Flex means a player or pick that can fill several roles, or, in League of Legends, the Ranked Flex queue, a separate ranked mode built for groups.
Context decides which one is meant, so the two senses are explained below.
Sense 1: flex as flexible
A flex player is comfortable in several roles or on several characters, and can fill whatever the team needs. A flex pick is a character that works in more than one role or lane.
- "I can flex to any role, just tell me what you need."
- "Pick a flex first so the enemy does not know where you go."
- "Flex players are great in team drafts."
- "I am a support main, but I can flex tank."
Being a flex helps in team games with drafts, because your pick reveals less to the opponent. Compare with a main or a one-trick, who commits to a single role or pick.
Sense 2: Flex queue in League of Legends
In League of Legends, Ranked Flex is a ranked 5v5 mode on Summoner's Rift, separate from Ranked Solo/Duo. Both queues require at least summoner level 30. The main difference is the party size: Flex lets you queue as a group of 1, 2, 3 or 5 players, while Solo/Duo allows only 1 or 2. (A party of 4 is not allowed in Flex.)
Flex has its own rank and its own matchmaking rating (MMR), separate from Solo/Duo, so your two ranks can differ.
- "Anyone want to play Flex tonight? We need a fifth."
- "I stay in Solo/Duo, but my friends queue Flex."
Many players treat Flex as the place to play ranked with friends or a team, and to practice team strategies, while Solo/Duo is seen as the main ranked ladder. Rules and queue details can change between seasons, so confirm them in the game client or Riot's support pages. For finding a partner, see the LoL duo guide and the comparison of solo queue and duo queue.
Finding a group for Flex
A five-stack or a smaller premade is the usual way to play Flex. If your friends are not online, apps like GameVerse show players online now for the same game and region, so you can message them and form a group.
Related terms
FAQ
What does flex mean in League of Legends?
It can mean the Ranked Flex queue (a ranked mode for groups of 1, 2, 3 or 5) or a player who can fill several roles.
Can I play Flex solo?
Yes. A party of 1 is allowed in Ranked Flex, though you may be matched with premade groups.
Is Flex rank the same as Solo/Duo rank?
No. They are separate ladders with separate ranks and separate hidden ratings.
What is a flex pick?
A character that can be played in more than one role, which hides your lane or role from the enemy team during draft.