Emotions play a huge part in your performance on the rift. A clear mind is key to succeeding and claiming victory. While most people don’t realize it, playing with a clouded mind affects everything you do in game. From decision making to typing, your mentality can effect you in both a positive and negative way. In this guide I will enlighten you on ways to help both control your emotions as well as deal with those who don’t have control.

The Pre-Game Tilt

While very unfortunate, tilt can start as early as champ select. People not getting the role they want or previous games spilling over are just a few things that set people off. The first and most obvious choice is to dodge the queue. While you do loose a few points and have a timer before you can play again, you forgo playing a game with someone who is obviously not in the right state of mind. Also if it is the first game you only lose 5-10 points vs losing 15-20 in a loss. The second option to appeal to those tilting; if someone comes in and obviously on tilt and calls for a certain role or champ, even if you want it, appealing to them is a good idea. It sets them in a better mood and may also be the role they are best on thus giving them confidence. The third option available is to just ignore the person and do not type anything. It’s a less effective option but the silence could possibly help the person get back into the right mindset.

In Game Tilt (Your Team Mates)

Once into the game, tilt at this point usually points towards a declining performance from the team. It can happen on a winning team, however it more frequently happens on losing teams. The first solution to your teammates tilting is to mute them and focus on your own game. By replying to their tilt and more often than not rage, you are taking your mind off of your own play. This can, in turn, cause a decline in your performance as your mind is elsewhere. If you simply use the mute feature you do not have to deal with it and can worry about yourself. The second solution is to go out of your way to help them out. Nothing changes a mood faster than succeeding. When somebody starts to do well their moral goes up and something as simple as a gank can spark this. Also doing things like pointing out all the good they do, no matter how small it is, can turn their attitude.

In Game Tilt (Your Own)

Just as described in your teammate’s tilt, the first option for controlling your own tilt is to mute. Nothing is worse than seeing four members of your team flame you for getting out played. Hitting the mute button on all of your teammates shuts that form of flame down really fast. Focus on your own game and do what you need to do to win. The second is to accept that sometimes your opponent is just better. Tilt sometimes comes from a place of feeling like you’re better than what you’re performing. While you may be performing less than optimal, accepting that someone is better than you (if they really are), calming yourself down, and playing accordingly are the best options for yourself. Respect their skill and fight them in the best way for the matchup. My final tip for controlling tilt is to use an outside source, such as a stress ball, to relieve your tension until the game is over. While this may not be the most complex of strategies it is an effective one at the least.

Closing Remarks

Tilting is a very big part of winning and losing so remembering to keep your cool can increase your chances of success. It is also important to note that if someone does not change their attitude and becomes an extremely negative part of your team, the new report system is intact and should be used accordingly. Finally if you ever do find yourself tilting take a break. Whether it be to get out the house in general or play another game, take a break and relax. So next time you take to the rift, just remember flame is lame, it’s just a game, and if you’re not having fun what’s the point?