Embrace the Barrier: The Power of LOL’s Shielders
In the tumultuous world of League of Legends, where engagements are often decided in a blink and burst damage reigns supreme, there’s a special breed of champion that stands as an unwavering bulwark: the shielders. These are the champions who don’t just soak damage with their own health pool, but actively deny it to their allies, transforming fragile carries into unkillable titans and turning the tide of seemingly lost team fights. From the shimmering protection of Janna’s Eye of the Storm to the colossal health injection of a Karma shield, their presence on the Rift brings a unique sense of security and tactical advantage, allowing their teammates to push limits and make plays they otherwise couldn’t dream of.
The strategic depth offered by shield champions extends far beyond simply pressing a button to grant temporary hit points. A perfectly timed shield can negate an assassin’s entire combo, absorb critical objective damage, or ensure your team’s frontline survives long enough for the backline to unleash hell. They embody the art of proactive defense, dictating the flow of skirmishes by empowering allies and frustrating opponents who struggle to punch through layers of temporary health. When you witness your hyper-carry survive an onslaught with a sliver of health thanks to a crucial shield, you understand the silent power these champions wield, making them not just supports, but indispensable architects of victory in any serious team composition.
Tired of grinding ranked in League of Legends without feeling like you're making progress toward tangible rewards? The answer lies in understanding split points, the currency you earn to unlock exclusive goodies and show off your ranked achievements.
At a glance:
- Learn how split points are earned in Ranked Solo/Duo and Flex queues.
- Understand how your rank affects the number of split points needed to unlock Victorious skins and other rewards.
- Discover how Honor level plays a role in reward eligibility.
- Get the lowdown on changes to split points and rewards across seasons.
- Find out how to track your progress and maximize your split point gains.
What Exactly Are Split Points, and Why Should You Care?
In League of Legends, split points (SP) are your ticket to exclusive end-of-split rewards, earned solely by playing ranked games. Think of them as experience points for your ranked journey, separate from your LP (League Points) and visible rank. Unlike LP, you earn split points for every game you play, win or lose, making every match contribute to your progress. They offer consistent incentives to keep playing, regardless of win streaks or unlucky losses. The number of Split Points you need to unlock a split season's Victorious skin depends on your rank.
How to Rack Up Split Points
Earning split points is straightforward: play Ranked Solo/Duo or Ranked Flex matches. Here's the breakdown:
- Win: 10 Split Points
- Loss: 6 Split Points
It's that simple. Winning grants more points, but even a loss contributes to your progress. This system ensures that every game, whether you carry your team to victory or struggle against a tough opponent, helps you inch closer to those sweet rewards.
Rank Matters: Split Point Requirements for Victorious Skins
The number of split points required to snag the Victorious skin depends on your rank at the end of the split. This creates a compelling incentive to keep climbing.
- Iron, Bronze, Silver: 1,000 Split Points (reduced from 1,600).
- Gold or Higher: 80 Split Points.
This significant difference highlights the reward for reaching Gold and above. While lower ranks need to grind more games, higher ranks can secure the skin with relatively few wins.
Honor Up: The Honor Level Requirement
Don't forget about Honor! You must be at Honor Level 2 or higher to be eligible for any ranked rewards, including the Victorious skin and associated chromas. This system encourages positive behavior and sportsmanship. Dishonorable players are penalized by being excluded from rewards.
If you're consistently receiving honors from your teammates, you're likely on track. Avoid toxicity, negative behavior, and any actions that violate the Summoner's Code to maintain and improve your Honor Level.
Navigating Split Resets and Preseason
At the start of each new split, your rank undergoes a soft reset. You'll need to play ten provisional matches to be placed back on the ladder. While your MMR (matchmaking rating) isn't fully reset, your displayed rank will likely be slightly lower than where you finished in the previous split.
Keep in mind that during the preseason—the period between the end of one season and the beginning of the next—you won't earn split points or ranked rewards for climbing. However, your MMR continues to adjust, so it's a worthwhile time to practice, experiment with new strategies, and prepare for the next season. Your previous splits and seasons Split Points don’t carry over to the next split or season.
Exclusive Rewards: Victorious Skins, Emblems and Borders
Split points unlock a range of rewards, with the Victorious skin being the most coveted.
- Victorious Skins: Earning the Victorious skin for each split. The reward is for both obtaining the Victorious skin in the usual fashion, as well as the chromas based on your rank at the end of each split (if you earned the Victorious skin). In Split 1, players who qualify for the Victorious skin (80 Split Points if Gold or higher, or 1000 Split Points if under Gold) earn Victorious Kog’Maw! If you do the same in Split 2 you’ll earn Victorious Sona!
- Ranked Emblems: In Season 2023, you can earn Victory Emblems by playing in Ranked Queues, earning Split Points and reaching at least Honor Level 2. They will be according to your rank, so try to get the highest.
- Victorious Skin Borders: For dedicated players who obtain the Victorious skin in all three splits, your skins will receive a splash art border denoting the highest rank that you reached for the year.
Tracking Your Split Point Progress
You can easily track your split point progress within the League of Legends client. Navigate to the Ranked tab in your profile. There, you'll find your current split point total and a breakdown of the rewards you're working towards. This visual representation helps you stay motivated and track your progress toward your goals.
Changes to Split Points and Rewards Across Seasons
Riot Games regularly adjusts the ranked system and rewards. For example, they reduced the Split Point requirement for Victorious Skins for below Gold from 1600 to 1000. In addition, there is a totally new “End of Year Experience.” Another Ranked emote will show your highest rank at the end of the year for everyone who participated in at least one Ranked split in the year.
Stay updated by reading official League of Legends patch notes and announcements to stay informed about any changes to split point earning, reward structures, and eligibility requirements.
Practical Playbook: Maximizing Your Split Point Gains
Here's a step-by-step guide to maximize your split point earnings:
- Play Ranked Consistently: The more games you play, the more split points you earn. Even losses contribute, so don't be discouraged by losing streaks.
- Aim for Wins: Winning grants significantly more split points than losing. Focus on improving your gameplay, mastering your champion pool, and coordinating with your team to increase your win rate.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Avoid toxicity and negativity, as this can lead to reports and potential Honor level penalties. A positive attitude promotes teamwork and increases your chances of winning.
- Track Your Progress: Regularly check your split point total in the client to stay motivated and track your progress toward your desired rewards.
- Prioritize Honor: Consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship and positive behavior to maintain a high Honor level.
- Play During Preseason (Strategically): While you won't earn split points during the preseason, use this time to learn new champions, refine your strategies, and improve your overall gameplay. This will give you a competitive edge when the next split begins.
- Understand Rank Requirements: Know the split point requirements for your target rank. This will help you set realistic goals and track your progress effectively.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About Split Points
- Do split points reset between splits? Yes, split points reset at the start of each new split. Start fresh and aim for new rewards each time.
- Can I earn split points in Normal games? No, split points are exclusively earned in Ranked Solo/Duo and Ranked Flex queues.
- What happens if I get demoted after reaching Gold? If you were initially ranked Gold but were demoted before reaching 80 Split Points, you will have to pay 1,000 Split Points (the requirement for below Gold).
- Does my Honor level affect my split point earnings? No, your Honor level doesn't directly affect the number of split points you earn per game. However, it's a requirement for receiving any ranked rewards at all.
- Can I transfer split points to another account? No, split points are account-specific and cannot be transferred.
Mastering Ranked Rewards
Ultimately, split points are designed to reward active participation and skill in League of Legends ranked play. Understanding split points and the ranked system is your key to unlocking exclusive cosmetic rewards and showcasing your achievements. By focusing on consistent play, positive behavior, and continuous improvement, you can maximize your split point gains and reap the rewards of your ranked journey.
Need more information on the League of Legends Ranked Rewards League? Check out this article: Earn Rewards Playing Ranked.