As an avid League of Legends player who has experienced everything from the joyous highs of nail-biting victories to the agonizing lows of unexpected defeats, I’ve spent countless hours dissecting my gameplay. Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns of mistakes made not only by me but also by many others in the community.
Here, we’ll dive into the 10 most common pitfalls that players often unknowingly fall into and, more importantly, how you can steer clear of them.
Mistake 1: Not Warding Enough
Few actions in the game have as much impact as placing a simple ward. Yet, many players undervalue its importance. By not warding, you not only blind yourself but also your team.
How to Avoid: Begin by understanding key locations for warding based on your role and the game’s phase. As a rule of thumb, always have a control ward on the map. Remember, vision doesn’t just prevent enemy ganks; it empowers decision-making.
Mistake 2: Overextending Without Map Awareness
We’ve all been there—pushing a lane, eager to knock down that turret or get that kill, only to find ourselves ambushed by the enemy team. This mistake is often a result of tunnel vision.
How to Avoid: Regularly glance at the mini-map, especially when pushing forward. If you don’t see several enemy champions, consider the risk before advancing. Awareness is your best ally.
Mistake 3: Not Adapting Build Paths According to the Game
Every game of LoL is unique, and what worked in one match might not be ideal in another. Sticking to a static build can hinder your adaptability.
How to Avoid: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. If the enemy has heavy crowd control, items like Mercury’s Treads or Quicksilver Sash might be crucial. Adapt your build to the evolving landscape of the game.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Objectives for Kills
LoL isn’t just about individual glory. Many players get caught in the thrill of the chase, prioritizing kills over crucial objectives.
How to Avoid: Focus on the main goals: turrets, dragons, Baron, and inhibitors. While kills provide gold, controlling objectives dictates the game’s pace and often its outcome.
Mistake 5: Poor Communication with Teammates
Miscommunications can lead to disastrous team fights or missed opportunities. Not being on the same page with your team can be a significant setback.
How to Avoid: Utilize pings effectively. Whether you’re signaling danger or indicating an objective, clear communication is key. Also, consider using voice chat in premade teams for better coordination.
Mistake 6: Not Capitalizing on Enemy Mistakes
LoL is as much about exploiting your opponent’s errors as it is about minimizing your own. Missing the chance to capitalize on an enemy mistake can be as detrimental as making one yourself.
How to Avoid: Stay vigilant. Recognize when enemies overextend, misuse their abilities, or are out of position. Turn their missteps into your advantages.
Mistake 7: Blindly Following Meta Picks
Just because a champion is “meta” doesn’t mean it’s the best pick for everyone. Playing a champion without understanding its mechanics or role can be more harmful than helpful.
How to Avoid: Rather than mindlessly following the meta, focus on mastering a few champions in your desired role. Familiarity often trumps trendiness.
Mistake 8: Not Practicing Last Hitting in the Early Game
Missing out on last hits, especially in the early game, can put you at a significant gold disadvantage. It’s a fundamental skill that many overlook.
How to Avoid: Dedicate time in practice mode to perfect your last-hitting with different champions. Understand their attack animations and damage output to maximize gold intake.
Mistake 9: Tunnel Visioning During Team Fights
In the heat of a team fight, it’s easy to lose sight of the broader strategy. Tunnel visioning on a single target can sometimes lead to missing bigger threats or opportunities.
How to Avoid: Regularly reassess the battlefield. Prioritize targets based on their threat level and your team’s objectives. Remember, it’s not just about getting a kill; it’s about winning the fight.
Mistake 10: Tilt Playing and Not Taking Breaks
Everyone has tough games. However, letting frustration dictate your actions can lead to a downward spiral of consecutive losses.
How to Avoid: After a particularly grueling match, take a break. Step away, refresh, and return with a clear mind. Remember, it’s a game, and the primary purpose is enjoyment.
Our Thoughts
While it’s impossible to play perfectly every time, being aware of these common mistakes and actively working to avoid them can drastically improve your League of Legends gameplay. For some, starting fresh on a new League account can also be a way to recalibrate and apply what they’ve learned. Interestingly, this website sells League of Legends accounts for those looking to embark on a new journey in LoL. But no matter the path you choose, remember that growth comes from reflection, understanding, and consistent effort.