A Complete Guide to League of Legends Servers and Locations

League of Legends is a well-known online multiplayer game played by millions worldwide. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the game without any issues, LoL relies on a network of servers and their locations.

When it comes to playing League of Legends, the server you choose can greatly impact your gaming experience. Each server is hosted in a different region, and your choice will affect factors such as latency, communication with teammates, and the skill level of players you’ll encounter. By understanding LoL servers, you’ll be better equipped to select the best server for your needs.

What are League of Legends Servers?

In this chapter, we’ll explain what servers are, discuss the role they play in League of Legends gameplay, and highlight the importance of server choice for players.

Defining a Server in Online Gaming

In the world of online gaming, a server is a powerful computer system that hosts and manages the game. It connects players, processes game-related data, and ensures a smooth, synchronized gaming experience. When you play League of Legends, you’re connecting to a specific server, which is responsible for hosting your matches and communicating with your game client.

The Role of Servers in LoL Gameplay

Servers play a vital role in your League of Legends experience. They handle various aspects of the game, such as matchmaking, game data storage, and providing a stable connection between players. Furthermore, servers are responsible for managing the in-game economy, tracking player stats, and hosting the competitive ranked ladder. Each server is designed to cater to players from a particular region, ensuring optimal latency and communication among teammates.

Importance of Server Choice for Players

Choosing the right server is crucial for a great gaming experience in League of Legends. The server you select will determine factors like your connection quality, the community you’ll interact with, and the overall difficulty of your matches. Playing on a server that’s geographically closer to you usually results in lower latency, which means more responsive gameplay and fewer connection issues. Additionally, selecting a server where the primary language aligns with yours can improve communication with teammates, leading to better teamwork and coordination.

In the next chapter, we’ll dive deeper into the official Riot Games server regions and explore their unique characteristics. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision when choosing a server that best fits your needs and preferences.

Official Riot Games Server Regions

League of Legends has multiple server regions, each catering to players from specific parts of the world. In this chapter, we’ll take a closer look at each of these official Riot Games server regions and their unique attributes.

North America (NA)

The North America server primarily serves players in the United States and Canada. This server is known for its diverse player base, with English being the primary language spoken. The NA server has a balanced mix of casual and competitive players, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of skill levels.

Europe West (EUW)

Europe West is one of the two main servers for European players, with a focus on Western European countries. It has a large and active player base, offering a competitive environment for those looking to improve their skills. The primary languages spoken on this server include English, French, Spanish, and German.

Europe Nordic & East (EUNE)

Europe Nordic & East caters to players from Eastern European countries and the Nordic region. It has a slightly smaller player base than EUW but still offers a competitive environment. Languages spoken on this server include English, Polish, Hungarian, and Greek, among others.

Latin America North (LAN)

Latin America North serves players in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Spanish is the primary language spoken on this server, which offers a mix of casual and competitive gameplay. The LAN server has a relatively smaller player base compared to some of the larger regions.

Latin America South (LAS)

Latin America South caters to players in South America, with Spanish being the most common language spoken. This server offers a diverse mix of casual and competitive players, making it suitable for various skill levels. The LAS server has a close-knit and passionate gaming community.

Brazil (BR)

The Brazil server serves players from Brazil and neighboring countries. Portuguese is the primary language spoken on this server. It has a dedicated and enthusiastic player base, offering a mix of casual and competitive gameplay. The BR server also has a growing esports scene, fostering local talent and hosting regional tournaments.

Turkey (TR)

The Turkey server caters to players in Turkey and surrounding areas. Turkish is the primary language spoken on this server. The TR server has a moderately sized player base, offering a mix of casual and competitive gameplay. Turkish players are known for their passionate approach to the game, and the server has a growing esports scene, with local teams participating in international tournaments.

Oceania (OCE)

Oceania serves players in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. English is the primary language spoken on this server. Although the player base is smaller compared to other regions, the OCE server offers a friendly and welcoming environment for both casual and competitive players. The OCE region also has an active esports community, hosting local tournaments and events.

Japan (JP)

The Japan server primarily serves players in Japan and nearby countries. Japanese is the most common language spoken on this server. The JP server has a smaller but dedicated player base, offering a mix of casual and competitive gameplay. Japan’s esports scene is growing, and the region has produced several successful teams that compete internationally.

China (CN)

The China server is one of the largest and most competitive servers in the world, serving players from mainland China. Mandarin Chinese is the primary language spoken on this server. Due to its massive player base, the CN server has a highly competitive environment, with multiple professional leagues and a thriving esports scene.

South Korea (KR)

The South Korea server is home to some of the world’s best League of Legends players. Korean is the primary language spoken on this server. Known for its highly competitive environment, the KR server has a strong esports culture, producing numerous world-class teams and players. Playing on the KR server can be challenging, as the skill level is generally higher than in other regions.

Russia (RU)

The Russia server serves players from Russia and neighboring countries. Russian is the primary language spoken on this server. The RU server has a moderately sized player base, offering a mix of casual and competitive gameplay. The region has an active esports scene, with local teams participating in regional and international tournaments.

In the next chapter, we’ll delve into the Chinese Super Server and the Public Beta Environment (PBE) server, which offer unique experiences for players looking to take their game to the next level or test upcoming features.

Chinese Super Server

The Chinese Super Server is a special server within the Chinese region, known for hosting some of the most skilled and competitive players in the world. Access to the Super Server is restricted, requiring players to achieve a high rank on the regular Chinese servers before being eligible for entry. This creates an extremely competitive environment, with top players and professional teams often practicing and competing on the Super Server.

Key Differences Between the Super Server and Other Servers

While the Super Server is part of the Chinese server region, there are several key differences that set it apart from other servers. First, the skill level is significantly higher, with only the top-ranked players being granted access. Second, the Super Server is known for its faster-paced games and aggressive playstyles, with players often prioritizing kills and snowballing advantages. Finally, it’s common for professional players and streamers to play on the Super Server, leading to higher visibility and recognition for those who perform well.

The Competitive Environment and Player Base

The Chinese Super Server’s competitive environment and player base are unique due to the high skill level and intense gameplay. Players on the Super Server are constantly looking to improve their skills and climb the rankings, making it an ideal environment for serious players aiming to reach the top. Additionally, the Super Server hosts many professional players and teams, providing an opportunity for aspiring players to compete against the best and learn from their strategies and playstyles.

Requirements for Accessing the Chinese Super Server

Access to the Chinese Super Server is restricted and requires meeting certain criteria. Players must achieve a high rank (typically Diamond or above) on the regular Chinese servers to be eligible for an invitation. Additionally, players must have a valid Chinese ID and a Tencent account to access the Chinese servers. This makes it challenging for players from other regions to play on the Super Server without assistance from a Chinese resident.

Pros and Cons of Playing on the Chinese Super Server

While the Chinese Super Server offers a highly competitive environment, there are both pros and cons to consider before attempting to play on it. The pros include the opportunity to compete against top-tier players, gain valuable experience, and potentially attract attention from professional teams. The cons include potential language barriers, high latency for players outside of China, and the difficulty of meeting the requirements for access.

Public Beta Environment (PBE) Server

The Public Beta Environment (PBE) server is a special server provided by Riot Games that allows players to test upcoming features, changes, and content before they are released on the live servers. This includes new champions, skins, balance changes, and game modes. The PBE server offers a unique experience for players who enjoy trying out new content and providing feedback to help shape the future of the game.

Purpose and Benefits of Playing on PBE

Playing on the PBE server offers several benefits, including early access to new content, the opportunity to provide feedback to Riot Games, and the ability to familiarize oneself with upcoming changes before they go live. By participating in the PBE, players can have a direct impact on the development of the game and help ensure that new features and changes are balanced and enjoyable. Additionally, PBE players often have a better understanding of upcoming changes, giving them an advantage when these updates are implemented on the live servers.

Requirements for Accessing the PBE Server

Access to the PBE server is open to players who meet certain criteria. To be eligible, players must have an account in good standing, with no recent history of bans or suspensions. Additionally, players must be at least Honor level 2 and have a valid email address associated with their League of Legends account. Once these requirements are met, players can sign up for a PBE account on the official Riot Games website.

Considerations When Playing on PBE

While the PBE server offers a unique experience, it’s important to remember that it’s a testing environment and not representative of the live servers. Players should expect to encounter bugs, balance issues, and other inconsistencies while playing on PBE. Additionally, the primary purpose of the PBE is to provide feedback on new content and changes, so players are encouraged to report any issues they encounter and share their thoughts on the updates being tested.

In the next chapter, we’ll discuss factors to consider when choosing a League of Legends server, such as location, language, and skill level, to help you make the best decision for your gaming experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a League of Legends Server

Selecting the right server can significantly impact your overall gaming experience in League of Legends. In this chapter, we’ll discuss the key factors you should consider when choosing a server, including location, language, skill level, and community.

Server Location and Latency

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a server is your geographical location. Playing on a server closer to your physical location generally results in lower latency, which translates to more responsive gameplay and fewer connection issues. High latency can hinder your ability to react quickly in-game and create a less enjoyable experience. To determine the best server for your location, consider the server regions discussed earlier in this guide and select one that’s geographically closest to you.

Language and Communication

Effective communication is crucial for success in League of Legends, as it allows for better teamwork and coordination with your teammates. When selecting a server, consider the primary languages spoken by players in that region. Playing on a server where the majority of players speak your language will enable smoother communication and a more enjoyable gaming experience. Refer to the server region descriptions earlier in this guide for information on the languages commonly spoken in each region.

Skill Level and Competitive Environment

The skill level and competitive environment of a server can influence your gaming experience and personal improvement in League of Legends. Some servers, such as the South Korea server, are known for their highly competitive atmospheres and skilled player base. If you’re looking to improve your gameplay and face more challenging opponents, consider selecting a server with a higher overall skill level. However, if you prefer a more casual and relaxed gaming experience, a server with a less competitive environment might be more suitable.

Community and Player Base

The community and player base of a server can impact your overall enjoyment of the game. Each server has its unique player base, with varying levels of activity, attitudes, and playstyles. When choosing a server, consider the community’s reputation and size, as well as the region’s esports presence if you’re interested in competitive play. Selecting a server with an active, welcoming community that aligns with your interests can greatly enhance your gaming experience.

Switching Servers and Server Transfers

If you’re unsure about which server is best for you or wish to try a different server. It’s possible to switch servers or create a new account in a different region. Keep in mind that creating a new account will require you to start fresh in terms of progress and unlocked content. Alternatively, you can purchase a server transfer through the in-game store, which allows you to move your existing account and progress to a new region. However, server transfers can be expensive and may not be available for all regions. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose the most suitable League of Legends server for your needs and preferences, ensuring a more enjoyable and fulfilling gaming experience.

Conclusion

Understanding the various aspects of League of Legends servers is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment and success in the game. By considering factors such as server location, language, skill level, and community, you can choose the server that best suits your needs and preferences. Furthermore, by optimizing your gameplay, hardware, and involvement in the community, you’ll be well on your way to a more enjoyable and fulfilling League of Legends experience.

As the game continues to evolve, staying informed about future developments and adapting to changes in servers and infrastructure will ensure that you remain at the forefront of the ever-growing world of League of Legends. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and information to help you make the most of your time in the game and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play with friends on different servers?

Playing with friends on different servers is generally not possible due to latency and connection issues. However, you can create a new account on your friend’s server or purchase a server transfer for your existing account to play together. Keep in mind that creating a new account requires starting fresh, while server transfers can be expensive and may not be available for all regions.

How can I check my ping before starting a game?

To check your ping before starting a game, you can use the in-game client’s Practice Tool mode. This mode allows you to enter a game by yourself, providing an accurate representation of your ping in a live match. You can also use third-party tools or websites to estimate your ping to specific server regions, but these may not be as accurate as the in-game method. Read also: How to Show Ping in League of Legends?

How do I know if server issues are affecting my gameplay?

If you suspect server issues are affecting your gameplay, check the official League of Legends server status page or follow Riot Games’ social media channels for updates on any ongoing issues or scheduled maintenance. You can also consult online forums or community groups to see if other players in your region are experiencing similar problems.

Can I play on multiple servers with a single account?

Each League of Legends account is tied to a specific server region. You cannot play on multiple servers with a single account. However, you can create separate accounts for different server regions if you wish to play on more than one server. Keep in mind that each account will have its progress and unlocked content. You will need to level up and unlock champions separately for each account.

How often are servers updated with new content?

Riot Games releases new content and updates for League of Legends on a regular basis, typically in the form of patches every two weeks. These updates include balance changes, bug fixes, new champions, skins, and occasionally new game modes or events. All servers receive updates simultaneously to ensure a consistent experience for players worldwide.

Can I transfer my progress from one server to another?

Yes, you can transfer your progress from one server to another using a server transfer, which is available for purchase in the in-game store. Server transfers allow you to move your existing account, including your unlocked champions, skins, and rank, to a new region. However, server transfers can be expensive, and some restrictions may apply. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision.