Riot Games is taking League of Legends players back to the early days of the iconic MOBA with League of Legends Classic, a new gameplay experience launching in Patch 26.15 on July 29, 2026.
Announced as part of Season 3 this year, League of Legends Classic is designed to recreate the feel of early League while introducing select modern improvements. Rather than serving as a perfect recreation of a single historical patch, the experience brings together some of the most memorable elements from the game’s early years.
League of Legends Classic Recreates the Early Summoner’s Rift Experience
League of Legends Classic is anchored around the feel of 2013’s Season 3, taking players back to an era defined by the original Summoner’s Rift, iconic items, old-school Runes and Masteries, and champions with sharper strengths and weaknesses.
The mode will feature a recreation of the classic Summoner’s Rift map, with the development team also updating lighting, textures, and shadows to improve gameplay clarity without losing the look and atmosphere of the original experience.
Riot says the combat pacing in League Classic will be closer to early League of Legends. Compared to the modern game, champions will have more distinct strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to think more carefully about positioning, matchups, and strategic decision-making.
60 Classic Champions Will Be Available at Launch
League of Legends Classic will launch with 60 champions, combining the original 40 champions with 20 additional characters released between 2009 and 2013.
Many of the champions will feature pre-rework kits, bringing back abilities and playstyles that longtime players may remember from League’s early years.
More champions are expected to be added after launch.
Players who already own the supported champions will have immediate access to them in League Classic. Other players can unlock Classic champions through the new progression system or purchase them from the Shop.
The champion models will also feature old-school inking outlines. Riot has additionally updated certain visual effects, animations, and sound elements to better match their Classic kits.
Old Runes, Masteries, and Iconic Items Return
One of the biggest draws of League of Legends Classic is the return of classic builds and customization systems.
Many iconic items and memorable item combinations will make their way into the experience, giving players the chance to revisit some of the most recognizable strategies from early League.
The old Runes and Masteries systems are also returning, although Riot is introducing a faster and simpler unlock system. Players can unlock additional Runes, Masteries, and Rune Pages by playing League Classic and increasing their Classic Level.
To help create a more even starting point, default Runes and Masteries will be available to players from the beginning.
League Classic Introduces a New Progression System
League of Legends Classic will feature Classic Levels, a free progression track available to all players.
Playing matches and increasing Classic Level will allow players to earn rewards including Runes, Masteries, Influence Points, Blue Essence, and various cosmetics.
Once players reach Classic Level 10, they will begin their Summoner’s Journey, progressing through a ranking path that moves from Salt to Legend.
Classic Levels function as a one-time progression system similar to traditional account levels.
Classic Passes and Exclusive Cosmetics Add More Rewards
League Classic will also introduce Seasonal Classic Passes, offering both free and paid progression tracks.
Players can earn a range of rewards through the passes, including IP, BE, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, Classic Skins, and Portraits.
Classic Skins are designed to bring back the iconic appearance of champions from the 2009–2013 era. These skins can be unlocked using Classic Skin Tokens, which can be earned through the Seasonal Pass or purchased from the Shop.
Classic Skin Tokens can be used to unlock any Classic Skin, while Classic Chromas will also be available for players looking to further customize their favorite looks.
The mode will also feature Portraits, new cosmetic items that offer alternate loading screen artwork. Designs will range from playful doodles to creative reinterpretations of League champions.
Portraits will rotate in the loading screen, giving players another way to show off their collections.
Notably, Classic Skins, Classic Chromas, and Portraits will be exclusive to League Classic.
The Council Lets Players Influence League Classic’s Future
Perhaps the most interesting addition is The Council, a new community voting system that allows League Classic players to influence certain future development decisions.
Riot will continue to oversee game health and balance, but players will be able to vote on topics such as which champions should be added next, what Classic Skins should be created, and certain gameplay changes.
Players will gain access to The Council through Classic Level progression. Additional voting power can also be unlocked through gameplay, giving more active League Classic players a greater voice in the system.
Riot Says League Classic Is About Honoring League’s Roots
Executive Producer Paul Bellezza explained that League Classic is designed to capture the nostalgia of early League without simply copying the past.
“League Classic is personal for us. You’ve been asking for this for years, and honestly, a lot of us at Riot have missed that early League feeling too. There’s real nostalgia there. We’re not going for a one-to-one recreation of the old times. We want League Classic to scratch that itch while still bringing something new to the table. At its core, this is about honoring League’s roots. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re coming back after years away, we want this to feel like home.”
League of Legends Classic Launches July 29
At launch, League of Legends Classic will support a PvP Draft queue, Co-op vs. AI, and custom games.
With its classic champion roster, early Summoner’s Rift map, iconic items, returning Runes and Masteries, and community-driven features, League Classic is shaping up to be a major nostalgia trip for longtime League players.
League of Legends Classic officially launches with Patch 26.15 on July 29, 2026.
