For millions who dive into League of Legends daily, nothing kills the vibe quite like seeing the dreaded message: “Scheduled maintenance in progress.” Whether you’re mid-climb in ranked or just squeezing in a quick ARAM, unexpected downtime throws a wrench in your plans. So, the big question on everyone’s mind: how long does League of Legends maintenance usually last?
Let’s unpack it.
Scheduled Maintenance: The Routine Pulse of the Game
League of Legends runs on a steady rhythm of updates, usually rolling out fresh patches every two weeks. These updates bring everything from champion tweaks and new skins to game mode fine-tuning and technical backend upgrades. To make these changes happen seamlessly, Riot temporarily shuts down servers – that’s what scheduled maintenance is all about.
Across most regions, this downtime generally stretches between 1 and 3 hours. However, bigger updates – like those tied to major events, mid-season patches, or pre-season overhauls – can push that window closer to 7 hours. Riot aims to slot maintenance into off-peak hours, typically between 3 and 6 a.m. local time, to keep disruption to a minimum.
Emergency Maintenance: When the Unexpected Strikes
Not all maintenance is planned. Sometimes, game-breaking bugs, server hiccups, or exploit abuses pop up and force Riot into emergency maintenance mode. These surprise shutdowns are usually shorter, often resolved within 1 to 2 hours, but they catch players off guard and can feel especially frustrating.
How to Stay Ahead of Maintenance
While maintenance doesn’t hit you mid-game without warning, players usually get a heads-up hours before. The launcher displays a banner announcing when matchmaking will be disabled and servers will go offline. Once maintenance kicks in, logging in or starting new matches isn’t possible, and ongoing games are either canceled or cut short.
To dodge last-minute shutdowns, it’s smart to log off 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled maintenance, especially on major patch days.
Why Maintenance Matters
Maintenance isn’t just a hassle – it’s essential. It keeps the game stable, lets Riot squash bugs, release new content, rebalance champions, and shore up security. Without it, the game would degrade fast, leading to a worse experience for everyone.
Think of it like a tune-up for your car: a short pause now saves you from bigger breakdowns later.
Final Takeaway
League of Legends maintenance might disrupt your gaming session, but it’s a crucial part of what keeps the game running smooth, fair, and fun. Most downtimes are brief – often shorter than an episode of your favorite show. Keep an eye on update schedules, plan accordingly, and you’ll avoid the worst of the wait.
Next time you see that maintenance notice pop up, take a deep breath, grab a coffee, stretch your fingers – and know your next epic match will be ready once the servers come back online.
