How to Get S Grades and Reach Mastery Level 7 in League of Legends

Table of Contents

• Purpose of the 2026 Mastery System
• Step-by-Step: Farming Marks of Mastery
• Use Case: Laning vs. Jungle Performance
• Best Results: The Hidden Stats That Grant S+
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Disclaimer

Purpose

In 2026, the Champion Mastery system has evolved beyond simple point accumulation. The purpose of aiming for an "S" grade is no longer just for a hextech chest; it is the mandatory requirement for obtaining Marks of Mastery. To reach Mastery Level 7, you must prove not just your dedication, but your consistent skill. The system compares your performance against the top 2-5% of players in your region playing the same champion in the same role, making a Mastery 7 badge a true mark of expertise.

Step-by-Step

1. Accumulate Mastery Points

Before you can apply for Level 7, you must reach the point thresholds. In the 2026 system:

• Level 5: 9,000 MP + 1 Mark
• Level 6: 10,000 MP + 1 Mark
• Level 7: 11,000 MP + 1 Mark

2. Complete Season Milestones

Navigate to your "Collection" tab and check your champion's Season Milestone track. To get the Marks needed for Level 7, you specifically need to reach Milestone 3 or higher.

1. Milestone 1 & 2: Requires an A- grade or higher.
2. Milestone 3 & 4: Requires at least one S- grade and several supporting games.

3. Optimize Your Post-Game Metrics

The system evaluates you on three core pillars:

• Income: High CS per minute (aim for 7.5+) and total gold earned.
• Map Control: Vision score, objective damage, and kill participation (KP%).
• Combat: A high KDA ratio. Minimizing deaths is often more important than maximizing kills.

Use Case

The Off-Meta Specialist: If you are struggling to get an S on a popular champion like Lux or Lee Sin, try playing them in an "off-meta" role (e.g., Lux Jungle or Lee Sin Support). The grading system compares you to others in that specific role. Since fewer people play these combinations, the statistical threshold for an S grade is often significantly lower.

The ARAM Enthusiast: In 2026, you can earn Marks of Mastery in ARAM. If you excel at teamfighting but struggle with laning and CS, ARAM is your best use case for farming S grades, as the system weighs kill participation and damage-to-champions much more heavily in this mode.

Best Results

For the best results, focus on Vision Score. Many players ignore Warding Totems and Control Wards in mid-elo. A high vision score acts as a massive "multiplier" for your grade. In a 30-minute game, a mid-laner with 6/0/5 and 30 vision score is far more likely to get an S+ than a mid-laner with 15/2/2 and only 5 vision score. Additionally, emphasize Objective Damage—damaging turrets and epic monsters provides "hidden" points that often push an A+ into an S-.

FAQ

Do I still need Blue Essence or Champion Shards to upgrade to Level 7?

No. As of the 2026 mastery rework, the requirement for Blue Essence has been removed. Leveling up is strictly handled through Mastery Points and Marks of Mastery.

Can I get an S grade if my team loses?

Yes. While winning gives you more Mastery Points, your individual grade (D- through S+) is purely performance-based. It is entirely possible to get an S+ in a losing effort if your stats are exceptional compared to other players on that champion.

How many Marks do I need for Level 10 and beyond?

Once you pass Level 10, the "Champion Title" is permanently unlocked, and each subsequent level requires 11,000 MP and 3 Marks of Mastery.

Disclaimer

Earning an S grade is a measure of statistical performance and does not always reflect the "correct" way to play to win a specific game (e.g., split-pushing for CS instead of joining a crucial teamfight). Do not jeopardize your team's victory solely to pad your stats for a mastery grade. This guide reflects the Mastery system mechanics as of March 2026.