If you’ve tuned into a pro League of Legends match or watched a high-Elo stream, chances are you’ve heard players toss around phrases like, “We have prio,” or “Get prio before the fight.” But what exactly is prio? And why do top players treat it like a make-or-break element of the game?
Let’s break it down – because understanding prio is a game-changer.
So, What Is Prio?
“Prio,” short for priority, is a tactical advantage in League of Legends. At its core, it refers to who has control over a lane – usually through pushing the wave in – and therefore, who has the freedom to move around the map first.
Think of it like this:
Lane Control → Map Access → Strategic Options.
That’s prio in a nutshell.
The Three Faces of Prio (And Why They Matter)
1. Lane Priority
Lane prio happens when you push your minion wave faster than your opponent, forcing them to play defensively under tower. With that freedom, you can:
Roam to other lanes
Assist your jungler at Scuttle Crab or invade
Secure vision around key areas
Rotate early to contest fights or objectives
Example: A mid laner with lane prio can step out and help with a river skirmish without falling behind in farm or risking turret plates.
2. Objective Priority
Before your team can safely fight for Dragon, Herald, or Baron, you need control over nearby lanes. That’s where objective prio comes in.
If your bot lane has pushed their wave and is free to move, they can:
Set up vision around Dragon first
Arrive early to the objective
Force the enemy team to respond late, often with fewer numbers
No prio? Then your team walks in blind, late, and at a disadvantage – that’s how fights get thrown.
3. Map Priority
Prio isn’t just about lanes – it extends to the entire map. Map prio is all about which team controls the tempo: who moves first, who sets vision, and who gets to choose where and when the action happens.
A team with strong map prio dictates the game. Period.
Why Is Prio So Powerful?
Prio fuels macro play – the strategic, big-picture decisions that separate casuals from climbers.
Teams with prio:
Secure early objectives with ease
Collapse faster on dives and rotations
Force enemies to react on their terms
Snowball small leads into wins
At the pro level, prio influences everything: drafts, jungle pathing, even win conditions. It’s not a bonus – it’s the blueprint.
How to Get and Use Prio Like a Pro
Push waves smartly – but don’t overextend without vision.
Communicate – let your team know when you have prio so they can play off it.
Capitalize – use that free time to ward, roam, invade, or reset.
Track your opponent – if they leave lane and you’re stuck under tower, they’ve got prio.
Final Thoughts: Prio Is a Mindset
“Prio” isn’t just a fancy term pros throw around – it’s a fundamental lens through which elite players see the game. Whether you’re a mid laner roaming to top, a jungler setting up for Dragon, or a support locking down vision, knowing who has prio gives you the edge.
Want to win more games? Start thinking less about your lane and more about your impact – that’s the power of prio.
