IGL stands for in-game leader: the player who makes a team's strategic calls during a match, such as where to go, when to fight and when to save.
The IGL is not always the best shooter. Their job is to turn five individual players into one plan, so they often play a support role and sacrifice personal stats for the team's result. The term is most common in tactical shooters, but it applies to any team game with real-time decisions.
How players use it
- "Who is IGL tonight? I called last time and my aim fell off."
- "Our IGL keeps changing the default after every lost round."
- "LF IGL for a competitive five-stack, we have the aimers."
- "IGL says rotate B, everyone listen."
What an IGL actually does
- Picks the game plan for the round or the map: default setups, executes, fakes.
- Reads the opponent's habits and adapts mid-match.
- Manages the economy in games that have one, for example what to buy and when to save.
- Keeps comms short and clear so information is not drowned out. See comms.
- Calms the team after a bad round and keeps everyone focused on the next one.
Where you see the role
The role is strongest in games where a team shares a round-based objective, such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant and Rainbow Six Siege. In a random solo queue it is rarely assigned, which is one reason a coordinated premade beats a team of strangers. If you want to practice leading, start by calling one simple thing per round and build from there.
You can also look for teammates who want a leader or want to be one: find players online now for your game and region, and say in your first message that you are looking for an IGL.
Related terms
FAQ
What is the difference between an IGL and a captain?
A captain is usually an organizational title: who represents the team, handles scheduling and rosters. An IGL is the in-match decision maker. On many teams the same person does both, but they do not have to.
Does the IGL have to be the best player?
No. Strong game knowledge, calm communication and good decision making matter more than raw aim. Many teams deliberately give the role to a player whose mechanics are not the highest.
Can you be an IGL in solo queue?
You can call plans in solo queue, but strangers may not follow them. Short, polite, specific calls work better than long instructions, and a team that already knows each other follows them far more reliably.