Riot Games to Launch 'League of Legends Classic,' a Nostalgic Gameplay Experience Reviving Early LoL for Modern Players on July 30 (Japan Time)

Riot Games, Inc. (USA), through its Japanese subsidiary, Kabushiki Kaisha Riot Games (Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo), announces the implementation of 'League of Legends Classic' (hereinafter 'League Classic'), a new gameplay experience that revives the early days of League of Legends tailored for modern players, launching on July 30 (Thursday) Japan time.

About League of Legends Classic

League Classic offers a fresh gameplay experience that recreates the atmosphere of early LoL, with select systems adjusted for today’s players.

While based on the 2013 Season 3 era, League Classic does not replicate a specific patch exactly. Instead, it brings together popular elements from LoL’s early years. Players will encounter classic runes, masteries, items, summoner spells, 60 classic champions with pre-rework skill sets, and a faithfully recreated Summoner’s Rift.

Over the years, LoL has evolved into a highly complex game with richer champion lore, more diverse skill expressions, and enhanced mobility. In League Classic, combat pacing returns closer to its earlier form, making champion strengths and weaknesses more distinct and emphasizing strategic decision-making.

Additionally, the League Classic map has been visually enhanced with improved lighting, shadows, and textures to boost gameplay clarity. Special attention has been paid to ensuring players can easily assess the battlefield, even during intense fights, by prioritizing visual clarity.

Executive Producer Paul Bellezza’s Comment

"League Classic holds a special place for us. We’ve long heard your requests, and truthfully, many of us at Riot also miss the feel of LoL from that era. It’s incredibly nostalgic. But we’re not simply recreating the past. We aim to deliver what you’ve asked for while also offering a fresh experience. At its core, League Classic is a celebration of LoL’s roots. We want both long-time players and those returning after a break to feel that sense of nostalgia."

Queues and Progression

At launch, League Classic will offer one PvP Draft Queue, AI matches, and custom games.

'Classic Level' is a free progression track accessible to all players.

By playing League Classic matches, players can level up, unlocking runes, masteries, IP, BE, and various customization items as they progress.

Reaching Classic Level 10 begins the 'Summoner’s Journey,' progressing from 'Salt' to 'Legend.'

Like account level, Classic Level is a one-time progression system.

Champions

At launch, 60 champions will be available: the original 40 plus 20 released between 2009 and 2013. More champions will be added post-launch.

Players who already own these champions can use them immediately in League Classic. Others can unlock classic champions via Classic Level or the in-game shop.

Each champion’s base model features a classic ink-style outline. For some champions, visual effects, animations, and sounds have been updated to match the classic skill kits.

Items, Runes & Masteries

League Classic revives iconic classic items and nostalgic build combinations.

Previous runes and masteries return, but with a simpler and faster unlock system. Players unlock runes, masteries, and additional rune pages by playing and leveling up their Classic Level.

To ensure fair play during progression, default runes and masteries are provided.

Passes, Skins, and Portraits

League Classic introduces the 'Season Classic Pass,' offering both free and paid tracks similar to a battle pass. Players can earn rewards including IP, BE, rune pages, emotes, titles, Classic Skins, and Portraits.

Classic Skins recreate the nostalgic looks of champions as they appeared between 2009 and 2013.

Classic Skins can be unlocked using 'Classic Skin Tokens,' available via the Season Pass or in-game shop. All Classic Skins require tokens for unlocking. Classic Chromas for Classic Skins are also introduced.

At launch, many existing skins will be usable, with plans to expand skin compatibility in the future.

A new customization item, 'Portrait,' allows players to change the splash art style on the loading screen. Options include playful doodle-style and champion-themed designs.

Portraits rotate during loading screens, making collection and showcasing favorites part of the experience.

Note: Portraits, Classic Skins, and Classic Chromas are only usable within League Classic.

Council

With the launch of League Classic, a new system called 'Council' will debut. This is a community voting system that allows players to participate in future development decisions.

While the development team retains control over game health and balance, players can influence decisions such as which champions to add next, which skins to create, and specific gameplay changes.

Players access Council through Classic Level and gain voting power through gameplay. The more a player engages with League Classic, the greater their influence in the Council.

For further details, please visit the official website.

https://www.leagueoflegends.com/ja-jp/classic/

◆About Riot Games

Founded in 2006, Riot Games aims to be the most player-focused company in gaming, delivering development, publishing, and player support. Its debut title, League of Legends, released in 2009, quickly became one of the world’s most played