How long are League of Legends games?

League of Legends is a game that fundamentally demands two elements to play: teamwork and time (also, an internet connection, but that’s irrelevant to this article). You’ve probably run through the situation where you’re bound by time to do something, but you wanted to play one more match before calling it a day. In this situation, the only question in your mind among the math is, “How long is a League of Legends match?”

It’s safe to assume that you’ve played the game enough at this point to realize that the answer is very dynamic and subject to change based on many unpredictable factors. However, for some perspective, a League of Legends game can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. But how long is an average game of League of Legends? In this article, we’ll examine the average game length for game mode, other factors that influence game length, and finally, tips on how to finish the game faster.

How long does a League of Legends game last

The biggest and most important factor that influences time in League of Legends is game mode. The game mode of your choice will directly affect the length of your next match, as Summoner’s Rift and ARAM (All Random All Mid) are very different in pacing. An average Summoner’s Rift game could probably run for around 25-45 minutes. On the contrary, an average ARAM game could wrap up in just 15-20 minutes.

So, from the get-go, if you’re tight on time and want to play a little bit of League, ARAM should always be your go-to choice. If you have more than 30 minutes to spare, then you could possibly start to feel more comfortable playing Summoner’s Rift if you want. 

However, there’s plenty more factors that influence match length beyond game mode…

What influences League of Legends game duration

One of the other factors influencing game duration is the skill level of the players. In professional esports, where players demonstrate exceptional coordination and strategic skills, games tend to be shorter because of their ability to take decisive actions. On the other hand, in casual or lower-ranked matches, players may stall and take longer to make strategic decisions, leading to extended game times.

Champion composition also plays a significant role in determining the pacing of a League of Legends game. For example, teams with champions that excel in early-game aggression may secure a quick advantage by racking up kills or farming efficiently, leading to a faster victory. Conversely, teams with late-game scaling champions might aim to prolong the match as much as they can, giving their champions enough time to reach their full potential. The flow of power between early, mid, and late-game champions contributes to the already dynamic nature of game duration.

Furthermore, objectives, such as towers, inhibitors, and monsters like the Rift Herald, Baron Nashor, and the Dragons, also play a crucial role in determining the length of a League of Legends game. Those who get these objectives secure an advantageous position over their adversaries by providing their own team with helpful buffs to their armor, damage, or ability haste, effectively bringing the conclusion of the match closer. On the contrary, a resilient defense or strategic counter-play can and will elongate the game.

Another significant contributor to the game length is team fights. The pace of the game can shift dramatically during team fights. A well-executed and coordinated team fight can quickly turn the tide in favor of one team, potentially leading to a faster victory or a hasty defeat. However, if teams are matched evenly in terms of skills, they may engage in extended clashes, resulting in a way longer and more intense battle for supremacy. The frequency and outcome of team fights, coupled with their struggle to assume control over map objectives, influence the overall tempo of the game.