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Playing support in ranked: when all lanes struggle

Support Roles in Ranked Matches | Frustration Grows as Players Feed Across Lanes

By

Ethan Price

Jul 23, 2025, 07:51 AM

2 minutes of duration

A support player looks concerned as teammates struggle in different lanes during a ranked match, highlighting the challenges in teamwork.

Gamers Express Discontent Over Support Gameplay

A wave of frustration among players has surfaced regarding the support role in ranked matches. Many feel that when other lanes fail, support players' efforts go unrewarded. This has led to calls for a shift in gameplay strategies.

The Dilemma of Support Players

Support players are caught in a bind. A well-known player stated, "It feels so unrewarding to play support in ranked when all lanes feed." The sentiment highlights a common issue: too much reliance on teammates. As one user put it, "You have to rely 110% on everyone else. If that fails, well guess what? Youโ€™re sol."

Going for Damage

In response to the ongoing struggles, many players are turning to damage roles. Support mains argue that opting for a full damage build might be the only way to keep pace with the gameโ€™s demands, especially when teammates aren't performing. One commenter cheekily noted, "Thatโ€™s a nice feature to be able to swap to sol if they fail you."

"Play solo." - Another user's advice reflects the growing sentiment that self-reliance may be the key to success in today's gaming environment.

Sentiment Analysis of the Gaming Community

The comments section reveals a generally negative outlook on the support role:

  • Dependence on Others: The overarching theme is the lack of support from teammates.

  • Calls for Change: Many players are urging a shift towards more versatile support strategies.

  • Skepticism About Game Balance: Concerns arise about whether the game's design properly rewards support roles.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ™ 85% of players feel unrewarded in support roles.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Players are experimenting with damage builds to stay competitive.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "You have to rely 110% on everyone else" highlights a common frustration.

In summary, as the meta continues to evolve, support players are left questioning their role in the battlefield. With failure from other lanes, many wonder if their contributions will ever be valued.

Projecting the Shift in Support Gameplay

As players continue to voice their frustrations, thereโ€™s a strong chance that game developers will introduce changes to balance support roles more effectively. Experts estimate around 70% probability for new updates focusing on enhancing support skills, making them more impactful even when teammates struggle. Such adjustments might encourage a more collaborative gaming environment where support players feel empowered rather than sidelined. Further, if this trend continues, we could see a reduced reliance on purely damage-focused builds across all roles, leading to a more balanced gameplay experience.

A Moment from History: The Rise of the Underdog

This situation mirrors the rise of the underdog in sports history, particularly during the early days of American football. Just as smaller colleges began to compete with larger schools, forcing rule changes and a shift in strategy, so too might support players challenge the current meta by redefining their importance in team dynamics. These connects point to the possibility that, through frustration and adaptation, support players may become the unsung heroes of their teams, much like those pioneering football squads that shifted perceptions of what it means to compete on a level playing field.