Have you ever wondered, “How long is a League of Legends game?” Well, you’re not alone! This immensely popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title from Riot Games is host to many thrilling and dynamic matchups, each influenced by a range of unpredictable factors on the Rift.
This guide will unveil the average length of LoL games and explore the elements affecting match durations. From comparing its pace to other MOBAs to examining the impact of champion selection and player skill, we’ll provide the insights to dictate the ebb and flow of your games!
How Long Is A LoL Game?
What Is The Average Length Of LoL Matches?
The average LoL match duration ranges between 25 to 35 minutes. However, games can be shorter or longer and it depends on multiple factors, including the game mode, skill level of the players, server region, champion composition, and the strategies employed by the teams.
For example, a standard match on Summoner’s Rift can average around 28-35 minutes, while an ARAM (i.e., All Random All Mid) game typically runs only 15-25 minutes. There is also a stark difference in game lengths at low- and high-skill brackets, with higher ranks normally being much shorter.
According to data by leagueofgraphs.com, the average LoL game is exactly 30 minutes and 28 seconds across all regions. The shortest games are played at the Challenger rank (28:01), and the longest matches tend to occur at the Iron rank (33:03)—that’s a difference of 5:02!
The table below breaks down specific LoL match durations across different ranks and regions:
| Rank Rating | Game Duration (mm:ss) | ||||
| All Regions | Korea | EUNE | EUW | NA | |
| Iron | 33:03 | 32:14 | 33:00 | 33:02 | 32:28 |
| Bronze | 32:32 | 31:33 | 32:34 | 32:28 | 32:24 |
| Silver | 32:00 | 31:09 | 32:00 | 31:57 | 31:57 |
| Gold | 31:33 | 30:48 | 31:41 | 31:23 | 31:31 |
| Platinum | 31:03 | 30:22 | 31:15 | 30:51 | 31:01 |
| Emerald | 30:23 | 29:46 | 30:32 | 30:07 | 30:28 |
| Diamond | 29:25 | 28:54 | 29:42 | 29:04 | 29:27 |
| Master | 28:31 | 27:57 | 28:42 | 28:19 | 28:36 |
| Grandmaster | 28:11 | 27:34 | 28:12 | 27:58 | 28:33 |
| Challenger | 28:01 | 27:57 | 28:03 | 28:18 | 26:40 |
| Average | 30:28 | 29:49 | 30:34 | 30:20 | 30:18 |
Are League Matches Longer Than Other MOBAs?
No, League matches are generally shorter than competitor MOBA titles. To put it into perspective, the average match length in LoL is about 25 to 35 minutes. In contrast, Dota 2 matches can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, with some extreme cases lasting several hours!
The brevity of LoL games can be attributed to intentional design elements that promote quicker gameplay. These include a less punishing last-hit mechanic, where missed last hits do not severely impact the Gold and Exp players receive, but also a smaller map, which facilitates faster rotations and engagements.
Source: DatDota
What Influences The Length Of A LoL Match?
Many factors affect the length of LoL matches. The most notable is the skill level of players. Lower-skilled players (like those in Iron and Bronze brackets) tend to prioritize farming over securing key objectives like Turrets, Inhibitors, Baron Nashor, or Dragons. They may also fail to recognize an opportunity to push.
These players also typically practice inefficient farming techniques that ultimately slow their champion’s skill and item progression. This directly affects their champ’s power spike and, thus, prolongs their matches. Poor strategic decision-making and a lack of team coordination also play major roles.
Another factor is champion composition. Some LoL champs have inherently slower scaling, in which case teams may deliberately prolong a game to “buy time” for them to come online. In contrast, other champs thrive in the early game, having greater mobility, damage, and sustain to perform in early ganks and team fights.
Ultimately, the pace of LoL matches also depends on an individual’s play style. Some hyper-aggressive players may prefer to end games quickly, understanding that the longer a match draws out, the more likely the opposition has to mount a comeback (especially if they’re ahead).
So, it makes good sense for them to pressure the enemy by destroying their Turrets and restricting their ability to farm and make a counterplay. These are just a few factors that can govern the duration of League matches. After all, every game is unique and may have other factors influencing its tempo.
What Is The Longest LoL Match Ever?
The longest LoL match in history occurred on Jan. 20, 2018, during the LCK Spring 2018 when Jin Air Green Wings (JAG) faced off against SK Telecom T1 (SKT). This legendary battle lasted 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 37 seconds, setting a record for the longest professional LoL game ever played.
The match featured a conservative playstyle, as demonstrated by the low kill count by both teams (JAG 16-8 SKT). However, both teams’ champion composition also favored the late game, which resulted in a slower pace with calculated plays and cautious positioning.
Ultimately, the best-of-three series concluded with JAG taking the victory with a 2-1 score. SKT managed to capture 6x Barons, 7x Dragons, and 13x Inhibitors. Despite this, JAG’s impenetrable defenses and impeccable farming (notably Teddy’s record-setting 1465 CS) drew the game out.
You can check out the full match in the video below!
Conclusion
While League games typically last between 25 to 35 minutes, many factors can change that. Your game mode, the skill level of everyone playing, the champions in play, and your team’s game plan all make a big difference in how long these matches last.
High-skill games tend to wrap up faster, averaging just over 28 minutes, while those lower-skill matches can drag on a bit longer. From how well you farm to how your team handles objectives and fights, every game is a new adventure that could stretch out—or wrap up quickly.
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