Uh Oh, Banned? A Hilariously Painful Guide to LOL Account Bans
Think you got banned in League of Legends? Don’t stress. We’ve all felt that fear after a bad game. Let’s explore this ban situation together. This guide helps you navigate Riot Games’ disciplinary actions. We cover identifying the ban and how to appeal it. Let’s jump in.
Is My Account Actually Banned? Decoding the Digital Slap on the Wrist
First, let’s check if you’re banned or just forgot your password after late gaming. Luckily, Riot is clear with bans. You’ll know for sure.
- The Infamous Pop-Up of Doom: You finish a game. Maybe you carried (if you’re banned, doubtful). Then BAM! A pop-up appears after 15 minutes or when you log in again. This isn’t a friendly message. It’s a stern warning about your punishment.
- The Login Impasse: If no pop-up appears, try logging in. If you see an error message or can’t access the account, you’re likely banned. Banned players can’t access the game. Like getting in a club without ID. If you want to check,
Turtle Beach has a handy guide.
Why Did the Banhammer Fall on ME?! (Reasons for LOL Bans)
Banned? Next, reflect on why the Riot gods are upset. League of Legends bans are serious business. They come from breaking the sacred
- Terms of Service Tango: This is a broad category. Cheating, using third-party software for an unfair edge, or causing disruption are included. Riot takes this seriously. Nobody enjoys cheaters, even cheaters don’t do well together.
- Account Sharing Shenanigans: Sharing is not caring in League. Account sharing for boosts is forbidden. Riot identifies when an account logs in from unusual places. If you’re in New York but suddenly logging in from Vladivostok, that’s suspicious. You’re responsible for anything on your account. If a friend “tries” your account and gets banned, blame falls on you. Account sharing is a bannable offense, and Riot stated, “You are fully responsible.” For details on account names and policies, Riot has a FAQ.
- AFK-ing Your Way to a Ban: Life happens; delivery might ring the doorbell or a cat wants your keyboard. Leaving a game once is fine, but repeatedly? Not good. The system won’t ban a single AFK but too many will lead to penalties. Think of it as collecting strikes; too many strikes lead to consequences.
- Toxicity Toxicity Toxicity: Although not mentioned in detail, toxicity leads to bans. Riot combats verbal abuse, hate speech, and intentional feeding. Any unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to penalties, including bans. Be nice, play fair, and consider the human behind the screen.
- MMR Boosting Mayhem: Want to climb without proving skill? MMR boosting seems like an answer. However, it can lead to bans for both parties involved. Participating can result in suspensions from 14 to 180 days. If caught trying to inflate rank, Riot will deflate your account abilities.
Ban Levels Unlocked: Types and Durations of LOL Bans
Bans vary widely. Riot has a tiered punishment system. Let’s check out the ban types:
- Temporary Suspensions: These are League’s digital timeouts. They come in various flavors:
- Chat Restrictions: You can play but chat is restricted. You’ll communicate only through pings or emotes. This is Riot’s way saying, “Reflect on your chat choices.”
- Temporary Bans (Actual Bans): Locked out for a specified period: hours to weeks. It’s digital purgatory. Use this time to reflect, enjoy life outside the game, or clean up your space.
- Permanent Bans (Permabans): The ultimate punishment. A permaban means you cannot log into League again with that account. Game over! You may need to start fresh or consider a hobby.
- Ranked Restrictions: Bonus punishments layered with others. These prevent you from queuing for ranked games until you complete normal games while behaving well. “Want to play ranked? Show good behavior first!”
- Queue Lockouts/Delays: These are annoying but not technically bans. They temporarily keep you from queuing due to dodging games too often. This is Riot’s way of urging you to pick a champion.
HWID Bans: The Nuclear Option
HWID bans are the extreme end of the spectrum. A HWID ban means you’re not banned from just your account; you’re banned from your computer. Riot’s saying, “We don’t want *you* in League, period.” Used mainly for serious offenses.
Account Deletion: The Ultimate Inactivity Penalty
Riot may delete your account not due to punishment but due to neglect. If inactive for over three years and no in-game purchases, they may delete it. “Inactive” means zero logins in any apps or games. You’ll receive an email if your account faces deletion.
Dust off that account. Log in to keep it alive. Or risk it vanishing into the digital void. Just a heads up.
Can You Escape Ban Jail? Appealing a LOL Ban
You got banned. You feel remorseful. You wonder about redemption. Can you appeal a LOL ban? Sometimes. Is it easy? Usually not. Here’s how:
- Submit a Ticket: Contact Riot Support first. Go to the League of Legends Support page. Submit a ticket. Choose “Discuss a Personal Suspension, Ban, or Restriction.” Provide all details. Explain your case clearly. Be honest. Keep your fingers crossed.
- Permanent Ban Reality: Let us be clear: permanent bans seldom get overturned. Riot’s view on permabans is strong: “Once a League of Legends account is permanently banned, you can’t use it again.” Appealing a permaban is tough. It’s a last-ditch effort, like a Hail Mary at the end of a game. Try if you think a mistake happened, but manage your hopes. You might take up a new hobby instead. For other account issues, Riot provides resources to recover your account. But this helps with lost access, not bans.
Bonus Ban-Related Tips
- Account Sharing Signals Boosting: Account sharing shows signs of boosting. Riot notices IP address changes. Just avoid it.
- Ban Status is Clear: Riot openly informs about bans. Pop-up messages and login failures indicate the issue.
- Botting Guarantees Bans: Using bots to play? Expect a ban. It violates
Terms of Service and Riot has strong detection methods. Choose to play as a human.
Now you know about League of Legends bans. Play fair, be nice enough, and you may skip this experience completely. Excuse me now; I must avoid getting banned in my ranked match.