League Classic rewinds the clock to the early days of League of Legends, featuring old-school items, classic champions, and pre-rework champ kits for a dose of nostalgia. This includes a time when Gangplank (or Bankplank) could generate insane cash, and off-meta picks like AP Master Yi, AP Sion, and AD Alistar dominated the Rift.
Here’s everything you need to know about League Classic, including how to access the mode in-client, unlock champions, use Runes and Masteries, progress through Classic Levels, and earn rewards.
What is League Classic in League of Legends?
League Classic is a featured game mode in League of Legends. Released on July 29, 2026, alongside Patch 26.15, it serves as a “greatest hits” compilation of the game’s early era.
Since the mode is anchored around Season 3, you can experience older iterations of champions, items, Rune and Mastery systems, gameplay mechanics, and pre-rework champ kits. It is even played on an early version of Summoner’s Rift, complete with legacy jungle camps like Wraiths and the Elder Lizard.
League Classic is significantly slower and less forgiving than modern League. Champions have less mobility, stuns are plentiful, and abilities cost more mana and deal massive damage. The absence of turret plates and the delayed availability of Homeguard also mean towers fall more easily and early deaths are more punishing.
Ft. Riot Games
How many champions are in League Classic?
League Classic launched with 63 champions, including the original roster of 40 champs plus 23 hand-picked characters released between 2009 and 2013 with pre-rework kits. The current lineup includes:
| Ahri | Akali | Alistar | Amumu | Anivia | Annie | Ashe |
| Blitzcrank | Brand | Cho’Gath | Corki | Dr. Mundo | Evelynn | Ezreal |
| Fiddlesticks | Gangplank | Garen | Gragas | Heimerdinger | Janna | Jarvan IV |
| Jax | Karthus | Kassadin | Katarina | Kayle | Kennen | Kog’Maw |
| Lee Sin | Leona | Lulu | Lux | Malphite | Malzahar | Master Yi |
| Miss Fortune | Morgana | Nasus | Nidalee | Nunu | Olaf | Pantheon |
| Rammus | Ryze | Shaco | Singed | Shen | Sion | Sivir |
| Skarner | Sona | Soraka | Taric | Teemo | Tristana | Tryndamere |
| Twisted Fate | Twitch | Vayne | Veigar | Warwick | Wukong | Zilean |
Notably, a Riot dev blog posted on July 14 confirmed that more champions from the same time period would be added in future patches. Akali, Kennen, and Shen were the first ‘new’ champions added as part of the August 12 patch. Additionally, Riot also explained that the smaller League Classic champion roster was intended to make the mode easier for returning players to approach.
How to unlock champions in League Classic
Except for champions you already own or those in the free rotation, League Classic champions must be unlocked, either (i) through your Classic Level or (ii) by purchasing them directly from the Classic Store with Riot Points or Blue Essence. A limited free champion rotation is also available, refreshing every Tuesday.
Ft. Riot Games
How to access League Classic in the game client
You can access League Classic directly from the League of Legends game client. There’s no separate installer or launcher. To play the mode, simply follow these steps:
- Launch League of Legends from the Riot Client.
- On the main screen, click on Classic in the top-left corner.
- From the Classic homepage, choose a game mode:
- Classic 5v5 (Normal Draft) – Play against other players.
- Co-op vs. AI – Team up against bots.
- Custom game – Create or join a private lobby.
Ft. Riot Games
- If you select Classic 5v5, either:
- Check the “Any position” box to allow matchmaking to assign you any available role, or
- Set your preferred role by dragging and dropping your position in order of preference before entering the matchmaking queue. Your preferred position is not guaranteed.
- Click on Find Match to search for a game.
- Once a match is found, ban and select a champion.
- Prepare your loadout by selecting your Summoner Spells, Rune Page, and Mastery Page.
- Head to the Rift to defend your team’s Nexus!
Ft. Riot Games
How do Runes and Masteries work in League Classic?
League Classic brings back separate Rune and Mastery systems. These can be configured beforehand and selected as saved pages during Champion Select. They can affect everything from starting stats and damage output to your preferred items and playstyle.
Runes
Runes are special enchantments that provide your champion with passive stat bonuses immediately after the match begins.
There are four types of Runes in League Classic: Marks, Seals, Glyphs, and Quintessences, unlocking at Classic Levels 4, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. League Classic does not include weaker Tier 1 or Tier 2 Runes, as every Rune uses its former Tier 3 strength as a baseline.
There are different methods to unlock Runes in League Classic, including (i) clearing Classic Missions, (ii) reaching specific Classic Levels, (iii) progressing the Classic Pass, or (iv) purchasing from the Classic Store using Influence Points (IP).
Ft. Riot Games
Initially, you’ll start with three Rune Pages, but extra pages can be purchased for 1,500 IP through the Classic Store or with Classic Pass Coins in the Classic Pass. They can also be earned through the Classic Level rewards track. Empty Rune slots provide default bonuses, so you won’t be without bonuses if you haven’t equipped any or unlocked them yet.
This table shows all the Rune unlock levels, costs, and equip limits:
| Rune Slot | Classic Level Requirement | Individual Cost | Equip Limit |
| Mark | 4 | 500–650 IP | 9 |
| Seal | 6 | 500–650 IP | 9 |
| Glyph | 7 | 500–650 IP | 9 |
| Quintessence | 8 | 1,250–1,500 IP | 3 |
Ft. Riot Games
Masteries
Masteries offer additional bonuses through branching trees, allowing you to customize your setup around damage, survivability, utility, or a combination of different strengths. Unlike Runes, Masteries are completely free and do not have to be purchased from the Classic Store.
You will unlock Mastery Pages when you reach Classic Level 3 and will have access to all 30 Mastery Points by Classic Level 4. Once unlocked, you can create different pages for specific champions, roles, and matchups before selecting the page during Champion Select.
It’s worth noting that League Classic provides default Rune and Mastery Pages. These are automatically used if you haven’t yet created or selected a custom setup, though we highly recommend using an optimized page for your chosen champion.
Ft. Riot Games
How does progression work in League Classic?
League Classic has a leveling system separate from your Summoner Account level.
Everyone begins at Classic Level 0 and can progress to the maximum of Level 30 for free. To level up, you’ll have to earn Classic XP by playing matches and completing Classic Missions.
Daily Missions
Daily Missions are the same every day: Win a match of League Classic (any matchmade game counts) to receive 500 Influence Points, 20 Classic Pass Coins, and 100 Classic XP. These can be completed once per day and reset daily at 11 a.m. PT.
Weekly Missions
Weekly Missions typically require you to play matches using different champions and reset every Wednesday at 11 a.m. PT.
| Mission | Reward |
| Play 3/5/8 League matches as any champion from the League Classic roster | 300/300/400 Battle Pass XP(standard League Pass) |
| Play 3 League Classic games as different champions | 250 Blue Essence25 Classic Pass Coins100 Classic XP |
| Play 6 League Classic games as different champions | 750 Influence Points25 Classic Pass Coins100 Classic XP |
| Play 8 League and/or Teamfight Tactics games | 1,500 Influence Points20 Classic Pass Coins |
Single Missions
Single Missions are available when you start playing League Classic, but can only be completed once.
| Mission | Reward |
| Play a League Classic Co-op vs. AI match | 1,000 Blue Essence100 Classic XP |
| Play a League Classic Summoner’s Rift match | 500 Influence Points |
| Play 10 League Classic matches (1 of 3) | 750 Influence Points |
| Play 10 League Classic matches (2 of 3) | 750 Influence Points |
| Play 10 League Classic matches (3 of 3) | 1,500 Influence Points |
| Play a League Classic match | 40 Classic Pass Coins100 Classic XP |
Ft. Riot Games
All Classic Level rewards
Each Classic Level unlocks different features or rewards, including Mastery Pages, Rune slots, Rune Pages, Influence Points, Blue Essence, cosmetics, and Council voting power. Here’s an overview:
| Classic Level | Classic XP Required | Reward |
| 1 | 50 | League Classic Icon |
| 2 | 100 | 1,000 Blue Essence |
| 3 | 100 | Mastery Pages unlocked +500 Blue Essence |
| 4 | 100 | Mark Rune Slots unlocked + 2,500 Influence Points |
| 5 | 150 | The Council voting unlocked |
| 6 | 150 | Seal Rune Slots unlocked + 2,500 Influence Points |
| 7 | 150 | Glyph Rune Slots unlocked + 2,500 Influence Points |
| 8 | 200 | Quintessence Rune Slots unlocked + 5,000 Influence Points |
| 9 | 200 | 1,000 Blue Essence |
| 10 | 200 | Summoner’s Journey unlocked + 1,000 Influence Points |
| 11 | 250 | 2,500 Influence Points |
| 12 | 250 | 1,000 Blue Essence |
| 13 | 250 | 1 Rune Page |
| 14 | 300 | Chronokeeper Zilean Portrait |
| 15 | 300 | 1 Council Voting Power |
| 16 | 300 | 2,500 Influence Points |
| 17 | 400 | 1 Rune Page |
| 18 | 400 | 1,000 Blue Essence |
| 19 | 400 | Caution Singed Emote |
| 20 | 500 | 1 Rune Page |
| 21 | 500 | 2,500 Influence Points |
| 22 | 600 | Chrono Crazyed Zilean Doddle Portrait |
| 23 | 600 | 1,000 Blue Essence |
| 24 | 750 | Beware Baron Icon |
| 25 | 750 | 1 Council Voting Power |
| 26 | 1,000 | Pixel Perfect Ward |
| 27 | 1,000 | 2,500 Influence Points |
| 28 | 1,250 | 1,000 Blue Essence |
| 29 | 1,250 | Classic Player Title |
| 30 | 1,500 | RUSTIER Blitzcrank Classic Skin |
Note: Classic Level progression is permanent and does not reset when a new Classic Pass or Act begins.
Does League Classic have ranked?
No, League Classic does not have a traditional ranked queue. However, a progression system called Summoner’s Journey can be unlocked at Classic Level 10.
Once unlocked, you must play five placement games to determine your initial Emblem and division. There are seven Emblems, ranging from Salt (the lowest rank) to Legend (the highest rank). Except for Legend, every Emblem has four divisions (IV-I) that you’ll have to advance through before promotion.
Here’s a breakdown of all the Emblems and divisions in Summoner’s Journey:
- Salt (IV-I)
- Wood (IV-I)
- Silver (IV-I)
- Gold (IV-I)
- Platinum (IV-I)
- Diamond (IV-I)
- Legend
Ft. Riot Games
How does Summoner’s Journey progression work?
Progression through Summoner’s Journey in League Classic is governed by two systems:
- Seasonal Points (SP) – Your visible rank that functions similarly to League Points (LP). Every win earns you SP, while every loss reduces it.
- Matchmaking rating (MMR) – A hidden system that calculates your skill level to keep games fair and balanced.
Every Classic match you play contributes directly to your progress, including games where you’re assigned a less-preferred role. You’ll need 100 SP to advance to the next division or Emblem (if you’re already at Division I), but dropping below 0 SP will lead to a demotion.
Through the Aegis of Valor system, you can also get bonus SP for victories when you play your third, fourth, or fifth position choice, helping compensate for being autofilled:
- 3rd preferred position – 40% bonus SP
- 4th preferred position – 70% bonus SP
- 5th preferred position – 100% bonus SP
Ft. Riot Games
What is the League Classic Pass?
The Classic Pass is a seasonal reward system. It functions similarly to a Battle Pass and runs separately from the Classic Level progression track in League Classic.
Instead of earning XP, you will complete Classic Missions to collect Classic Pass Coins, which you can spend to unlock rewards across six tiers. The Classic Pass includes free rewards available to all players, plus additional content reserved for those who purchase the Premium Pass.
Some of the rewards available include Influence Points, Blue Essence, Runes, Rune Pages, Portraits, emotes, titles, skins, and other cosmetics. You can purchase content from any tier you’ve unlocked at any time using your Classic Pass Coins.
Here is all the content available through the League Classic Pass, including the cost of each reward:
| Tier | Available content | Cost(Classic Pass Coins) |
| 1 | 1 Random Permanent Champion Skin Shard(1,000 Blue Essence instead if you already own all champions) | 70 |
| Hearty Return Icon | 80 | |
| Premium Pass only:1 Random 1,350 RP Permanent Skin Shard(675 Orange Essence instead if you already own all available skins) | 100 | |
| Premium Pass only:1% Crit Chance Emote | 40 | |
| 2 | 500 Blue Essence | 40 |
| 1,000 Influence Points | 50 | |
| Shushei the Gragas Legend Emote | 60 | |
| Pizza Feet Player Title | 60 | |
| Premium Pass only:1 Random Permanent Ward Skin Shard(320 Orange Essence instead if you already own all available Ward skins) | 25 | |
| Premium Pass only:Season 3 Act I Ahri Portrait | 40 | |
| Premium Pass only:Tons of Damage Emote | 30 | |
| 3 | 1,000 Blue Essence | 75 |
| 1 Classic Rune Page | 40 | |
| 3 Random Classic Runes(500 Influence Points instead if you already own all available Runes) | 55 | |
| 1 Random Permanent Ward Skin Shard(320 Orange Essence instead if you already own all available Ward skins) | 45 | |
| Premium Pass only:1 Council Vote | 25 | |
| Premium Pass only:2 Random Permanent Champion Shards(2,000 Blue Essence instead if you already own all champions) | 30 | |
| Premium Pass only:1,250 Influence Points | 40 | |
| 4 | League of Cleavers Icon | 60 |
| 1 Council Vote | 50 | |
| 1,250 Influence Points | 60 | |
| 1 Random Permanent Champion Shard(1,000 Blue Essence instead if you already own all champions) | 40 | |
| Premium Pass only:1 Classic Vayne Champion Icon | 50 | |
| Premium Pass only:Season 3 Act I Blitzcrank Portrait | 35 | |
| Premium Pass only:Reading Up Emote | 25 | |
| 5 | 600 Blue Essence | 45 |
| 1 Random 520–1,350 RP Permanent Skin Shard(576 Orange Essence instead if you already own all available skins) | 60 | |
| 3 Random Classic Runes(500 Influence Points instead if you already own all available Runes) | 50 | |
| Premium Pass only:Season 3 Act I Nidalee Foil Portrait | 50 | |
| Premium Pass only:Seeing Stars Emote | 35 | |
| Premium Pass only:Lollypoppy Icon | 25 | |
| Too Tanky Player Title | 60 | |
| 6 | 2,000 Influence Points | 100 |
| Premium Pass only:Magma Chamber Jax or Nightbringer Lee Sin Prestige Edition | 100 | |
| Premium Pass only:5 Random Classic Runes(500 Influence Points instead if you already own all available Runes) | 50 |
Note: Any unused Classic Pass Coins will expire at the end of the Classic Pass event.
Ft. Riot Games
League Classic FAQs
Confused about something related to League Classic? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is League Classic free?
Yes, League Classic is completely free to play via the League of Legends game client, but you can purchase optional Classic Pass rewards and cosmetics.
When did League Classic come out?
Riot publicly released League Classic alongside Patch 26.15 on July 29, 2026. The mode was also available earlier, on July 14, in the Public Beta Environment (PBE) server for playtesting.
Is League Classic permanent?
Riot hasn’t confirmed that League Classic will be permanent. However, the official patch roadmap suggests that Riot intends to support the mode with ongoing balance updates.
Can you play League Classic against bots?
Yes, League Classic includes a Co-op vs. AI mode that lets you play alongside other players against bots. Normal Draft and Custom Games are also available.
What is The Council in League Classic?
The Council is a community voting system that lets players influence which champions, skins, and features Riot prioritizes for League Classic. Voting unlocks at Classic Level 5, with additional voting power earned at Levels 15 and 25.
Always practice Responsible Gambling and check out our latest promo offers and boosts. T&Cs apply. 18+ to play.