decay

Definition

Decay is the gradual reduction of a player's MMR or LP after a period of inactivity in ranked play. Decay incentivizes consistent participation and keeps the top of the ladder accurate. League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch all implement decay above certain rank thresholds (usually Diamond and above).

Example

"I didn't play for two weeks and lost 75 LP to decay" — the inactivity penalty kicked in at the player's high rank.

Related terms

• MMR
• LP
• rank
• demote