What Ranks Can Play Together In League of Legends?

What League ranks can play together? Are there any duo queue restrictions? Can Bronze and Gold play together in League, or are there duo ranked restrictions preventing this? These are common questions shared among gamers who want to understand how LoL dictates ranked duo queue restrictions. Understanding what ranks can duo in League is what we're set out to do here.

Understanding the League of Legends Ranking System

If you're playing ranked mode and climbing the ranks with that competitive spirit, your MMR (matchmaking rating) will be determined by LoL's ranking system. That League of Legends ranking system determines a player's skill level based on how successful they've been in ranked matches. It doesn't matter if you play solo or play LoL duo against other ranked players.

Want a more thorough understanding of the rank differences in League and how the Elo rating system works? EB24's blog about LoL's Elo Rating System will tell you everything you need to know. Also, if you want a better understanding of the League's higher-tier ranks, we have a great blog for that, too.

Which Ranks Can Play Together in League of Legends

If you have friends of a similar skill level, and you wish to duo together, understanding what Riot Games requires will help determine which players can queue together. So, can gold and bronze play together? Well, the rules vary between Solo Queue, Duo Queues, and Flex Queue. These determine which players can play together, and which ranks cannot play together due to the queuing restrictions in place.

Solo and Duo Queue Restrictions

Solo and duo restrictions in LoL are in place as they're the most competitive queue types. From Iron to Diamond IV, players can duo with someone as long as they're within one full tier. This means a Gold III can play with Silver III to Platinum III. However, if you're Diamond III or above, you can only duo with players within two tiers of you. In other words, Diamond I can duo with Diamond III and up.

As for Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger division players, there are no duo queues allowed. They can only play solo. Check out our chart for more info:

Why the Rank Restrictions?

The duo restrictions in League are Riot's way of maintaining a fair matchmaking system. Riot Games enforces this to ensure fairness, competitive integrity, and an optimal gaming experience. This helps encourage new players with a starting rank to climb up to the higher ranks by winning games on an even playing field. What does this mean? It means at least two players of similar skill and similar rank will play ranked games together. It doesn't consider duo partner setups, as Riot treats your competitive mode gameplay to be a solo effort.

What About Flex Queue (And Its Ranking System)?

What are the ranked duo restrictions in LoL for the Flex queue? For starters, it has a separate ranked system. This means teams of any size from 1 to 5 players can team up across different ranks. It exercises more flexibility than the standardized solo/duo mode. So, if you're ranked Iron and you want a Diamond teammate, then you can do so. Ranked Flex mode considers every rank, not tier levels.

However, there are some restrictions to consider. Players with a ranked experience of Master and above cannot queue with players ranked below Diamond. Despite this one particular restriction, Flex encourages teamplay games with friends as long as they're ranked between Iron and Diamond. Why? Again, this is to maintain the integrity of this highly competitive game.

Playing Ranked Games with Friends in Flex

Let's find out which ranks can play together. Players ranked between Iron and Diamond ranks can team up to five players. They can also bypass most rank restrictions. However, Master (or higher) ranks are not able to join or queue with a friend who's Diamond or below. Now, if you're playing solo, you'll likely face full premades as that's part of the Flex mode's structure.

Tips for Ranked Players Looking for a Duo Rank Teammate

If you're looking to play ranked mode with your friends and don't know if you can go Duo, use Riot's official client or a trusted third-party site to find out. It will confirm where you stand and if you're able to play Duo. If not, Flex will have to be your go-to, at least for now.

In the meantime, climb separately, then play together. Many players do this. When playing as teammates, be sure to communicate often. Whether it's Duo or Flex, that communication gives you an advantage over teams that don't do this.

There are also other ways to climb, so you're at least within one tier of your buddy. You can recruit a verified League of Legends booster to bring you to where you need to be. Or, you can look into buying a League of Legends account from the EB24 Marketplace that's closer to where your friend is.

Also check: Wild Rift Ranking System Explained by EB24