getting the most out of them. Here's how to get the most out of each type of boost:

Time-Based Boosts

day boosts lol shop

Time-based boosts double the XP you get during a specific period (e.g. 1 day, 3 days). These boosts are best used when you know you'll have long play sessions where you can play for several hours. To make the most of them:

  • Use during weekends or days off when you can play for 8-10 hours.
  • Pair them with Co-op vs. Bots for quick and consistent wins or ARAM for fast matches.
  • Make sure you play continuously while the boost is active, as the timer runs even when you're not playing.

Win-Based Boosts

win boosts lol shop

Win-based boosts give you 216 XP per win and are best used when you're sure you'll win. For maximum effect:

  • Use win-based boosts when playing Co-op vs Bots, where wins are almost guaranteed, especially against beginner bots.
  • Activate win boosts during play sessions with friends as coordinating with a team increases your chances of winning in PvP modes like Summoner's Rift or ARAM.
  • Stack Time-Based Boosts and Win-Based Boosts. This will double your XP and give you the flat XP bonus from wins, which is an exponential boost to your leveling.

Buy XP Boosts

XP boosts are the fastest way to level up. There are two types of boosts in the Riot Store:

  • XP Per Win Boost: Adds 216 XP per game if you win. This boost only applies if you win a game so it's best for players who win most of their games.
  • Time-Based (Double XP) Boost: This boost doubles the XP you would earn per game regardless of win or loss and lasts for a set amount of time (e.g. 1 day, 3 days). The boost stays active even if you don't play, so it's best to buy it when you know you'll have long play sessions.

Stacking Boosts:

For maximum efficiency, you can stack both boosts. Stacking a Time-Based XP Boost and a Per Win Boost will give you the most XP, especially if you win most of your games. Here's how to use them:

  • Buy Time-Based Boosts on weekends or during long play sessions when you can play for hours.
  • Use Per Win Boosts when you know you'll win, like Co-op vs. AI or when playing with friends who will win with you.

This will get you to level 30 in 50% fewer games, so instead of 190 games, you could get to 30 in 80-100 games.

Game Modes to Earn XP

Different game modes offer different amounts of XP based on game length, win/loss, and player activity. Here's a breakdown of the best game modes for XP:

  • Co-op vs Bots:
    • Pros: Easiest to win, short game times (15-20 minutes), you can consistently earn XP.
    • Cons: Reduced XP rewards at higher levels (75% XP after level 30, 55% after 180 minutes of daily play).
    • Best for: Quick, easy wins to stack XP boosts, ideal for new players or those who don't want to risk losing.
  • ARAM (All Random All Mid):
      aram map lol
    • Pros: Fast-paced, short matches (20-25 minutes), great for XP farming, and more fun than bot matches.
    • Cons: Random champion selection means uneven games, and harder to win consistently than bot matches.
    • Best for: Mixing up gameplay while still getting fast wins.
  • Normal Games on Summoner's Rift (PvP Normal or Ranked):
    • Pros: More XP for longer games and wins here giving maximum XP per minute.
    • Cons: Games are longer (30+ minutes), and winning isn't guaranteed, especially in solo queue.
    • Best for: Experienced players who win most of their games.

Which one?

  • If you want quick wins and consistent XP, Co-op vs Bots is the way to go.
  • If you want a faster experience with a decent XP, ARAM is a good option.
  • If you know you can win and want to maximize XP per win, Normal Summoner's Rift is the way to go, but it comes with more variability in game length and outcome.

Win More

Winning and not just playing games is the most important factor in getting more XP. On average a win gives you 22% more XP than a loss so focus on strategies that help you win especially in modes where games are shorter.

Quick Win Tips:

fast xp recipe
  • Play Champions with Fast Wave Clear: Champions like Ziggs, Tristana, and Caitlyn are good at pushing lanes and destroying towers fast, so you can end games quicker.
  • Focus on Objectives: Prioritize taking towers, getting Rift Herald, controlling Dragon and Baron to snowball games to an early end.
  • Team Up: Playing with friends will increase your win rate especially in Co-op vs Bots where you can communicate and coordinate better.

In PvP matches focus on early-game champions and strategies that allow you to snowball your lead and close out games fast. The goal is to win efficiently, not to farm kills or prolong the game.

End Games at the Right Time

The length of the game directly affects how much XP you get, for the best XP/time ratio, aim for games that last 15-25 minutes.

  • Why 15-20 Minutes? XP formulas are designed to give the most XP for games that last at least 15 minutes. Ending a game before that will give you significantly less XP, as you will spend some time in champion selection and in the queue.
  • Why Avoid Long Games? Games that go beyond 30 minutes are generally not optimal for XP farming as you're spending too much time without getting First win of the Day bonuses.

XP Sweet Spot:

The ideal game length is 15-25 minutes. In Co-op vs Bots, the game ends after 7 minutes by aggressively pushing objectives. In ARAM or PvP, snowball early and close the game as soon as possible without sacrificing the XP for time played.

By playing the right modes, using XP boosts, and winning fast within the sweet spot, you'll level up in no time.

Summoner XP and Champion Mastery

Champion mastery tracks your performance with specific champions, but it doesn't affect your overall Summoner leveling. However, focusing on champions you like or are good with can make leveling more fun. If you want to master a champion while leveling, it adds an extra layer of progression to your grind and makes it more rewarding.

Champion Mastery also gives you tokens and chests, which can give you Blue Essence or skin shards – an extra bonus to master your favorite champion while leveling to 30.

How XP Works in League of Legends

XP in League of Legends is earned based on several factors: match length, game mode, and win/loss. Here's the breakdown of how XP works as of 2024:

XP Breakdown and Formula

xp gains formula lol

The amount of XP you get per game is based on the time spent in the game and win/loss. Here's the formula for Summoner's Rift (PvP) and ARAM games:

  • Win Formula:
    • XP = (Game Time in Seconds × 0.11) + 6.6
      • Example: 20 minute win (1,200 seconds) would give:
      • XP = 1,200 × 0.11 + 6.6 = 138 + 6.6 = 144.6
  • Loss Formula:
    • XP = (Game Time in Seconds × 0.09) + 5.4
      • Example: 20 minute loss (1,200 seconds) would give:
      • XP = 1,200 × 0.09 + 5.4 = 108 + 5.4 = 113.4

The longer the game, the more XP you get. But games between 15-25 minutes give the best balance of time and XP. Games under 15 minutes give less XP as the system discourages fast surrenders or quick stomps.

To summarize an average game that lasts about 20 minutes should give you from 113.4 to 144.6 depending on whether you win or lose, excluding bonuses such as first win of the day.

XP Penalties for Bot Games

Co-op vs Bots are a great way to level fast, but there are diminishing returns as your account level increases. Here's how the penalties work:

  • Levels 1-9: Bots give 100% XP, and you get full XP rewards in Co-op vs Bots.
  • Levels 10-19: Bots give 90% XP, and you start getting slightly reduced rewards for bot matches.
  • Levels 20-29: Bots give 80% XP (and after 180 minutes of playtime in one day, this drops to 65% XP).
  • Level 30 and Beyond: Bots give 75% XP, and after 180 minutes of playtime, the XP drops to 55%.

This XP penalty is to encourage players to move to PvP modes as they get more experienced. But both games are still a good way to get fast, low-risk wins, especially when combined with XP boosts.

Now that you know how XP works and how to use boosts, you can speed up your leveling process. Whether you're grinding bot games or playing PvP, using these strategies to get the most XP will get you to level 30 faster.

Buy Ranked-Ready Account?

For many players, especially those who have leveled multiple accounts or are short on time, buying a pre-leveled ranked-ready account is a good option. Here's a breakdown of whether buying an account is better than grinding to level 30.

Time vs Money

time vs money image

Leveling to 30 takes around 30-40 hours of playtime or more depending on your efficiency. Add the cost of XP boosts, which can cost $30-40 for the win-based and time-based boosts, and you're looking at a lot of time and money.

On the other hand, you can buy a ranked-ready account for as little as $14.99. With this, you skip the entire leveling process and jump straight into ranked play. Here's how the two options compare:

  • Grinding to Level 30:
    • Time Investment: 30-40 hours (or more without boosts).
    • Cost: $30-40 in RP for XP boosts (optional but highly recommended for faster leveling).
  • Buying a Ranked-Ready Account:
    • Time Investment: None. You can play ranked right away.
    • Cost: $12.99 (or slightly more for accounts with more champions or skins).

Pros of Buying a Pre-Leveled Account

  • Instant Ranked: Skip the grind and play ranked right away.
  • Time Saver: If you value your time, buying an account will save you dozens of hours you would otherwise spend playing unranked games or Co-op vs Bots.
  • No Need for XP Boosts: You won't need to buy or use XP Boosts, which will save you money in the long run.

Cons of Skipping the Grind

  • Lack of Familiarity: Grinding from level 1 to 30 is a great way to get familiar with the game's mechanics, champions, and modes. Skipping this might leave you less prepared for ranked play, especially if you're new to League of Legends.
  • No Champion Mastery: If you buy a new account, you won't have any champion mastery levels. This means starting from scratch in terms of learning specific champions or building up Mastery Points.
  • Ethical Concerns: While buying pre-leveled accounts is allowed through certain reputable sites, some regions or platforms may not allow it. Always make sure you're buying from a trusted provider.

Latest XP and Leveling Strategies (2024)

As of 2024, Riot has introduced several updates and events that affect how players can get the most XP. Here are the key changes and strategies to keep in mind:

  • Limited Time Events and Game Modes: Riot releases new limited time events that give bonus XP or special missions to help players level up faster. For example the Arena Mode is a 2v2v2v2 elimination style mode that gives quick, action-packed matches that can be more fun. Keep an eye out for these events as they often have XP rewards tied to specific challenges or missions.
  • Special Event Missions: Events like Lunar Revel, Star Guardian, and others have missions that give bonus XP on top of event rewards. These missions are usually tasks like "Play X number of games" or "Win a game with a friend" so you can get easy XP while participating in the event.
  • XP Adjustments for different Modes: Riot adjusts XP distribution across different game modes. In 2024 some modes like ARAM and Co-op vs Bots have seen slight tweaks to balance out XP gains.

Using these limited time modes and events can speed up your leveling especially if you combine them with XP boosts and smart game play.

Best Champions to Level Fast

Some champions are better at pushing waves and closing games fast. Here's a list of champions that can help you finish games in record time:

Champion Picks

    ziggs
  • Ziggs is a top pick for fast leveling because he can destroy towers fast. His Satchel Charge can instantly destroy low health turrets and his wave clear is powerful enough to shove lanes and close out games fast.
  • tristana
  • Tristana's kit is built around pushing lanes and taking down towers. Her explosive charge deals a lot of damage to structures, and her rapid fire attack speed buff lets her clear her waves and objectives quickly.
  • caitlyn
  • Caitlyn's long range and wave clear make her a great pick for ARAM and Summoner's Rift. She can control the map, zone enemies, and push towers easily, so you can close out games fast.
  • jinx
  • Jinx with her Switcheroo! Jinx can wave clear and do a lot of objective damage with her minigun and passive. Once she starts snowballing, she can push down turrets and win games fast.

These champions are great for Co-op vs Bots, where speed and efficiency matter most. Picking champions that can destroy objectives and clear waves will reduce game time and give you more XP.

Conclusion

Leveling to 30 can be a long grind, but with the right strategies, you can speed it up and make it more enjoyable. By using a combination of XP boosts, playing the right game modes, and aiming for efficient wins, you can cut down the time to level 30.

If you want to jump straight into ranked games buying a ranked-ready account is the cost effective and time saving option. But if you enjoy the process of leveling, learning new champions and honing your skills along the way then the grind is worth it.

Up to you—grind or skip ahead, either way is fine. Either way once you're in ranked the real work begins. Good luck and see you in game!

unrankedsmurfs author avatar

Alistar Smyth

Content Writer
With over two years in Challenger Alistar now spends his queue time writing League of Legends content to help people improve.

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