Reaching level 30 in League of Legends isn’t just about unlocking the ranked mode; many players want to hit this level while having fun, practicing new mechanics, or learning new champions to make the grind extra worthwhile.

While new players once needed weeks or even months to access the competitive ranked queue, 2025’s meta offers smarter shortcuts.

Below, we break down methods that balance efficiency with skill-building, so whether you’re prepping for a first-time ranked experience or crafting a Smurf account, we’ve got you covered!

1. Playing Co-op vs. AI Games

Co-op vs. AI games provide a relaxed environment for players to learn the basics, try out different champions, and practice their skills.

By consistently winning AI games, you can steadily accumulate experience points. Although it is not the fastest method, it is a beginner-friendly way of leveling up. Just make sure you opt for Intermediate AI games to maximize your experience gain and aim for quick wins.

Advantages:

Easy and less stressful games
Guaranteed experience gains
Better for new players to learn the game mechanics

Disadvantages:

Can become monotonous
Slower experience gain compared to other methods
Limited to a certain number of games per day

2. Buying a Ranked Ready Account

Buying a ranked-ready account or smurf from a trusted website like ours is the fastest way to reach level 30. Click here to view our accounts.

While some people disagree with buying a ranked-ready account, it is the fastest possible way to start ranked play and is often used by players with a main account.

Advantages:

The fastest way to start playing competitive
Usually cheaper than buying an experience boost

Disadvantages:

There is a small cost involved
New players don’t get to learn the game
Some websites are untrustworthy

3. Using XP Boosts

Experience boosts can be purchased in the in-game store and help you level up faster. There are two types of boosts: duration-based (e.g., 1, 3, or 7 days) and win-based (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 wins).

Combining both types of boosts can significantly increase your xp gain per game. You can combine experience boosts with the other leveling methods mentioned for even better results.

Advantages:

Significantly speeds up the leveling process
Can be combined with other methods for optimal results

Disadvantages:

It may require spending real money (RP)
Limited duration for boosts

Pro Tip: Activate boosts before playing Featured Game Modes. For example, URF’s 15-minute matches yield an average of 120 XP.

4. Normal and ARAM PvP Games

Normal PvP games offer a more engaging experience and can help you level up faster than AI games. The games are more dynamic and unpredictable as you face human opponents, providing a better learning environment.

Although it can be a more challenging experience for new players, it's an excellent way to improve your game skills and knowledge.

Some players also found that ARAM provides 25% more XP/hour than Summoner’s Rift when:

Games last 18-22 minutes
Group with 1+ friends for XP bonuses

5. Optimizing Playtime With Hybrid Plays

Daily First Win: 400 XP in <15min via Intro Bots
Weekly Quests: +1500 XP for 3 ARAM wins
Event Passes: Convert tokens to XP capsules

For players focusing on skill-building: For champion-specific improvement, simply pair the strategies above with champions you would like to practice or play, and for macro, picking an easier champion with a lower skill ceiling allows you to focus and improve on the macro side of things more.

6. Participating in Featured Game Modes

League of Legends periodically introduces featured game modes, such as URF, that provide a unique twist to the standard gameplay. These modes can offer an entertaining way to level up while enjoying a change of pace.

The experience gain is generally similar to that of normal games, but because these modes often have faster objectives, the games tend to be quicker, leading to more experience gain over time.

Advantages:

Unique and enjoyable gaming experience
Faster games due to game mode objectives
Experience gains similar to normal games

Disadvantages:

Availability depends on the game mode rotation
It may not always suit your preferred playstyle

7. Play With Friends or Join a Group

Playing with friends or joining a group of players can significantly enhance your leveling experience. Not only does this create a more enjoyable environment, but it also increases your chances of winning games due to better coordination and communication.

Remember, winning games grants more experience points, so playing with a coordinated group can help speed up the leveling process.

Advantages:

Better coordination and communication
Increased chances of winning games
More enjoyable experience

Disadvantages:

May not always have friends available to play
Some players might prefer a solo experience

8. Winning Games is the Quickest Way to Earn XP

The absolutely fastest way to level up in League of Legends is by winning games and winning them fast. Wins give you much more XP than losses, so playing to win should be your priority. Here’s how you can improve your win rate:

Focus on Objectives – Securing dragons and other key objectives can give your team a big advantage.
Play with a Team – Teaming up with skilled players reduces the risk of bad teammates and increases your chances of winning.

For players below level 30, an easy way to farm XP is by playing against beginner-level bots. This method is effective until you hit level 30, when bot game XP is reduced by 25%.

9. Longer Games = More XP

Longer matches usually give more XP, but dragging games out on purpose can be risky. If you're winning by a lot and the game is under 30 minutes, stretching it out a little can help you get extra XP. Just be careful; for example, if the other team makes a comeback, you could lose instead and completely wreck your gains.

10. Claim Your First Win of the Day Bonus

You can earn an extra 400 XP daily by winning just one game. Even if you don’t have much time to play, try to get at least one win daily. Over time, this adds up and makes leveling up much faster.

How Much XP Do You Need for League of Legends Level 30?

To hit level 30, you need 37,248 XP. That’s about:

186 normal game wins, or
250 wins in Co-op vs. AI mode

How Long Does It Take to Reach Level 30 in League of Legends?

Without XP Boosts – If you play 6 hours a day and win about half your games, you’ll need about 210 matches, which takes a week.
With XP Boosts – XP boosts cut the time down to just 2-3 days.

Summarizing

Reaching level 30 in League of Legends is an exciting achievement that unlocks the game's popular competitive aspect. While there's no shortcut to mastering the game, these methods can help accelerate your progress and get you into ranked play more quickly.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so consider your preferences and skill level when choosing the best approach.

Ultimately, the key to leveling up efficiently is to enjoy the journey and learn from each game. Remember, the more experience and knowledge you gain, the better prepared you'll be for the competitive world of ranked play.