Staying tilt-proof is a daunting task, especially during an intense battle or particularly frustrating match. While it is one thing to be able to calm down post-game, it is entirely another to play out a difficult game without getting overwhelmed. The strategies below could help players deal with their tilt as it happens, so they can make the best of the situation at hand.
[See also: 3 New League of Legends Custom Game Ideas]
For casual games, one strategy is to look for the humor and absurdity in the situation.
How it Works
With this strategy, regardless of how poorly teammates are playing or how many mistakes stack up, it is all the better – more to laugh at. Start taking mental bets as to how quickly Sivir will run in 1v5 after respawning (15 seconds), or how many teammates will die contesting the already-captured dragon (four this time! High score). Remember that no single member of the team is exempt from bad plays, and everyone has areas that they could have improved.
Letting the Tilt Go
At some point, when a game is going poorly enough, it is better to just laugh at that fact rather than try to change it. If it was truly lost by the rest of the team and impossible to carry, then treat it as such and have a laugh. Otherwise, do something about it. If it was a personal mistake, taking it in stride could help improve future plays.
Tilting, on the other hand, will not help improve the game nor how much fun everyone is having. While anger is automatic, and feeling upset is reasonable. But, acting on that feeling is different. Rather than flaming at a teammate or hurling insults, try looking for the little jokes within the game instead.
Considerations
For a tournament game or a ranked promotional, this might not be the most satisfying strategy. But for a Quickplay game or a random Gold-ranked match that took a wrong turn, maybe it’s just not that serious. Try hard or laugh hard, but in many matches, there is value to be found in at least one of the two.
The simplest way to take the sting out of tilt is to have something else to look forward to. A single loss can only be so upsetting when there are enriching activities or friendships outside of the game.
How it Works
During any lull in a bad game, pick something else to do next. As the gray screen timer counts down or teammates refuse the fifth FF vote, consider what might come afterward. Maybe in 20 minutes, it will be the perfect time to walk the dog, or try out a new recipe. Still give the game a solid effort, of course, but with the perspective that there can be something better to come after.
However, many people find themselves at the mercy of the game, rather than the other way around. Perhaps they do not have a friend group or activity to look forward to. Maybe they queue up a lot because that is their hobby. That does not necessarily mean that this strategy is out of reach. The intensity of a particularly horrible tilt can be the greatest reminder to start something new. Small things work well too. Try a Wikipedia dive into a new hobby, or starting out the first point in a bullet journal. Rather than tilt serving as a reminder of what’s missing, use it as an indicator of what could be found.
Letting the Tilt Go
So, as the tilt hits in the middle of the game, take a moment or two to consider what else is out there. Even if the answer is “nothing yet,” that is a great incentive to look further once the game is over. Within game, this will provide an alternative objective to think about, regardless of how the match is going. Tilting feelings might be the most intense, but they don’t have to be the most important.
The game will always end eventually, and players can try their new ideas then. And when it’s time to return back to League of Legends again, future games might just become more enjoyable too.
Considerations
This is all easier said than done. Many players have mental health considerations or life circumstances that require a different solution. But if it feels in reach, try it out.
Featured image from League of Legends Wiki
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