Riot Games will launch League of Legends Classic on July 29, 2026, with Patch 26.15. The mode brings back a Season 3-style Summoner’s Rift, using pre-rework champion kits, old runes and masteries, and classic items. It’s built into the standard client, so no separate download is needed.
What’s Included at Launch
League Classic launches with 60 champions using their pre-rework kits, plus old-school runes, masteries, and item combinations from the era. A Summoner’s Journey system tracks progression, alongside Seasonal Classic Passes with free and paid tracks.
Classic skins restore the look of champions from 2009 to 2013. Riot is also adding Portraits, a new loading-screen cosmetic, and Classic Chromas. A separate limited-time mode, ARAM Mayhem Classic-ish, offers a themed ARAM experience tied to the roster.
The 60-Champion Roster
The roster combines the original 40 League of Legends champions with 20 more added between 2009 and 2013, including Ahri, Alistar, Ashe, Blitzcrank, Garen, Katarina, Kassadin, Lee Sin, Morgana, Teemo, Tryndamere, and Warwick. Most use older kits, though Malphite and Morgana are close to their current versions. Some champions receive updated visuals or audio to match their classic kits.
Gameplay Changes
League Classic slows the pace down. Scaling is slower, trades are more deliberate, and mana costs matter more, making out-of-mana moments common again. Pushing a lane opponent out now carries a real gold advantage, and fed carries can take over games solo more easily.
Jungle camps are smaller with old wraiths and buffs, camp damage is more serious, and respawn timers are faster. The map also got updated lighting, shadows, and textures.
Runes, Masteries, and Progression
Runes start at Tier 3 immediately and unlock through a pass-style system instead of a grind. Players begin with three Rune Pages, with two more opening as they level up in Classic mode; extra pages can be bought with IP. Mastery pages fully unlock at Classic Level 4, and reaching Classic Level 10 opens the Summoner’s Journey.
Ranked play runs from Salt to Legend, and role selection happens before the match starts based on preference.
The Council and Passes
The Council is a new voting system letting players help decide future champions, skins, and gameplay changes for the mode. Seasonal Classic Passes reward IP, BE, rune pages, emotes, titles, and classic skins, which can be unlocked with tokens from the pass or bought directly.
What Players Should Expect
Returning players will notice the slower pace, smaller champion pool, and older build paths. Newer players may see unusual picks like AP Master Yi, high Kassadin ban rates, and off-role strategies such as Sion mid or Alistar top. Jungle camps will also feel tougher, and Wriggle’s Lantern returns for sustain.
Riot hasn’t confirmed champions beyond the initial 60 but says more from the early era will follow, with The Council helping decide what comes next.
