The top four teams by the end of the regular season took part in the playoffs.
A total of 10 teams will contest the league, including 9 sides from Apertura 2011 and Clausura 2012 and one promoted from the 2011–12 Segunda División.
Vista Hermosa were relegated to 2012–13 Segunda División the previous season.
Santa Tecla won the Clausura 2012 title, this led to take part of the promotion playoffs alone the Apertura 2011 champions side Titán.
Luis Ángel Firpo A.D. Isidro Metapán Once Municipal Santa Tecla F.C.