Tips for a first time ranked player?
Honestly just wondering if anyone has tips for a first time ranked player. I main morgana support
[Thank you to everyone for the advice and encouragement!]
7 Comments
Therapist. Anger management counseling.
Make sure you have experience in backup champions in case you are pick/banned out or get another role, and that you have Runes set up for them (masteries can be done on the fly if you don't have pages for every situation).
Check high elo guides to ensure you are maximizing your champion through its items and Runes/Masteries. Just because "this has worked for me until now" doesn't mean it's the best option, so don't be afraid to read up on why high elo players do something differently than you, and don't discount them. Mobafire is a good place to find guides.
Try not to get tilted by a toxic player or bad plays. Mute players abusing chat, and keep in mind that everyone makes bad plays; you can't change what already happened, so make the best of your situation.
The game isn't over until your Nexus explodes, so even a 10k gold lead can be thrown in a bad teamfight and allow you to end. If your team gets an advantage (like killing 2 in bot lane) push the now vulnerable objectives.
Ward. Ward ward ward ward ward ward ward WARD! As a support, Sightstone is your first item, and can rarely be delayed. As soon as you grab it you need to swap your trinket with a Sweeper. Don't forget to try and keep a Pink up on the map in a decent position while not being too easy to see and kill. Having an extra on you at all times is good to replace a dead one or fight stealthies. Ask your team to use their wards if they aren't.
And, don't forget to have fun! (but not at the expense of other players)
While you should be taking ranked seriously...Don't take everything too seriously.
People will ultimately not play well. (nicest way of saying it). And that's alright it happens, You cant change them.
Since you cant change them, Focus on improving yourself. don't get mad at your teammates imperfections instead use that energy to analyse your play. And what you could have possible done better.
Remember, in all your league of legends games you'll ever play. You're the only one thats going to be in each and every single match. So why not focus your energy on the only constant in every game? :D
All too often i see players spending too much energy trying to get their teammates to play better. But to what end?? After this match is over you'll probably never see them again.
So my one and only advise is quite possibly the most valuable tool in league. Focus on yourself and what you could've done better.
I can't offer much in terms of gameplay (I'll leave that to the better players) I will offer some advice about staying positive.
You will be paired with some awful people. Not all the time, mind you, but there will be a few games where you'll get that one guy who'll flame you for messing up.
Mute him. The second he says anything passive-aggressive or mean, just mute him. Don't type anything in the chat and mute him, forget about him, he's nothing. There's a difference between constructive criticism and talking down on you.
If you're tilted, then I say listen to some of your favorite songs or eat a nice snack (someone that you can eat one-handed, like crackers) while you're playing. That might not work for some people but I know that helps me a ton.
After that, just stay positive. 
Make sure you can play a few champs in whatever roles you play. While having a main is good, there are just sometimes that your main isn't a good pick. So having options you can do well with is a great idea.
Be willing to work with your team. Sounds kinda silly considering this is a team game, but I see so many people that just don't care for the other 4 people they're playing with. You already have 5 people trying to beat you. Don't turn your teammates into enemies.
Do whatever it takes to keep yourself level (mentality wise). If you've been playing this game for awhile I'm sure you know it can be frustrating. Ranked is worse because there's more at stake then just some IP. Putting yourself on tilt just makes it even worse to do and might cause you to just up and quit ranked. Listen to music, take a breather, drink a beer (if you're legal, otherwise soda maybe? Or tea. Whatever you want really. I'm not your dad.)
For the love of god do not feed the trolls. It's a common problem in ranked. Trolls, feeders, flamers. Trust me when I say just mute them, play to the best of your abilities and report after the match. No sense in fighting with them, just hurts your team more and puts your account at risk. Random people on the internet that you will most likely never see again are NOT worth endangering your account over.
Above all, just play your best and try your best to win. And if you lose, accept it and learn from it. What could you have done better? Would a different champion have worked more? Some games are just plain unwinnable. I won't lie to you about that. But you can always find something that you can do better the next time.
I'm not the best player by far, but these tips should be pretty useful. Good luck on the rift summoner!
-Make sure you have rune pages filled
-Masteries are all in order
-Backup champions for your 2 roles (3-5 champs for each)
-Don't play ranked this season
Don't play ranked.