At first glance, Magic: The Gathering and League of Legends may seem worlds apart. One is a strategic card game rooted in deep lore and complex mechanics; the other, a fast-paced MOBA driven by real-time action and team coordination. But beyond the surface, both games share a critical similarity: progression and ranking are core to the player experience. Whether you’re climbing the Arena ladder in MTG or fighting your way through Silver in LoL, the desire to improve, rank up, and be recognized for your skill is universal.
This is why the concept of League of Legends rank boosting resonates even with players outside of LoL’s ecosystem. For Magic players—especially those who play competitively on Magic: The Gathering Arena or Magic Online—there are valuable lessons to learn from how rank boosting works, and how the principles behind it can be applied to your own progression.
The Role of Ranked Progression in Competitive Games
Ranked systems are designed to measure skill and reward consistency. In Magic: The Gathering Arena, players move through tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Mythic—based on their win rate in constructed formats. In League of Legends, it’s a similar climb through divisions, with the added element of team performance influencing your results.
In both cases, reaching higher ranks unlocks prestige, rewards, and a sense of accomplishment. But it also comes with frustration: losing streaks, meta shifts, and in LoL’s case, uncooperative teammates. For many players, hitting a wall in the ranking system feels less like a test of skill and more like a grind.
What Is Rank Boosting and Why Do Players Use It?
In League of Legends, rank boosting refers to a service where a highly skilled player helps another player climb the ranked ladder, either by playing on their account or alongside them in duo queue. It’s controversial in some circles, but at its core, rank boosting reflects a demand: players want to progress but may lack the time, consistency, or support to do so on their own.
Magic players experience similar hurdles. In Arena, climbing to Mythic can be a time-consuming process that requires not just a strong deck, but also a lot of practice and favorable matchups. It’s not uncommon for a player to plateau in Platinum or Diamond, despite having a good understanding of the game.
Applying the Boosting Mentality to Magic
While direct account boosting isn’t a standard part of the Magic scene, the mentality behind it offers some useful parallels. If you’re an MTG player struggling to climb the ladder, consider these rank-boosting-inspired strategies:
1. Learn from Higher-Level Play
Boosting services rely on top-tier players who understand the game at a deeper level. Magic players can benefit by watching Mythic-ranked streamers, reading sideboard guides, and studying matchup breakdowns. You may not be hiring someone to play for you, but you can absorb their knowledge and decision-making patterns.
2. Use Meta-Optimized Decks
In LoL, boosters often use strong meta champions to ensure efficient wins. In MTG, playing a tier-one deck matters, especially in high-variance ranked environments. You might love your janky combo build, but if your goal is to climb, consistency trumps creativity. Use updated tier lists and ladder-tested archetypes to maximize your success rate.
3. Duo Queue = Testing Partners
LoL players climb faster with duo partners who coordinate and support their play. Magic doesn’t have duo queue, but finding a testing partner or practice group serves the same purpose. Regularly running mirror matches or tough matchups with a friend can sharpen your skills and reveal weaknesses in your deck.
4. Outsource Your Weak Points
Just as some LoL players pay for coaching or boosting, MTG players can invest in coaching, deck-building services, or sideboarding guides to improve areas where they struggle. If your deck construction or sequencing needs work, getting input from a higher-ranked player can make a huge difference.
5. Time Management Matters
One reason players turn to boosting is time. They may be capable of reaching a higher rank but lack the hours to do it. In Magic, efficient time use can mean playing best-of-one instead of best-of-three, focusing on play sessions when you’re mentally sharp, or even buying into better decks rather than grinding wildcards.
The Ethical Conversation
Boosting in League of Legends has sparked debates about fairness and integrity. In Magic, those concerns are less relevant since progression is mostly individual. However, the principle of seeking help or shortcuts applies to both communities.