League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games in the world. With millions of players globally, the game offers various regions for players to join, each with its own server. Sometimes, players may want to change their region for various reasons, such as playing with friends in another part of the world, reducing latency, or experiencing the game in a different language or culture.
Change Region League of Legends can be a straightforward process if you know what steps to follow. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your region in League of Legends.
1. Understanding Regions in League of Legends
Before you decide to change your region, it’s essential to understand how regions work in League of Legends. The game is divided into several regions, each with its own server. These regions are typically divided by geography, such as North America (NA), Europe West (EUW), Europe Nordic & East (EUNE), Korea, China, and more.
Each region has its own server, which affects the following:
- Latency (Ping): This is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server and back. The closer you are to a server geographically, the lower your latency will be, resulting in smoother gameplay.
- Player Base: Each region has its own player base, meaning the players you encounter in one region may be different from those in another.
- Language: While League of Legends supports multiple languages, some regions may primarily use one language. For example, EUW has a high percentage of English-speaking players, while EUNE may have more players speaking Polish or Russian.
2. Reasons for Changing Regions
There are several reasons why a player might want to change regions in League of Legends. Here are some of the most common:
a. Playing with Friends
One of the main reasons players change regions is to join friends who play on a different server. If your friends are playing on EUW, but you’re on NA, you might want to switch regions to join them.
b. Reducing Latency
If you’re experiencing high ping due to the distance between you and the server, switching to a region closer to your physical location can help reduce latency, providing a smoother gaming experience.
c. Exploring New Regions
Some players enjoy exploring different regions to experience the game in different languages or cultural settings. Each region has a unique player base, which can offer new challenges and experiences.
d. Accessing Different Content
Certain regions may have exclusive content or events. For example, some skins or in-game events might be available only in specific regions. Changing regions can give you access to this content.
3. Preparing to Change Regions
Before you change your region, there are a few things you should consider and prepare for:
a. Account and Progression
When you change your region, your account data does not transfer with you. This means you will start fresh in the new region with no champions, skins, or other progress carried over. Your MMR (Matchmaking Rating) will also reset, so you’ll need to climb the ranks again.
b. Purchase a Region Transfer
Changing regions is not free. You will need to purchase a region transfer from the in-game store using Riot Points (RP), which are the game’s premium currency. Make sure you have enough RP in your account before attempting to change regions.
c. Check Region Availability
Not all regions are available for transfer. Before purchasing a region transfer, check if the region you want to move to is available. Riot Games occasionally restricts transfers to certain regions due to server maintenance or other issues.
d. Understand the Time Zone Difference
Changing regions may also mean playing in a different time zone. This could affect when you can queue for matches, participate in events, or find players online. Keep the time zone difference in mind when choosing a new region.
4. How to Change Your Region in League of Legends
Changing your region in League of Legends involves a few simple steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Log into Your League of Legends Account
First, open the League of Legends client on your computer and log in with your account credentials.
Step 2: Go to the Store
Once you’re logged in, navigate to the store by clicking on the “Store” icon, usually located at the top of the client.
Step 3: Access the Account Section
In the store, find the “Account” section. This is where you can manage various aspects of your account, including region transfers. The Account section is usually represented by a small person icon or labeled as “Account.”
Step 4: Select the “Region Transfer” Option
Within the Account section, you should see an option labeled “Region Transfer.” Click on this option to proceed with changing your region.
Step 5: Choose Your New Region
You will be presented with a list of available regions to transfer to. Carefully select the region you want to move to. Make sure you’ve double-checked your choice, as this process cannot be undone without purchasing another transfer.
Step 6: Confirm the Transfer
After selecting your new region, you’ll be asked to confirm your choice. Review the information, including the cost in Riot Points (RP), and confirm the transfer.
Step 7: Complete the Purchase
If you have enough RP, complete the purchase. Once the transaction is complete, your account will begin the transfer process. This may take some time, so be patient.
Step 8: Log into Your New Region
After the transfer is complete, log out of your account and log back in. You should now be in your new region. You can start playing immediately, but remember, your account will start fresh with no previous progress.
5. What to Expect After Changing Regions
After successfully changing your region, there are a few things you should expect:
a. Fresh Start
As mentioned earlier, your account in the new region will be a clean slate. You will not have any of the champions, skins, or other content you acquired in your previous region. You’ll need to start earning or purchasing these items again.
b. New MMR and Ranking
Your MMR will reset in the new region, meaning you’ll have to climb the ranked ladder from scratch. This can be a fun challenge if you enjoy competitive play.
c. Adjusting to New Ping
Depending on your location relative to the new region’s server, you may experience different ping. It might be lower or higher than what you’re used to, so be prepared to adjust your playstyle accordingly.
d. Language and Culture Differences
If you’ve moved to a region with a different primary language, you may need to adjust to the new communication style. This can include learning basic phrases or understanding different in-game terminologies. Additionally, cultural differences may impact how players approach the game, from strategies to in-game etiquette.
6. Tips for Succeeding in a New Region
Starting fresh in a new region can be challenging, but these tips can help you adjust and succeed:
a. Focus on Learning the Meta
Every region has its own meta, which refers to the most popular champions, strategies, and builds at any given time. Spend some time learning the meta in your new region to better understand the game and improve your chances of winning.
b. Communicate Effectively
If you’ve moved to a region where a different language is spoken, consider learning some basic phrases to communicate with your teammates. Even simple words like “help,” “ward,” or “gank” can make a big difference in team coordination.
c. Play Normals Before Ranked
Before jumping into ranked games, spend some time playing normal matches to get a feel for the new region. This will help you adjust to any differences in playstyle or strategies without the pressure of ranked play.
d. Stay Patient and Persistent
Starting fresh can be frustrating, especially if you were highly ranked in your previous region. Stay patient and focus on improving your skills. With persistence, you can climb the ranks again and establish yourself in the new region.
e. Join a Community
Consider joining a local League of Legends community or club in your new region. This can help you make friends, find teammates, and get advice on how to succeed in the new environment.
7. Alternatives to Changing Regions
If you’re not sure about fully committing to a region change, there are alternatives you can consider:
a. Creating a New Account
Instead of transferring your existing account, you can create a new account in the desired region. This way, you can switch between regions without losing progress on your main account. However, you’ll still need to start fresh on the new account.
b. Using a VPN
Some players use a VPN to connect to different regions without changing their account region. While this can help reduce ping or allow you to play with friends in other regions, it’s not officially supported by Riot Games and can lead to higher latency or other issues.
c. Waiting for Region Merges
Occasionally, Riot Games merges certain regions, which could automatically change your region without the need for a transfer. While this is rare, it’s something to consider if you’re not in a rush to change regions.
Conclusion
Change Region in League of Legends is a significant decision that comes with both challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re looking to play with friends, reduce ping, or experience the game in a new environment,
