Riot Games has unveiled League of Legends Classic, a new iteration of its popular MOBA designed to evoke nostalgia for the game's early days. This initiative represents the most significant change to League of Legends in over a decade, blending the gameplay of its formative years with select modern system enhancements. The developer stated that League of Legends has evolved considerably, boasting more intricate champion abilities, diverse playstyles, and increased mobility over time. League Classic, however, aims to restore a more deliberate combat pace and accentuate champions' distinct strengths and weaknesses, thereby promoting more strategic decision-making.
The objective is to provide a "greatest hits" compilation from League's early history rather than a strict recreation of a single point in time. League Classic will feature the original Summoner's Rift map, an initial roster of 60 champions, and classic items, runes, and masteries. While more champions will be introduced post-launch, Classic will not include every champion released up to the present day. The map itself has received targeted updates to lighting, textures, and shadows to improve visual clarity during gameplay.
Runes and Masteries will be unlockable through gameplay in Classic, with a significantly accelerated progression compared to the original system. All players will begin with access to default Rune and Mastery pages. Modern conveniences such as updated matchmaking, improved server infrastructure, performance enhancements, modern ping systems, spell buffering, and optional WASD controls are also included.
Riot Games intends to issue regular balance updates for League of Legends Classic, maintaining a distinct balance philosophy focused on preserving the mode's unique identity. Furthermore, a new community voting system, dubbed "The Council," will be implemented to guide Classic's future development. This system will allow players to vote on future additions like new champions, skins tailored for Classic, and even gameplay adjustments, with a player's "Classic Level" granting a more influential voice.
League of Legends Classic will launch on July 29 alongside Patch 26.15. At its debut, the game will support a single PvP draft queue, Co-op vs AI, and custom games. Players can progress through "Classic Levels," a free progression track that rewards players with Runes, Masteries, In-game currency (IP and BE), and various cosmetic items by playing games. Upon reaching Classic Level 10, players will embark on a "Summoner's Journey," moving through different tiers of progression.
The initial champion roster includes 60 characters, comprising the original 40 alongside 20 champions released between 2009 and 2013. Players who already own these champions will have immediate access to them in League Classic. Otherwise, champions can be unlocked via the Classic Level progression or through the in-game shop. Each champion's base model has been updated with classic inking outlines, and some have received visual effects, animation, and sound adjustments to align with their Classic kits.
Many iconic classic items and build combinations are set to return, with an emphasis on memorable past strategies. The old Runes and Masteries system is also making a comeback, albeit with a streamlined and faster unlock process through gameplay and Classic Level progression. Default Rune and Mastery pages will be provided to ensure a more equitable starting point while players unlock additional options.
League Classic will also feature Seasonal Classic Passes, which operate similarly to Battle Passes, offering both free and premium tracks with rewards such as IP, BE, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, and unique Classic Skins and Portraits. These Classic Skins are designed to replicate the appearance of champions during the 2009-2013 era.
Executive producer Paul Bellezza expressed that League Classic holds personal significance for the development team, acknowledging years of player requests and a shared longing for the early League experience. He emphasized that the goal is not a precise one-to-one recreation but rather to satisfy that nostalgic desire while introducing fresh elements, ultimately honoring the game's origins and welcoming back both long-time and returning players.