Riot Games has officially revealed League of Legends Classic, a new mode that brings back a collection of beloved features from the game's past. This "greatest hits" version is set to launch on July 29 as part of Patch 26.15. The announcement was made during the MSI 2026 Finals for LoL Esports, which also featured an exhibition match showcasing the new mode.
League of Legends Classic will be integrated directly into the existing Riot Client. While not a complete reversion to the game's original 1.0 state, it will incorporate many classic elements. Executive Producer Paul Bellezza explained that the concept originated during a Riot Games hackathon, where developers built a prototype based on the game's Season 3 era (2012-2013).
The mode will launch with the original 40 champions, supplemented by an additional 20 "classic" champions. Players can expect the return of older champion select methods, classic rune systems, and the offense, defense, and utility skill trees for the mastery system. Bellezza clarified that the mode is intended to be a "greatest hits of League" from around Season 3, rather than a strict replica of any single past version.
This release follows a trend of live-service games offering throwback modes or re-releases of earlier versions. Notable examples include World of Warcraft Classic, Fortnite OG, EverQuest Legends, and Overwatch: Classic, indicating a player appetite for revisiting nostalgic elements of long-running titles.
League of Legends Classic will become available to play at 8 a.m. PDT on July 29.