Why do League games last so long?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Professional League of Legends matches run 35-50 minutes on average, sometimes extending past 60 minutes in critical playoff games. But why do pro games drag on compared to the average 30-35 minute solo queue game? It comes down to a few key gameplay elements.

Cautious and Calculated Playstyle

Professional teams play a slower, more controlled early game to set themselves up for the mid to late game teamfights. According to Riot statistics, the pro fight rate averages 5 fights per 10 minutes compared to 7 per 10 in solo queue. Pros avoid risky invades or tower dives that could set them too far behind to come back. Instead, they focus on:

  • Farming as efficiently as possible
  • Establishing vision control around neutral objectives
  • Trading objectives based on opportunities and win conditions

This calculated style of play reduces early skirmishes and snowballing. While one team may accrue a 2k or 3k gold lead from towers and dragons, they avoid risky plays that could compromise their lead. This inevitably elongates the game.

Coordination and Communication

The coordination and communication of pro teams also enables them to stall out games longer through methodical play. Teams leverage their superior team fighting and ability to rotate as 5-man units to pick ideal engagements.

Pro teams give up certain objectives when the risk outweighs the reward, such as:

  • Conceding Cloud Drake for Rift Herald or early towers
  • Sacrificing a tier two mid tower to swap for a top tier one tower
  • Avoiding a risky Baron attempt and giving it to the opponent

This trades objectives without compromising map control or neutral objectives like Baron/Elder Dragon. It drags the game out longer.

Comeback Potential

Pro teams have a stronger ability to stall out games and mount comebacks against gold leads. Common comeback methods include:

  • Freezing waves to deny the opponent farm and experience leads
  • Picking poke and engage champions to find catch and pickoffs
  • Leveraging Baron/Elder buffers to push out waves and re-establish vision control

Per League stats website Games of Legends, 65% of pro teams with early leads end up losing their advantage by 15 minutes. Only 17% of teams with early leads win. This comeback potential enables pro teams to stall games even when behind.

Methodical Pace and Win Conditions

Finally, the methodical pace of pro League revolves around team compositions and win conditions. Teams pick team fight comps designed to dominate 5v5 battles later into the game. Or they pick split push comps meant to 1-3-1 in the side lanes.

Regardless of composition, teams avoid forcing plays before power spikes like:

  • Completing core items on carries
  • Hitting level 11/16 power spikes
  • Establishing enough vision to force neutral objectives

This patient posturing creates additional delays between major confrontations. One fight at 25 minutes could lead to another fight 10+ minutes later.

So while solo queue produces bloodbaths, pro League is much more about strategic incremental advantages. This deliberate and coordinated play naturally results in longer average game times.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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