Every League of Legends (LoL) win begins with a plan, and every plan starts with the map. LoL maps like the Summoner’s Rift are grossly underutilized despite many new and seasoned bettors being familiar with them. Most of them have yet to realize that every part or aspect of the map, ranging from river choke points to jungle quadrants, contains valuable information that can influence betting decisions.
At NXTbets, we aim to change perspectives and improve experiences around niche sports like League of Legends. We offer comprehensive resources, including blogs and detailed guides, to empower esports fans, bettors, and gamers. In this blog, we will break down League of Legends maps, specifically the Summoner’s Rift. Follow the discussion and discover, among others, the map’s structure, how it evolves during gaming, and why you should master it.
Summoner’s Rift is the main map used in League of Legends. It applies to all ranked games, regular matches, and professional esports tournaments. Unlike former or experimental maps, it has three lanes, a jungle, and victory-defining objectives like the Baron Nashor. To master League of Legends or make smart betting decisions, you must understand the Summoner’s Rift.
Overview of Summoner’s Rift
Summoner’s Rift is built for balanced competition. The symmetrical 5v5 map has three main lanes (top, mid, and bot) and a jungle with neutral monsters. Each team has its base, secured by turrets, inhibitors, and Nexus. It is objective-based, requiring players to collaborate to take towers, control vision, and secure big objectives like Baron or Dragons.
Lane Breakdown: Top, Mid, Bot
Each of the map’s three lanes plays a unique role in League of Legends, as shown below.
Top lane: This is a solo lane dominated by tanks and strong fighters. It nears Baron and favors split-pushing, which we shall discuss later.
Mid lane: The mid lane is short but busy. It favors mages and assassins and allows players to roam (help each other).
Bot lane: Occupied by the ADC (a damage dealer) and a support. It prioritizes teamwork and scaling for late-game power.
As minions march down the respective lanes, players control waves and lane pressure while gaining gold and experience.
The Jungle and Its Importance
The jungle is the area between the lanes. It is mainly filled with monster camps. Junglers clear camps for gold and XP. They also support teammates by ganking lanes and securing objectives. Note the following relevant features:
Red/blue buffs: They significantly enhance power.
Scuttle crabs: Offer better vision and speed in the river.
Excellent jungle pathing often leads to better outcomes, especially when Dragons and Baron are involved.
Key Map Objectives
League of Legends players rely on objectives to win duels. They often fight over:
Rift Herald: Enables teams to take towers early.
Turrets, inhibitors, and the Nexus: Their destruction paves the way for invading the enemy’s base.
Dragons: Offer stacking buffs and a mighty Dragon Soul.
Baron Nashor: Gives the ultimate team-boosting buff for game-defining pushes.
Teams can exert more map pressure through smart objective control, increasing their chances of winning League of Legends matches.
Other Maps in League of Legends History
Besides the Summoner’s Rift, Riot Games has had several maps in the past, each tailored to specific game modes and play styles. Some are also active but limited to particular activities. Below is a quick look at other LoL maps, past and current, and their special features:
Howling Abyss (ARAM)
The Howling Abyss is reserved for the ARAM (All Random All Mid) mode. It has only one lane and no jungle. It operates as follows:
All fights happen in the middle.
Players face random champions.
Every fight counts; you cannot retreat to base, as seen with Summoner’s Rift.
It is fast, fun, and chaotic.
The Howling Abyss may be the perfect map if you are less interested in farming or jungle paths.
Twisted Treeline (Retired)
This was a 3v3 map with a jungle boss named Vilemaw. Teams received buffs from special objectives such as altars. It had the following outstanding features:
It was smaller: Twisted Treeline mainly focused on teamplay and quick action.
It had fewer players: Its declining player base informed Riot Games’ decision to retire the map in 2019.
Currently, Twisted Treeline only exists in the fond memories of older fans and players. It also occasionally features in LoL history videos.
Nexus Blitz & Rotating Game Modes
Nexus Blitz and rotating game modes are reserved for specific times and events. These include crazy events like Payload pushes or Battle Royale. Riot Games commonly uses these maps to test new ideas, owing to their fun, experimental design. They are perfect for casual hangouts or when seeking an alternative LoL gaming experience (especially if ranked games feel too serious).
How the Maps Evolve During a Match
The League of Legends map is dynamic. It changes as the game progresses, reflecting events like Turret takedowns, the appearance of new objectives, and terrain shifts. In response, teams have to adapt their strategies to thrive. Understanding the map’s evolution is crucial for both bettors and players. Learn how turret progression affects map pressure and the impacts of various terrains on vision.
Turret Progression and Map Pressure
At the beginning of the game, each lane usually has towers protecting the base, known as turrets. However, they are often targeted and destroyed by the opponent, possibly resulting in the following scenarios:
The map opens up, creating more space for players to move.
The enemy jungle becomes accessible. The team that destroys the turret can now place wards and control the map.
Use control wards and sweepers to stay safe and ambush the enemy. Such tools can help you hide yourself by limiting the opponent’s access to map information, such as your location. For bettors, early destruction of turrets is a strong success indicator.
Terrain and Vision Mechanics
The terrain can help a team stay hidden or easily spot the enemy. Here are the Summoner’s Rift’s main terrains:
Bushes: Players can hide in the bush in readiness for an ambush.
Walls: Walls limit movement. However, select champions can dash or blink through them.
River: Connect all lanes. It is the venue for Dragon and Baron fights.
The areas above are critical for vision. Teams fight over them for a chance to see the enemy while staying in the shadows. For bettors, consider teams with consistent control near objectives. A team that begins by warding around high-priority zones like Dragon and Baron can be an excellent pick.
Dragon Soul and Elemental Rift Changes
The Summoner’s Rift changes according to the dragon type once a team gets the third dragon. Below is a summary:
Infernal rifts: Walls break, creating more space for fights.
Mountain rift: New walls appear, beefing up the team’s defence.
Cloud rift: More speed zones emerge for faster movement.
Ocean rift: Healing areas increase for enhanced resilience.
The above map changes often force teams to adjust, influencing team strategy. Note that teams that base their strategy around dragons dominate late. Consider them when betting on late objectives or wins.
How Understanding the Map Helps You Win
Winning a League of Legends match requires more than quick reflexes. Players must always understand what is happening on the map to stay safe, set up forts, and control big objectives like the Baron. Besides map awareness, they must also position themselves strategically. Below is how map awareness affects decision-making as positional advantage influences team fights.
Map Awareness and Decision-Making
The LoL map shows where teammates and enemies are. For safe and better choices, good players constantly monitor relevant changes for smart decision-making. Map awareness influences smart decisions in the following ways:
Farming: Knowing where your enemies are allows you to farm safely. Farming refers to killing minions for gold.
Ganking: You can easily ambush the enemy (gank) by attacking them when they are least prepared.
Roaming: You can lend fighters on other lanes a hand or request support at the appropriate time.
Always stay one step ahead by monitoring the position of the enemy jungler and anticipating when powerful objectives like Dragons or Baron will appear. Teams with excellent map awareness rarely make mistakes. They easily achieve more kills and objectives, leading to consistent performance and minimal betting risks.
Team Fights and Positional Advantage
Where a player fights during a team fight matters since some positions are more advantageous. Here is the relationship between team fights and positional advantage:
Teams can use the fog of war or hide in bushes to ambush enemies easily.
Small spaces like the jungle make waging a big attack easier.
Vision tools/wards can help you spot your enemies before they notice you.
Choosing the right spot and identifying the enemy first can contribute to better team performance. When betting on kills or match winners, consider teams that prioritize vision and positioning.
Shotcalling and Macro Play
Winning a League of Legends match requires strategic gameplay. Good teams understand that besides fighting, they must think ahead. Shot calling occurs when a player recommends the next move to the team, based on the map. Possible suggestions or directions include:
Shifting to another lane to take a tower.
Going for the baron, especially when the opponents are far off.
Rushing to finish the game while the other team is busy.
Such decisions are often referred to as macro play as they determine the game’s trajectory. Consider teams that embrace this type of play when predicting winners or making specific prop bets, such as the total towers destroyed.
Map Knowledge in Pro Play and Betting Strategy
Professional League of Legends teams know how to use the map to their advantage. Therefore, when betting, consider the map strategy a team uses. Understanding and monitoring map control can help you predict winners easily.
How Pro Teams Use the Map Differently
Professional teams like T1 and G2 use vision traps, role-flexible lane assignments, and coordinated-split pushes to achieve better control. Below is a brief discussion:
Vision traps: Teams often place wards in hidden locations such as river entrances or bushes, allowing them to capture enemies easily. Captives are either killed or used to tackle objectives.
Flexible lane assignments: Pro teams may swap lane roles early for better matchups or map control in late stages. Some may willingly give up recoverable jungle control early to maintain balance and adapt to the enemy’s strategy. Such tactical decisions allow them to gain strength later.
Coordinated split-pushes: A player may push one side alone as others build pressure or fight other fronts, prompting the opponent to choose either to defend objectives or chase the pusher. This strategy goes hand-in-hand with enhanced vision.
Remember that professional teams plan heavily. They not only use vision to their advantage, but also move around purposefully.
Why Map Strategy Affects Betting Outcomes
Below is how a team’s map strategy can influence betting outcomes:
Teams with solid map strategies easily exceed expectations. They may beat pre-match odds and force bookmakers to make adjustments based on visible momentum shifts.
Stacking multiple dragons and early tower takeovers can trigger a significant swing in live betting odds. Dragon stacking allows teams to build power and pressure other lanes, while tower takeovers increase map access and gold.
Strong map control often indicates success. Don’t hesitate to use it to your benefit when betting on League of Legends matches.
What Bettors Should Watch on the Map
Certain map-related events can provide valuable insights, helping you make informed betting decisions or adjust your betting strategy. Watch out for the following:
Tower trades: Teams that secure more towers early enjoy better vision, more map control, and easy entry into an enemy jungle. As a result, they have more winning chances.
Baron plays: What follows after a team reaches and takes Baron? A good team will use the buff or empowered minions to destroy multiple towers or inhibitors. Teams that can successfully turn Barons into multiple objectives are likely to emerge victorious. Strategic Baron plays indicate strong team coordination or organized gameplay.
Dragon stacking: A team that consistently secures dragons will get the Dragon Soul, known for permanent buffs. This makes the fourth and fifth dragon fights crucial, as losing a soul can lead to a final push or immediate Baron control. If you are betting, use dragon stacking as a momentum indicator. For example, you can interpret soul denial as a comeback attempt.
Comeback frames: The team on the losing end may seize control through objective steals, vision traps, and enemy ambushes. Events such as picks in the enemy jungle or baron denial can signify crucial momentum shifts, including an upset potential. Monitor and exploit these frames for lucrative in-play betting opportunities.
The above cues, together with your platform’s betting odds, can help you predict match outcomes. Teams that take more objectives early often win.
Conclusion: Master the Rift with NXTbets
Whether you are a seasoned fan, bettor, or professional player, mastering the League of Legends map, specifically the Summoner’s Rift, is essential. It is the cornerstone of smart viewing, playing, or betting. Familiarize yourself with all its features and match-related changes, ranging from dragon rotations to jungle pathing. You can also explore the Howling Abyss, focusing on its features and differences with the Summoner’s Rift.
At NXTbets, we help niche sports fans, bettors, and professional gamers stay ahead of the curve through our detailed guides, actionable insights, and comprehensive data.
How many maps are there in League of Legends betting?
League of Legends has two active maps: Summoner’s Rift and Howling Abyss. It also has retired maps like Dominion and Twisted Treeline, and experimental maps such as Nexus Blitz.
What is the Baron pit, and why is it important?
The Baron pit contains Baron Nashor, a neutral but powerful monster. Defeating Baron Nashor offers a strong buff that boosts nearby minions and a team’s combat power.
Do map changes happen every season?
No. Instead of annual map changes, LoL players enjoy patch updates. However, Riot Games occasionally makes massive map changes, like improving the jungle/river layout.
How does terrain change with dragons?
League of Legends dragons do not permanently alter the terrain. However, the Baron area often changes shape or adds choke points when the Baron or Voidgrub/Void forms activate certain buffs.
What is the difference between Aram and Summoner’s Rift?
Summoner’s Rift features three unique lanes, jungle objectives, and ranked play. ARAM (Howling Abyss) has one fast lane, random champions/big team fights, and no jungle or complex macro.
Why was the Twisted Treeline removed?
Riot Games eliminated Twisted Treeline in 2019 due to its low usage and long queue times. It wasn’t worth updating as fewer people played it.
How do pro players use map awareness?
Pros often use their map awareness to secure objectives and set up kills even before the match. They usually watch the minimap, place wards strategically, hunt enemies, and move as a team.
How can bettors use map control to predict match outcomes?
For better predictions, identify teams with better vision, lane control, and kills on objectives (Baron/dragon) as they easily dominate and win matches.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Electronic sports, popularly known as esports, are backed by a rapidly growing, fun-loving fan base. Out of all professional esports tournaments, the League of Legends World Championship, commonly referred to as Worlds, stands out. It brings together elite regional teams, legendary gamers, and millions of global viewers annually. The mindblowing matches, breathtaking ceremonies, and unbelievable …
League of Legends Maps
Table of Contents
Every League of Legends (LoL) win begins with a plan, and every plan starts with the map. LoL maps like the Summoner’s Rift are grossly underutilized despite many new and seasoned bettors being familiar with them. Most of them have yet to realize that every part or aspect of the map, ranging from river choke points to jungle quadrants, contains valuable information that can influence betting decisions.
At NXTbets, we aim to change perspectives and improve experiences around niche sports like League of Legends. We offer comprehensive resources, including blogs and detailed guides, to empower esports fans, bettors, and gamers. In this blog, we will break down League of Legends maps, specifically the Summoner’s Rift. Follow the discussion and discover, among others, the map’s structure, how it evolves during gaming, and why you should master it.
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
The Main Map of League of Legends
Summoner’s Rift is the main map used in League of Legends. It applies to all ranked games, regular matches, and professional esports tournaments. Unlike former or experimental maps, it has three lanes, a jungle, and victory-defining objectives like the Baron Nashor. To master League of Legends or make smart betting decisions, you must understand the Summoner’s Rift.
Overview of Summoner’s Rift
Summoner’s Rift is built for balanced competition. The symmetrical 5v5 map has three main lanes (top, mid, and bot) and a jungle with neutral monsters. Each team has its base, secured by turrets, inhibitors, and Nexus. It is objective-based, requiring players to collaborate to take towers, control vision, and secure big objectives like Baron or Dragons.
Lane Breakdown: Top, Mid, Bot
Each of the map’s three lanes plays a unique role in League of Legends, as shown below.
As minions march down the respective lanes, players control waves and lane pressure while gaining gold and experience.
The Jungle and Its Importance
The jungle is the area between the lanes. It is mainly filled with monster camps. Junglers clear camps for gold and XP. They also support teammates by ganking lanes and securing objectives. Note the following relevant features:
Excellent jungle pathing often leads to better outcomes, especially when Dragons and Baron are involved.
Key Map Objectives
League of Legends players rely on objectives to win duels. They often fight over:
Teams can exert more map pressure through smart objective control, increasing their chances of winning League of Legends matches.
Other Maps in League of Legends History
Besides the Summoner’s Rift, Riot Games has had several maps in the past, each tailored to specific game modes and play styles. Some are also active but limited to particular activities. Below is a quick look at other LoL maps, past and current, and their special features:
Howling Abyss (ARAM)
The Howling Abyss is reserved for the ARAM (All Random All Mid) mode. It has only one lane and no jungle. It operates as follows:
The Howling Abyss may be the perfect map if you are less interested in farming or jungle paths.
Twisted Treeline (Retired)
This was a 3v3 map with a jungle boss named Vilemaw. Teams received buffs from special objectives such as altars. It had the following outstanding features:
Currently, Twisted Treeline only exists in the fond memories of older fans and players. It also occasionally features in LoL history videos.
Nexus Blitz & Rotating Game Modes
Nexus Blitz and rotating game modes are reserved for specific times and events. These include crazy events like Payload pushes or Battle Royale. Riot Games commonly uses these maps to test new ideas, owing to their fun, experimental design. They are perfect for casual hangouts or when seeking an alternative LoL gaming experience (especially if ranked games feel too serious).
How the Maps Evolve During a Match
The League of Legends map is dynamic. It changes as the game progresses, reflecting events like Turret takedowns, the appearance of new objectives, and terrain shifts. In response, teams have to adapt their strategies to thrive. Understanding the map’s evolution is crucial for both bettors and players. Learn how turret progression affects map pressure and the impacts of various terrains on vision.
Turret Progression and Map Pressure
At the beginning of the game, each lane usually has towers protecting the base, known as turrets. However, they are often targeted and destroyed by the opponent, possibly resulting in the following scenarios:
Use control wards and sweepers to stay safe and ambush the enemy. Such tools can help you hide yourself by limiting the opponent’s access to map information, such as your location. For bettors, early destruction of turrets is a strong success indicator.
Terrain and Vision Mechanics
The terrain can help a team stay hidden or easily spot the enemy. Here are the Summoner’s Rift’s main terrains:
The areas above are critical for vision. Teams fight over them for a chance to see the enemy while staying in the shadows. For bettors, consider teams with consistent control near objectives. A team that begins by warding around high-priority zones like Dragon and Baron can be an excellent pick.
Dragon Soul and Elemental Rift Changes
The Summoner’s Rift changes according to the dragon type once a team gets the third dragon. Below is a summary:
The above map changes often force teams to adjust, influencing team strategy. Note that teams that base their strategy around dragons dominate late. Consider them when betting on late objectives or wins.
How Understanding the Map Helps You Win
Winning a League of Legends match requires more than quick reflexes. Players must always understand what is happening on the map to stay safe, set up forts, and control big objectives like the Baron. Besides map awareness, they must also position themselves strategically. Below is how map awareness affects decision-making as positional advantage influences team fights.
Map Awareness and Decision-Making
The LoL map shows where teammates and enemies are. For safe and better choices, good players constantly monitor relevant changes for smart decision-making. Map awareness influences smart decisions in the following ways:
Always stay one step ahead by monitoring the position of the enemy jungler and anticipating when powerful objectives like Dragons or Baron will appear. Teams with excellent map awareness rarely make mistakes. They easily achieve more kills and objectives, leading to consistent performance and minimal betting risks.
Team Fights and Positional Advantage
Where a player fights during a team fight matters since some positions are more advantageous. Here is the relationship between team fights and positional advantage:
Choosing the right spot and identifying the enemy first can contribute to better team performance. When betting on kills or match winners, consider teams that prioritize vision and positioning.
Shotcalling and Macro Play
Winning a League of Legends match requires strategic gameplay. Good teams understand that besides fighting, they must think ahead. Shot calling occurs when a player recommends the next move to the team, based on the map. Possible suggestions or directions include:
Such decisions are often referred to as macro play as they determine the game’s trajectory. Consider teams that embrace this type of play when predicting winners or making specific prop bets, such as the total towers destroyed.
Map Knowledge in Pro Play and Betting Strategy
Professional League of Legends teams know how to use the map to their advantage. Therefore, when betting, consider the map strategy a team uses. Understanding and monitoring map control can help you predict winners easily.
How Pro Teams Use the Map Differently
Professional teams like T1 and G2 use vision traps, role-flexible lane assignments, and coordinated-split pushes to achieve better control. Below is a brief discussion:
Remember that professional teams plan heavily. They not only use vision to their advantage, but also move around purposefully.
Why Map Strategy Affects Betting Outcomes
Below is how a team’s map strategy can influence betting outcomes:
Strong map control often indicates success. Don’t hesitate to use it to your benefit when betting on League of Legends matches.
What Bettors Should Watch on the Map
Certain map-related events can provide valuable insights, helping you make informed betting decisions or adjust your betting strategy. Watch out for the following:
The above cues, together with your platform’s betting odds, can help you predict match outcomes. Teams that take more objectives early often win.
Conclusion: Master the Rift with NXTbets
Whether you are a seasoned fan, bettor, or professional player, mastering the League of Legends map, specifically the Summoner’s Rift, is essential. It is the cornerstone of smart viewing, playing, or betting. Familiarize yourself with all its features and match-related changes, ranging from dragon rotations to jungle pathing. You can also explore the Howling Abyss, focusing on its features and differences with the Summoner’s Rift.
At NXTbets, we help niche sports fans, bettors, and professional gamers stay ahead of the curve through our detailed guides, actionable insights, and comprehensive data.
As you master respective League of Legends maps, subscribe to our newsletter for timely updates.
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
League of Legends has two active maps: Summoner’s Rift and Howling Abyss. It also has retired maps like Dominion and Twisted Treeline, and experimental maps such as Nexus Blitz.
The Baron pit contains Baron Nashor, a neutral but powerful monster. Defeating Baron Nashor offers a strong buff that boosts nearby minions and a team’s combat power.
No. Instead of annual map changes, LoL players enjoy patch updates. However, Riot Games occasionally makes massive map changes, like improving the jungle/river layout.
League of Legends dragons do not permanently alter the terrain. However, the Baron area often changes shape or adds choke points when the Baron or Voidgrub/Void forms activate certain buffs.
Summoner’s Rift features three unique lanes, jungle objectives, and ranked play. ARAM (Howling Abyss) has one fast lane, random champions/big team fights, and no jungle or complex macro.
Riot Games eliminated Twisted Treeline in 2019 due to its low usage and long queue times. It wasn’t worth updating as fewer people played it.
Pros often use their map awareness to secure objectives and set up kills even before the match. They usually watch the minimap, place wards strategically, hunt enemies, and move as a team.
For better predictions, identify teams with better vision, lane control, and kills on objectives (Baron/dragon) as they easily dominate and win matches.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Related Posts
League of Legends Worlds
Electronic sports, popularly known as esports, are backed by a rapidly growing, fun-loving fan base. Out of all professional esports tournaments, the League of Legends World Championship, commonly referred to as Worlds, stands out. It brings together elite regional teams, legendary gamers, and millions of global viewers annually. The mindblowing matches, breathtaking ceremonies, and unbelievable …