What is XP in League of Legends?
XP stands for experience points, the value a character earns to gain levels. In most games XP is permanent progression. In League of Legends it resets every match, and the race to level 2, 6, 11 and 16 is one of the most decisive things happening in any game of LoL.
Quick facts | |
|---|---|
Stands for | Experience points |
In most games | Permanent character progression |
In League of Legends | Resets to level 1 every single match |
Max champion level | 18 |
Key breakpoints | Levels 2, 6, 11 and 16 |
Shared radius | Nearby allies split XP from kills and minions |
XP in gaming generally
In RPGs, shooters and MMORPGs, XP accumulates permanently. You kill things, complete objectives, fill a bar and unlock something that stays unlocked. Account levels, battle pass tiers and weapon levels all run on the same idea.
League of Legends is the opposite case, and understanding why matters more than the generic definition.
Why in-match XP decides games
Every game of LoL starts you at level 1 with no items. Levels come from minions dying near you, from jungle camps and from champion kills, and they arrive at different speeds depending on your role.
The breakpoints are what matter:
Level | What unlocks | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
2 | Second ability | The most common early all-in window in lane |
6 | Ultimate | The single biggest power swing in the early game |
11 | Second ultimate rank | Lower cooldown, higher damage, mid game spike |
16 | Final ultimate rank | Late game teamfight threshold |
Hitting level 6 ten seconds before your opponent is frequently a free kill. Hitting level 2 first in a bot lane decides who controls the wave for the next three minutes.
How XP is shared
Standing next to an ally splits minion XP between you. This is why solo lanes level faster than bot lane, and why a jungler hovering in a lane for too long slows both of you down.
It is also why CS is not the only reason to stay in lane. Being near dying minions earns XP even when you are not last hitting them, which is why being forced away from the wave costs far more than the gold alone.
Out of game XP
Account XP is separate and permanent, unlocking champion capsules and Blue Essence as you level. If you need an account past level 30 to queue ranked, our LoL level up boosting handles it directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does XP carry over between LoL games?
No. Champion level resets to 1 every match. Only account XP is permanent.
Why am I behind my laner in level?
It depends, but the usual causes are missing minion waves, sharing XP with a roaming ally or dying and losing time.
What level is the biggest power spike?
Level 6, because the ultimate unlocks, and it is the most common moment a lane gets decided.
Improve your knowledge with these related League of Legends definitions:
League of Legends definitions