League of Legends (LoL) is a highly competitive game that requires strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and teamwork to excel. As one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, players strive to climb the ranks and showcase their skills. However, ranking up can be a slow and challenging process. To bypass the grind, some players turn to boosting services. But is boosting really a shortcut to becoming a better player? This guide will explore what boosting is, how it works, and whether it’s a beneficial strategy for improving your gameplay.
What Is LoL Boost?
Boosting, also known as Elo boosting, is when a higher-ranked player plays on another person’s account to increase their rank. The idea is simple: by allowing a more skilled player to take over your account, your rank will increase more quickly than if you were to play alone. Boosting services are typically offered by professional players or individuals with high skill levels who guarantee a certain rank within a specified time frame.
How Does Boosting Work?
Boosting services often work in one of two ways:
- Account Sharing: The most common method is account sharing, where the player provides their account credentials to the booster. The booster logs in and plays ranked matches on behalf of the player, aiming to increase the account’s rank.
- Duo Boosting: In this method, the booster plays alongside the player on a separate account. This allows the player to gain a higher rank by benefiting from the booster’s skills, without needing to share account details. The booster carries the game, making it easier for the player to win and gain LP (League Points).
Boosting services typically charge based on the desired rank increase and the timeframe within which it needs to be accomplished. Prices can vary, with higher ranks and faster delivery times costing more.
Advantages of Boosting
Boosting offers some immediate benefits that make it appealing to many players:
- Quick Rank Improvement: The most obvious advantage of boosting is that it allows players to achieve a higher rank quickly. For those who feel stuck in a particular rank or division, boosting provides a fast track to higher levels.
- Access to Better Rewards: In League of Legends, higher ranks come with better season-end rewards, such as exclusive skins, icons, and other in-game content. Boosting can help players unlock these rewards without having to grind through lower ranks.
- Learning Opportunities: Playing alongside or watching a booster can provide insights into better gameplay strategies, positioning, and decision-making. Some players may use boosting as a way to observe high-level play and learn from it.
- Bragging Rights: A higher rank can serve as a badge of honor, providing social recognition among friends and the gaming community. This sense of prestige can be a powerful motivator for using boosting services.
Disadvantages of Boosting
Despite its apparent advantages, boosting has several drawbacks that can outweigh the benefits:
- Violation of Game Policies: Boosting is against the terms of service of League of Legends. Riot Games, the developer of LoL boost, considers boosting a form of cheating. If caught, players can face severe penalties, including account suspension or permanent bans. This risk alone makes boosting a risky investment.
- Lack of Skill Development: While boosting may improve your rank, it does not improve your own skills. The boosted rank may not reflect your actual abilities, which can result in poor performance when playing solo. This mismatch often leads to frustration, negative gaming experiences, and even rank decay as you struggle to maintain the boosted rank.
- Unbalanced Matchmaking: Boosting can disrupt the balance of matchmaking in ranked games. A player with a boosted account might not be equipped to handle the challenges of their new rank, leading to unbalanced games and a less enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This can create a toxic environment, with teammates and opponents alike frustrated by the disparity in skill levels.
- Damage to Reputation: If others find out that a player has used boosting services, it can damage their reputation within the gaming community. Trust and respect among friends and teammates can be eroded, leading to social consequences that may extend beyond the game itself.
Is Boosting a Shortcut to Becoming a Better Player?
While boosting offers a quick fix to climb the ranks, it does not provide a genuine improvement in a player’s skill level. Becoming a better player in League of Legends requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. The following strategies are more effective and sustainable ways to improve:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps you refine your skills, understand game mechanics, and improve your reaction time. Playing regularly also keeps you updated with the game’s current meta and trends.
- Watch and Learn: Watching high-level gameplay from streamers, professional players, or even your own match replays can provide valuable insights. Observing how experienced players handle different situations can improve your decision-making skills.
- Play with a Purpose: Focus on specific aspects of your gameplay that need improvement, such as map awareness, warding, or champion mechanics. Setting small, achievable goals for each session can lead to steady progress over time.
- Stay Positive and Patient: Climbing the ranks is often a slow process, and setbacks are inevitable. Maintaining a positive mindset and being patient with your progress will help you avoid frustration and continue improving.
Conclusion
LoL Boost may seem like an easy shortcut to achieving a higher rank, but it comes with significant risks and drawbacks. While it can provide immediate gratification, it does not contribute to long-term skill development or personal growth as a player. To truly become a better player and enjoy lasting success in League of Legends, focus on improving your own abilities, staying committed to learning, and embracing the journey of rank improvement. In the end, the satisfaction of earning your rank through your own efforts far outweighs any short-lived boost.