League of Legends Classic champions are making a long-awaited return as Riot Games officially brings back the feel of the early build.
Launching as part of Patch 26.15, the nostalgic game mode recreates the classic experience with the original Summoner’s Rift, old-school champion kits, iconic items, Runes and Masteries, while adding a handful of modern quality-of-life improvements for today’s players.
Rather than recreating a single point in the game’s history, League Classic takes inspiration from League of Legends’ early years, primarily Season 3 in 2013.
It combines fan-favorite mechanics, champions, and gameplay systems from that era into a standalone experience designed for both veteran players looking to relive the past and newcomers curious about how League once played.
League of Legends Classic release date
League Classic arrives on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as part of Patch 26.15.
What is League of Legends Classic
While the experience is rooted in Season 3, Riot says League Classic is not intended to be an exact recreation of one specific patch.
Instead, it blends some of the most memorable features from the game’s early years, including the classic Summoner’s Rift map, pre-rework champion kits, original Runes and Masteries, and a slower-paced style of combat that emphasizes strategic decision-making.
The recreated map also includes visual improvements to lighting, textures, and shadows, helping preserve the nostalgic look while improving gameplay clarity for modern displays.
Executive Producer Paul Bellezza said the project was inspired by years of community requests as well as Riot’s own nostalgia for early League.
“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,” Paul said.
“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.”
Full list of League of Legends Classic champions
| LEAGUE OF LEGENDS CLASSIC CHAMPIONS (A-J) | LEAGUE OF LEGENDS CLASSIC CHAMPIONS (J-P) | LEAGUE OF LEGENDS CLASSIC CHAMPIONS (R-Z) |
| Ahri | Jax | Rammus |
| Alistar | Karthus | Ryze |
| Amumu | Kassadin | Shaco |
| Andropivia | Katarina | Singed |
| Annie | Kayle | Sion |
| Ashe | Kog’Maw | Sivir |
| Blitzcrank | Lee Sin | Skarner |
| Brand | Leona | Sona |
| Cho’Gath | Lulu | Soraka |
| Corki | Lux | Taric |
| Dr. Mundo | Malphite | Teemo |
| Evelynn | Malzahar | Tristana |
| Ezreal | Master Yi | Tryndamere |
| Fiddlesticks | Miss Fortune | Twisted Fate |
| Gangplank | Morgana | Twitch |
| Garen | Nasus | Vayne |
| Gragas | Nidalee | Veigar |
| Heimerdinger | Nunu & Willump | Warwick |
| Janna | Olaf | Wukong |
| Jarvan IV | Pantheon | Zilean |
The mode launches with 60 League of Legends Classic champions, consisting of the original 40 champions alongside 20 additional champions released between 2009 and 2013.
Riot has also confirmed that more League of Legends Classic champions will be added after launch through future updates.
Players who already own these champions in League of Legends will immediately have access to them in League Classic. Those who do not can unlock additional League of Legends Classic champions by progressing through the Classic Level system or purchasing them from the in-game Shop.
Many of the returning champions feature their original abilities before major reworks, while their base models have been refreshed with the signature inked outlines of early League. Select champions have also received visual effects, animation, and sound updates to better match their classic kits without losing their nostalgic identity.
Progression and game modes
At launch, League Classic supports a single PvP Draft queue alongside Co-op vs AI and Custom Games.
The mode introduces Classic Levels, a free progression system available to every player. By playing League Classic, players earn experience to increase their Classic Level and unlock rewards including Runes, Masteries, Blue Essence (BE), Influence Points (IP), cosmetics, and additional content.
Upon reaching Classic Level 10, players begin their Summoner’s Journey, progressing through ranks ranging from Salt to Legend. Riot describes Classic Levels as a one-time progression system similar to standard account levels.
Classic items, runes and masteries return
One of the biggest draws of League Classic is the return of many iconic item builds that defined early League of Legends.
Classic Runes and Masteries are also making a comeback, although Riot has streamlined the unlock process. Players can unlock additional Rune Pages, Runes, and Masteries simply by playing League Classic and increasing their Classic Level.
To ensure new players remain competitive while progressing, default Rune and Mastery pages will be available from the start.
Classic skins, passes, and portraits
League Classic introduces its own Seasonal Classic Pass, featuring both free and premium reward tracks. Players can earn rewards such as IP, BE, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, Classic Skin Tokens, and exclusive cosmetics throughout each season.
Classic Skins recreate the appearance of champions as they looked between 2009 and 2013. These can be unlocked using Classic Skin Tokens earned through the Seasonal Pass or purchased from the Shop. Riot will also release Classic Chromas designed specifically for these skins.
Many existing skins will also be usable in League Classic at launch, with support expanding over time.
The update also introduces Portraits, a new cosmetic type that changes a champion’s loading screen splash art. Portraits range from playful doodles to fresh reinterpretations of classic champions and rotate during loading screens, allowing players to showcase their favorites. Portraits, Classic Skins, and Classic Chromas are exclusive to League Classic.
The Council lets players shape League Classic
Riot is also introducing The Council, a new community voting system that gives players a direct voice in the future of League Classic.
While the development team will continue handling game balance and overall health, players will be able to vote on future additions such as which League of Legends Classic champions should join next, upcoming Classic skins, and select gameplay changes.
Access to The Council is unlocked through Classic Levels, with players earning additional voting power by continuing to play League Classic, rewarding those who remain actively invested in the mode.
