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League of Legends Classic: Everything you need to know
League of Legends Classic takes players back to the early days of Summoner’s Rift. From the release date to champions and platforms, here’s everything you need to know about the nostalgic new mode.
League of Legends is turning back the clock. Much like World of Warcraft Classic, Riot Games is revisiting an earlier era of its hugely popular MOBA with League of Legends Classic. Inspired by the game as it was in 2013, the new mode brings back an old-school Summoner’s Rift alongside classic champion kits, forgotten item builds and plenty more from League’s past.
Here’s everything you need to know about League of Legends Classic, including its release, platforms, champions and game modes.
01
When does League of Legends Classic launch?
- Release: 29 July 2026
- Platforms: PC (Windows, macOS)
- Client: Riot Client / League of Legends
- Console or mobile: Not available
League of Legends Classic was released on July 29, 2026 alongside Patch 26.15. You don’t need a separate installation; the mode launches directly via the existing League of Legends client.
League of Legends Classic
© Riot Games
Important to know: Classic runs on the same platforms as the regular League of Legends, i.e. on Windows and macOS via the official Riot client. There are no plans for a mobile or console version of Classic. If you already have League of Legends installed, the new mode will simply appear as an additional option in your game selection.
02
What is League of Legends Classic?
- Developer: Riot Games
- Genre: MOBA
- Mode type: Permanent game mode within League of Legends
- Gameplay: Based on Season 3 (2013)
- Special feature: Old map, old items, old champion kits
League of Legends Classic is a new, permanent game mode within League of Legends. Riot has taken Season 3 from 2013 as its inspiration, but doesn't replicate any single patch exactly. Instead, the mode brings together the most popular elements from the early years of this MOBA and multiplayer veteran: old summoner spells, early items like Atma’s Impaler and Frost Hammer, and champion kits from before major overhauls.
60 champions are available at launch
© Riot Games
The pace is noticeably different from modern League. Champions have clearer strengths and weaknesses; projectiles and teleports are slower; abilities cost more mana but deal significantly more damage in return. So you’ll need to play more strategically than in the current game.
Over the years, LoL has evolved into a significantly more complex game with greater scope for skill expression, more diverse champion concepts and greater mobility, but it is precisely the fast-paced combat of the early years that League of Legends Classic is now bringing back.
03
Which champions are available in League of Legends Classic?
Whilst League of Legends now boasts an incredible roster of over 170 champions, Classic is much more focused. At launch, you’ll have 60 champions to choose from. Riot has combined the original 40 champions from the early years with 20 further, hand-picked champions released between 2009 and 2013. More champions from this era are set to follow gradually.
Get ready for the classic LoL experience
© Riot Games
The best bit is this: if you already own a champion on your regular account, you can use them straight away in Classic. If you don’t have them yet, you can unlock them via your Classic level or in the shop. As usual, there’s also a free champion rotation. If you’re not a fan of the modern League of Legends, you might be pleased to find out that Yasuo is completely banned in Classic.
Some champions have also received visual and technical adjustments to ensure their old ability sets match their current models. One example is Sion, who has since undergone a complete rework.
04
Map, items, runes and champions
The Classic map recreates the early version of the Summoner’s Rift. The layout is based on the game’s origins: it brings back River Spirits, buffs once again have their own guardians, and both deal slightly more damage than in the modern version. In return, they respawn much faster. However, the Classic map has been modernised: lighting, shadows and textures have been revamped for better visibility, particularly during fast-paced fights.
League of Legends Classic brings back the Summoner’s Rift
© Riot Games
Items: When it comes to items, almost all the classics from the early years are included, including Atmog’s builds, the complete Metagolem set-up and even the infamous Zz’Rot Portal.
Runes and Masteries work more simply than before. You can unlock both by playing, without having to upgrade them, as they start directly at the old Tier 3. At the start, you have three rune pages available; two more are unlocked via your Classic level, and you can purchase additional ones with experience points.
Classic introduces a new rune and mastery system
© Riot Games
From Classic Level 4 onwards, you’ll have all mastery pages and points fully unlocked. If you forget to set your runes and masteries before a match, you’ll automatically be assigned a default page and won’t be at a complete disadvantage.
05
What game modes does League of Legends Classic offer?
To begin with, Classic offers three different game modes:
- a PvP queue with alternating champion selection
- a co-op game against bots
- free games for your own rules and experiments
Riot has deliberately chosen not to position League of Legends Classic as a ranked grind, but rather as a casual mode for you and your group of friends. To ensure that champion selection doesn’t descend into arguments about roles again, Riot is introducing a position preference system. You specify your preferred roles in advance and the system will try to give you your first choice and avoid your last choice.
Ezreal firing a fluctuating wave of energy
© Riot Games
06
The progression system explained
League of Legends Classic features a reimagined progression system that allows you to unlock new items and more: Classic Levels are a one-off progression system, comparable to regular account levels. You level up simply by playing Classic matches, thereby unlocking Championships, Rune Pages, Experience Points, Blue Essence and cosmetic content, including the Rusty Blitzcrank skin.
The Summoner’s journey begins at Classic Tier 10. You’ll climb through several ranks, all the way up to Legend. According to Riot, only a single-digit percentage of players make it all the way to the top.
In addition to the one-off Classic Levels, Riot is introducing seasonal Classic Passes, similar to the familiar Battle Passes. These consist of a free and a paid track and grant additional rewards such as rune pages, stickers and titles, as well as exclusive Classic skins and Classic portraits. Classic skins give familiar champions their looks from 2009 to 2013 and can be unlocked using skin tokens from the pass or the shop.
07
The Council: How you can help shape the future of Classic
With the Council, Riot is creating a community voting system for the further development of League Classic. Through the Council, the community will have a say in which champions are added next, which skins Riot produces and what gameplay changes are on the horizon.
Players can now help to shape the future of Classic
© Riot Games
You can unlock access to the Council via your Classic level. The more you play, the more voting weight you gain. Riot retains control over fundamental balance and game state, but aims to determine the direction of Classic in collaboration with the players.
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