Why Open the Gate in the Base Like 5 Seconds Instead of 15?
If you’re a League of Legends player, you’ve probably noticed that the gates in the base open 15 seconds into the game. But honestly, it feels like wasted time. This got me thinking: why not open the gates in the base like 5 seconds instead of 15? So many players buy their starting items and pots within just a few seconds, then spend the rest of the wait clicking back and forth, just waiting for that gate to open.
The Current Start: Dead Time in the Game
Since the game clock actually starts at 55 seconds now, the first 15 seconds after the match begins often feel like dead time. When you buy your items, you’re basically stuck in the base waiting. Sure, some players use this time to chat or fine-tune strategies, but most of the time it feels like unnecessary downtime.
I remember playing a game where I finished buying my items within the first 5 seconds but had to stand there, feeling a bit bored, before the gates opened. It’s a minor delay that adds up over the course of the day if you play several games.
Why Opening the Gate Sooner Makes Sense
Opening the gate in the base like 5 seconds after the game starts would cut down this waiting period significantly. You’d jump right into the action, get your early moves started, and the game would feel more fluid. It would remove that awkward “click back and forth” moment every player knows all too well.
From a game design perspective, cutting down this initial wait time could make League feel snappier and more engaging. Players often say the first moments of a match set the tone, so why waste them waiting behind a gate?
Possible Concerns and Counterpoints
Some might argue that the 15-second gate delay is there to allow all players to complete their purchases and prepare. But honestly, most pro and casual players alike finish buying within the first 5 seconds or less. For those rare cases where someone takes longer, it’s just a matter of personal pace and won’t really disrupt the flow if the gate opens earlier.
Another point is that this waiting time can add a bit of strategic build-up, but this strategy could be achieved in other ways, like enhanced tutorials or pre-game planning screens.
How This Small Change Could Improve Gameplay
By opening the gate earlier, the game pace ramps up naturally. Players get to their lanes faster, making early jungling and roaming more dynamic. When you think about how tiny differences in early-game movements can decide matches, this simple change could enhance strategic depth.
For newer players, this might reduce frustration — no more standing awkwardly waiting while feeling unsure about what to do next.
What the Community Thinks
The idea of opening the base gate earlier has actually been mentioned a few times on platforms like Reddit. For example, a post by user /u/Sbsxgorrila on the League of Legends subreddit sparked this discussion, pointing out exactly how players buy quickly but then have to wait unnecessarily.
You can check their original Reddit post here for more community opinions.
Conclusion
Opening the gate in the base like 5 seconds instead of 15 might seem like a small change, but it could improve the flow and enjoyment of League of Legends for many players. Less waiting means more action, and that’s what every gamer wants at the start of a match.
If you want to learn more about optimizing your early game strategies, be sure to check out this related post on early game tips that dives deep into how to maximize your start.
For more info on game design and pacing, check out this insightful article on how game speed affects player engagement.
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An in-game screenshot from a MOBA showing the base gates and characters queued up, illustrating the idea of opening the gate in the base like 5 seconds instead of 15.


