A massive surprise emerged at the end of the MPL ID Season 16 Regular Season when RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the organization’s history. Losses in crucial matches and a final 2–1 result against Natus Vincere were not enough to lift their standings into the top six. This shocking outcome came despite RRQ showing promising form in the mid-season before their performance dropped drastically during the decisive final weeks.

The result came as a heavy blow to the Kingdom—RRQ’s loyal fanbase—who had always been used to seeing their favorite team reach the playoffs and often finish among the top three. The fact that RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs marked a significant shift in MPL ID’s power dynamic, as newer teams like NaVi and Alter Ego successfully seized the momentum that once belonged to the Kings.

This failure sparked massive evaluations from all sides—analysts, former players, and fans—who questioned RRQ’s management decisions and strategic direction throughout the season. Many pointed out various factors behind the collapse, from excessive lineup experimentation to the players’ faltering mentality under pressure.

Despite all the controversy, RRQ has remained one of the most talked-about teams in MPL ID. Yet this season has served as a stark reminder that even the strongest dynasties can fall when they lose their identity and stability. Here are three reasons why RRQ failed to qualify for the MPL ID Season 16 playoffs.

1. Constant Jungler Rotation

One of the biggest reasons RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs was their decision to constantly rotate junglers throughout the season. Within just one split, RRQ fielded three different players in this vital role—Zunes, Ferxiic, and Sutsujin. Instead of finding the right formula, these frequent changes only disrupted the team’s rhythm and overall strategic clarity.

Zunes drew the first spotlight. The rookie, who had barely gained MDL experience, was suddenly thrust into MPL action without proper adaptation time. While his potential was undeniable, the pressure of Indonesia’s highest esports stage was overwhelming. Zunes often looked hesitant and failed to control the game’s tempo like top-tier junglers.

Ferxiic, who was expected to bring veteran experience, also failed to meet expectations. After sitting out for two seasons, he appeared to struggle with MPL’s faster and more aggressive meta. Ironically, the most consistent jungler—Sutsujin—was rarely given playtime. Fans questioned this decision, as RRQ often looked calmer and more composed in objective control whenever Sutsujin was on the field.

2. Lost Chemistry Between Rinz and Idok

Another key reason RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs was the fading chemistry between Rinz and Idok. In previous seasons, this Mid–Roamer duo had been the backbone of RRQ’s aggressive playstyle, but over time, their synergy seemed to crumble. Once the connection broke down, RRQ’s mid-to-bot coordination—and consequently, their entire game plan—fell apart.

Rinz, known for his explosive midlane plays, no longer had the same freedom of movement. His positioning was often off due to miscommunication with Idok. Meanwhile, Idok—expected to serve as the team’s main shot-caller—struggled to maintain tempo and structure during high-pressure moments. As a result, RRQ frequently looked disorganized during mid-game transitions, unable to close out matches efficiently.

When these two underperformed, the team’s core strength vanished. The Rinz–Idok connection had previously bridged the EXP, Gold, and Jungle lanes, but in Season 16, that link was severed. Initiations were either delayed or overlapped, costing RRQ crucial moments that could have swung games in their favor. This loss of chemistry became one of the defining reasons RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs.

3. Mental Collapse Under Pressure

The final and perhaps most critical factor was the team’s mental state. The enormous pressure from fans’ expectations and constant social media criticism proved too heavy for the players to bear. Each time RRQ lost, waves of harsh comments flooded the players’ accounts, and over time, this clearly affected their confidence and focus.

Several players visibly lost composure during key matches, especially toward the end of the season. Even small mistakes in the early game spiraled into major setbacks, affecting the team’s overall coordination. Instead of staying composed, RRQ often looked shaken in high-stakes situations—something rarely seen during their glory years.

This mental breakdown worsened as external pressure intensified. Analysts suggested that RRQ had become too obsessed with the idea of “must win,” despite the fact that their roster was still in a rebuilding phase. The mix of young talents and veterans never found emotional balance, and the result was clear: RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in MPL ID history.

This failure did not mark the end of RRQ’s journey but served as a powerful lesson in rebuilding their identity from the ground up. A team of RRQ’s stature is certain to learn from these mistakes and come back stronger next season. Still, it cannot be denied that RRQ failed to qualify for the playoffs in MPL ID Season 16 will forever be remembered as a turning point—the moment when the King finally realized that dominance without direction cannot last forever.