What is AFK in League of Legends?

In League of Legends, AFK stands for “Away From Keyboard.” This term is used when a player is inactive or has left their computer, causing their champion to remain idle during the game. When a player goes AFK, it can severely affect their team’s chances of winning. But what causes players to go AFK?

Reasons why players go AFK in League of Legends

There are several reasons why players go AFK in League of Legends, and while some are accidental, others are intentional. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Internet Connection Issues: Players may lose connection due to unstable internet or excessive lag, leaving their champion inactive until they can reconnect.
2. Real-Life Distractions: Emergencies or other real-life commitments, like a phone call or being called away for something important, can cause players to step away from the game.
3. Tilt or Frustration: Sometimes, players become so frustrated or “tilted” by the game’s progress that they give up and stop actively playing. Going AFK is often seen as a sign of giving up when emotions run high.
4. Intentional Sabotage: In rare cases, players may go AFK deliberately to troll or sabotage their own team, making the game unfair. This toxic behavior is subject to punishment if repeated.

These are the most common reasons players go AFK, though each situation varies.

Can you get banned from staying AFK in League of Legends?

While you won’t receive an outright ban for going AFK in League of Legends initially, you will face escalating penalties called queue lockouts. These punishments begin with a minor delay, like a 1-minute wait before being able to queue for your next match. However, with repeated offenses, the penalties become progressively harsher, leading to a 24-hour lockout after four AFK instances.

If the behavior continues, the lockout periods extend further, potentially lasting several days or even weeks. Once you’ve served your lockout, you’ll still have to endure a 15-minute queue delay as a starting point before working your way back down.

The purpose of these increasing penalties is to discourage players from disrupting games by going AFK or leaving early. If the behavior improves over time, the penalties will reset, but chronic AFK players could eventually face a permanent ban for consistently ruining matches.

Conclusion

AFK, or “Away From Keyboard,” is a common issue in League of Legends that occurs when players leave a game temporarily or permanently, often impacting the outcome for their team. Whether due to technical difficulties, real-life distractions, frustration, or intentional trolling, going AFK can negatively affect the experience of others. While players are not immediately banned for AFKing, repeated offenses result in escalating penalties, including queue lockouts that can span hours or days. The system is designed to discourage players from going AFK and ensure a fairer, more enjoyable gameplay environment for everyone.