League Classic Guide: Release Date & Everything We Know

If you miss the champion kits, Summoner's Rift, Runes, and classic Items from early League of Legends, League of Legends Classic brings that era back. The mode officially launched on July 29, 2026 with Patch 26.15 and started with 60 champions. Riot has continued to add content and make balance changes since launch.

This League of Legends Classic guide covers the League Classic release date, current champion roster, latest patch changes, classic Runes and Items, and the main differences between League Classic and modern League.

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League of Legends Classic Overview

If you want a quick look at the basics of League of Legends Classic, start with the overview below:

League Classic Details

Current Information

Official Name

League of Legends Classic

Developer

Riot Games

Release Date

July 29, 2026

Launch Patch

Patch 26.15

Current Patch

Patch 26.17

Standalone Game

No. It is an official mode inside the League of Legends client

Platforms

PC / macOS through the existing League of Legends client

Genre

5v5 MOBA

Launch Champions

Currently Available Champions

63, with Akali, Kennen, and Shen added in Patch 26.16

Next Patch

Patch 26.18, scheduled for September 10, 2026

Free to Play

Yes. League Classic is free to play

What Is League of Legends Classic?

League of Legends Classic is an official mode from Riot Games that brings back the feel of early League of Legends. It mainly draws from the Season 3 era and restores older champion kits, classic Summoner's Rift, the old Rune system, Masteries, and Items that were later removed.

League of Legends Classic is not a standalone game. If you already have the League of Legends client installed and can log in with a Riot Account, you can access League Classic directly inside the client. There is no separate Classic client to download, and you do not need to buy the mode.

League Classic is also not a complete copy of one specific Season 3 Patch. Riot combines champion kits, Items, and game mechanics from different parts of early League. It is better described as an official Classic mode built around the gameplay of early League of Legends.

What Is the Difference Between League Classic and Modern League?

League Classic and modern League have the same basic objective. Both are 5v5 games where you farm, buy Items, destroy towers, fight for map objectives, and eventually destroy the enemy Nexus.

The actual gameplay feels quite different. League Classic is much closer to early League, with major differences in champion kits, mobility, resource management, Runes, Items, and Summoner Spells.

Comparison

League Classic

Modern League

Champion Kits

Uses many early champion kits. Champions often have clear strengths but also more obvious weaknesses, such as short range, limited mobility, or fewer defensive tools.

Many champions have received reworks or years of updates. Their kits often have more combos, mobility, and ways to stay safe.

Game Pace

The pace is closer to early League. Laning, recall timing, resource management, and choosing when to fight all matter. One bad decision can cost you a lot.

The overall pace is faster. Champions and modern systems give players more options, including more ways to recover after a mistake.

Mobility

Dashes and other mobility tools are less common. Many champions have limited ways to chase or escape, so poor positioning is harder to recover from.

Dashes, movement speed boosts, and other mobility tools are much more common. Many champions have stronger ways to engage, chase, or escape.

Mana and Resources

Many older abilities have more noticeable Mana costs. Using abilities too often can leave you without enough resources when a fight starts.

Many champions have received resource and ability cost updates, so trading and repeated ability use often feel smoother.

Crowd Control and Mistakes

Stuns, Roots, Silences, and other crowd control can be very dangerous. With fewer escape tools, getting caught often leads to a quick death.

Crowd control still matters, but more champions have dashes, shields, crowd control immunity, and other ways to respond.

Runes and Masteries

Uses old Rune Pages plus the Offense, Defense, and Utility Mastery Trees. Players configure stats and Masteries separately before a game.

Uses the modern Rune system with Keystones and different Rune Paths. The old Mastery system is no longer used.

Item System

Many Classic Items that were removed or reworked have returned, including Atma's Impaler, Heart of Gold, and Wriggle's Lantern. This also brings back many classic builds.

Uses the current Item system. Stats, build paths, and Item effects have changed over the years to better fit modern champion design.

Summoner Spells

Along with familiar spells such as Flash, Ghost, Teleport, and Smite, Classic brings back older Summoner Spells such as Fortify, Revive, Clairvoyance, Promote, and Surge.

Uses the current set of Summoner Spells. Several spells from early League have been removed and are no longer available in normal modern League games.

Overall Experience

Places more weight on laning, positioning, resource management, and fight timing. Mistakes are often harder to recover from, and many old mechanics no longer exist in modern League.

Places more focus on combos, mobility, team coordination, and playing around modern maps, champions, and Item systems.

League Classic is not just modern League on an old map. The two versions share the same basic goal, but their champions, Runes, Items, Summoner Spells, and overall game pace feel very different. If you are used to modern League, the biggest things to adjust to are lower mobility, stricter resource management, and the old Rune, Mastery, and Item systems.

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League Classic Release Date and Latest Updates

When Did League Classic Launch?

League of Legends Classic officially launched on July 29, 2026 with League of Legends Patch 26.15.

The launch version included 60 champions, classic Summoner's Rift, older champion kits, classic Items, Runes, Masteries, and several gameplay systems from early League.

Riot did not stop updating Classic after its July 29 launch. League Classic is still being expanded and adjusted through new patches.

Stage

Date / Patch

Key Changes

Official Launch

July 29, 2026
Patch 26.15

League Classic officially launched with 60 champions, the classic map, classic Items, Runes, and Masteries.

First Classic Update

August 12, 2026
Patch 26.16

Akali, Kennen, and Shen joined Classic, along with updates to Classic Level progression, champion balance, and several quality of life features.

Second Classic Update

August 26, 2026
Patch 26.17

Increased IP and Classic XP gains, lowered the cost of some Runes, added free Rune Pages, and introduced Champion Swap, Pick Order Swap, and Role Swap features.

Next Classic Update

September 10, 2026
Patch 26.18

Riot's 2026 Patch Schedule lists Patch 26.18 for September 10. Current PBE information suggests Fiora, Galio, Poppy, Shyvana, and Xin Zhao are expected to join Classic. Final content will depend on the official Patch Notes.

What Is the Latest League Classic Patch?

As of September 4, 2026, the current live version of League Classic is Patch 26.17. The update focused on player feedback after launch, with changes to progression speed, Rune unlocks, Champion Select, and the map experience.

Update Area

Key Changes

Progression Speed

Classic XP and Influence Points are earned faster, helping new players unlock Runes and other Classic content sooner.

Runes

Some Runes cost less, and players receive extra Rune Pages. This makes it easier to set up different builds early on.

Champion Select

Champion Swap, Pick Order Swap, and Role Swap make it easier for teams to adjust during Champion Select.

Map and Balance

Riot updated visual details on Summoner's Rift while continuing to balance champions, Jungle Items, and other Classic systems.

The Council

The first round of The Council voting ended on September 2. Riot said the results will be shared in Patch Notes after the voting period.

If you are new to Classic, the biggest change in Patch 26.17 is that progression and Rune unlocks are much faster. This is one of the most noticeable improvements for new players on the current live patch.

What Is Coming in Patch 26.18?

Riot's official 2026 Patch Schedule shows that Patch 26.18 is scheduled for September 10, 2026. As of September 4, current PBE and preview information suggests that League Classic is expected to add Fiora, Galio, Poppy, Shyvana, and Xin Zhao.

Fiora, Galio, and Poppy are especially different from their modern versions because all three champions later received major reworks. Their Classic versions are expected to use designs closer to their earlier kits. This means the update should not only expand the champion roster, but also bring back more gameplay that is no longer available in modern League.

Note: Patch 26.18 is not live yet. Champions, ability values, and balance changes seen on the PBE may still change before Riot publishes the final Patch Notes.

What Is Next for League Classic?

League Classic is not a fixed version of the game that will stay unchanged after launch. Based on the current roadmap, Riot plans to keep adding Classic champions, make balance changes, and use The Council to gather player feedback on Items, map mechanics, and other systems.

Patch

Scheduled Date

Current Plan

26.18

September 10

More Classic champions. Current PBE information shows Fiora, Galio, Poppy, Shyvana, and Xin Zhao.

26.19

September 23

The current roadmap plans another round of The Council voting.

26.20

October 7

The current roadmap plans to launch Classic Pass Act II.

What could Riot focus on next?
Based on the current update pace and the topics in the first Council vote, future patches may continue to focus on expanding the champion roster, balance changes, returning classic Items, and selected map mechanics. Until Riot publishes official Patch Notes or Council results, these should be treated as likely areas of focus rather than confirmed changes.

How Many Champions Are in League Classic?

League of Legends Classic launched with 60 champions. This roster includes the first 40 League champions plus 20 more champions selected by Riot from the 2009 to 2013 era.

Many champions can work in more than one role. The table below groups them by their most common position, but these are not their only options.

Primary Role

Count

Launch Champions

Role

Top

Cho'Gath, Dr. Mundo, Gangplank, Garen, Gragas, Jax, Kayle, Malphite, Nasus, Olaf, Pantheon, Singed, Sion, Teemo, Tryndamere, Wukong

Usually farms alone in Top Lane. This group includes durable Tanks as well as Fighters with strong sustained damage or dueling power.

Jungle

Amumu, Evelynn, Fiddlesticks, Jarvan IV, Lee Sin, Master Yi, Nidalee, Nunu, Rammus, Shaco, Skarner, Warwick

Clears Jungle camps for gold and experience, then looks for ganks in different lanes to help teammates build an advantage.

Mid

Ahri, Anivia, Annie, Brand, Corki, Heimerdinger, Karthus, Kassadin, Katarina, Lux, Malzahar, Ryze, Twisted Fate, Veigar, Zilean

Mostly Mages and burst focused champions that provide damage, crowd control, and quick support to other lanes.

ADC

Ashe, Ezreal, Kog'Maw, Miss Fortune, Sivir, Tristana, Twitch, Vayne

Relies mainly on basic attacks and Item scaling for sustained damage. ADCs usually lane with a Support early in the game.

Support

Alistar, Blitzcrank, Janna, Leona, Lulu, Morgana, Sona, Soraka, Taric

Helps teammates with crowd control, healing, shields, or protection, and usually lanes with the ADC early in the game.

Roles are flexible: Many Classic champions can work in several positions. Gragas can play Top, Jungle, or Mid. Morgana can play Support or Mid, while Vayne can also appear in Top Lane.

Three Classic Champions Added in Patch 26.16

The first new champions added after the League Classic launch arrived in Patch 26.16:

Champion

Added in

Classic Kit

Akali

Patch 26.16

Brings back the older Twin Disciplines, Mark of the Assassin, Twilight Shroud, and Shadow Dance, which can store up to three dashes.

Kennen

Patch 26.16

Returns to his early Mark of the Storm stacking and stun gameplay. He can engage around Slicing Maelstrom or try older AD auto attack builds.

Shen

Patch 26.16

Returns to a Classic playstyle built around durability, Taunt, and global map support.

As of September 4, 2026, League Classic has 63 playable champions on live servers. Riot has confirmed that the Classic champion roster will keep growing over time, but the full modern League roster will not be added all at once.

Which Classic Champions Are Expected in Patch 26.18?

Current Patch 26.18 PBE information points to five more champions joining Classic: Fiora, Galio, Poppy, Shyvana, and Xin Zhao. If all five arrive with the live Patch 26.18 release, the playable League Classic roster will grow from 63 to 68 champions.

Fiora: Expected to use a kit closer to her version before the major rework, including the classic Blade Waltz.
Galio: Expected to return with his classic design from before his major rework, which is very different from modern Galio.
Poppy: Expected to use her older kit from before her major champion rework.
Shyvana: Expected to return with abilities and numbers based more closely on her early League design.
Xin Zhao: Expected to use a Classic kit closer to his earlier versions.

Patch 26.18 is not live yet: These five champions come from current PBE and preview information. The final roster, ability values, and release status should still be confirmed through Riot's official Patch Notes.

How to Play League of Legends Classic

Once you know what League Classic is and which champions are available, the next step is to enter the mode and learn its Runes, Masteries, classic Items, and progression systems. The sections below follow the order you will usually encounter them in game.

How to Access League of Legends Classic

League Classic does not have a separate client.

Download or open the regular League of Legends client.
Sign in with your existing Riot Account.
Open League Classic inside the League client.
Select one of the available queues.
Choose your champion and prepare your Runes and Masteries.
Enter Classic Summoner's Rift and start playing.

If you have never played early League, start in a lower pressure mode and get familiar with champion kits, Rune Pages, Item builds, and Jungle pathing before moving into regular PvP games.

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How Do Runes and Masteries Work in League Classic?

If you are used to modern League, Runes and Masteries are two of the biggest systems you will need to relearn in Classic. Both are set before the game and give your champion extra stats or bonuses, but they work very differently from the modern Rune system.

The easiest way to understand them is this: Runes add extra stats, while Masteries let you choose additional bonuses. Together, they shape the advantages your champion has before the match begins.

System

Main Purpose

How It Works

Runes

Add stats such as Attack Damage, Attack Speed, Armor, and Magic Resistance.

Think of them as extra stats you choose before the game based on your champion and lane matchup.

Masteries

Use the Offense, Defense, and Utility Mastery Trees to choose bonuses for damage, durability, or utility.

They work like an older talent tree. You spend points in different paths based on whether you want more offense, defense, or utility.

Classic Masteries are split into three main paths:

Offense: Focuses on damage, attacks, and other offensive bonuses.
Defense: Focuses on Armor, resistances, survivability, and durability.
Utility: Focuses on Mana, movement, Cooldown Reduction, and other utility bonuses.

You can adjust your Rune Page and Mastery Tree based on your champion, lane, matchup, and planned Item build.

Riot did not bring back the long account progression grind from early League exactly as it was. Runes and Masteries unlock faster through Classic progression, and players can use default pages from the beginning. You will not enter games with no extra stats just because your Rune Page is not complete yet.

What Types of Runes Are in League Classic?

A Classic Rune Page uses four main Rune types: Marks, Seals, Glyphs, and Quintessences. Each type is better suited to certain stats.

Rune Type

Common Uses

Marks

Often used for offensive stats such as Attack Damage, Attack Speed, and Penetration.

Seals

Commonly used for defensive stats such as Armor and Health.

Glyphs

Often used for Magic Resistance, Cooldown Reduction, and other spell related stats.

Quintessences

Usually provide more stats per Rune and help strengthen the main focus of your Rune Page.

For example, an ADC may favor Attack Damage and Attack Speed, while a Tank may prioritize Armor, Magic Resistance, or Health. The best setup depends on your champion, role, and lane opponent.

How Do You Get Runes?

League Classic Runes are not bought directly with real money. They are tied to Classic progression. You earn Influence Points, or IP, by playing Classic games and can use IP to unlock certain Runes and related content.

IP is not a premium currency.
Influence Points are mainly earned by playing League Classic. The premium currency bought with real money in League of Legends is RP. If you need RP for an eligible Riot Account, you can also check GamsGo's Riot Gift Card. Make sure the Gift Card region matches your Riot Account before buying. IP and RP are different resources, and there is no fixed RP to IP conversion rate.

Patch 26.17 increased IP and Classic XP gains and lowered the cost of some Runes, so new players can now complete their Rune Pages faster than they could at launch.

Which Classic Items Are Back in League of Legends Classic?

One of the most nostalgic parts of League Classic is the return of many classic Items that were removed or reworked in modern League.

These Items do more than bring back old names and icons. Their effects can change how you build a champion. Some let Tanks add more damage, some give Mages stronger burst, and others reward Junglers for spending more time farming.

The Items below are some of the best examples of how Classic itemization differs from modern League.

Classic Item

Good For

Why It Is Worth Trying

Atma's Impaler

Durable Fighters and Bruisers

It connects tankier builds with offensive power and was a key part of the classic Atmogs build many longtime players remember.

Frozen Mallet

Fighters and basic attack champions that need to stick to targets

It improves durability while helping you stay on top of enemies. That matters a lot for Classic champions with limited mobility.

Heart of Gold

Tanks, Supports, and economy focused builds

It represents the classic Gold per 10 style of early League. Buying an Item was not always about immediate combat power. Some Items could also help grow your gold income over time.

Deathfire Grasp

Burst Mages and AP builds focused on quickly killing one target

If you like the fast burst combos of old League, this is one of the most recognizable Items from that style of AP gameplay.

Wriggle's Lantern

Junglers focused on reliable farming and scaling

It shows how different early Jungle gameplay could be. Instead of constantly ganking lanes, you could build an advantage by clearing camps and farming.

Feral Flare

Farming focused Jungle builds that scale over time

This type of Item rewards Junglers for spending more time clearing camps and scaling, creating a very different Jungle pace from modern League.

Which Classic Items Should You Try First?

If you just want to get a quick feel for how League Classic Items differ from modern League, start with Items that fit the type of champion you already enjoy playing:

Burst Mage: Start with Deathfire Grasp. It is a good example of the instant burst AP builds from early League. If you play champions such as Annie or Veigar, it is easy to see why longtime players remember this Item.
Fighter or tankier Top Laner: Try Atma's Impaler and Frozen Mallet. These Items capture the old Bruiser style of building enough durability to survive while still staying on top of enemies and dealing damage.
Jungle: Take a closer look at Wriggle's Lantern and Feral Flare. They show that Classic Jungle is not always about ganking every chance you get. Farming, scaling, and knowing when to leave the Jungle are also important decisions.

Build Tip: Do not buy an Item every game just because it is a classic Item. Your build should still depend on your champion, matchup, enemy team, and current gold. The real appeal of these older Items is the range of build options that no longer exist in modern League.

Riot can still adjust these older Items based on the League Classic meta. A classic Item returning does not mean its numbers will stay locked to one version from more than a decade ago. Always check the current Patch when planning your build.

How Does Progression Work in League Classic?

League Classic has its own progression system. In simple terms, playing Classic games earns Classic XP and Influence Points, which gradually unlock more features and content.

Classic XP is mainly used to increase your Classic Level. As your level rises, you unlock more Runes, Masteries, and other Classic systems. You do not need to learn every old League mechanic as soon as you start.

System / Resource

What It Means for New Players

Classic XP

Experience earned by playing Classic games. It is used to increase your Classic Level.

Classic Level

Your League Classic specific level. Raising it gradually unlocks more systems and rewards.

Influence Points (IP)

An in game resource mainly earned by playing Classic. It can be used for some Runes and related content and is not a premium currency.

Summoner's Journey

A longer progression system that tracks your growth and performance beyond the basic Classic Levels. Think of it as another long term goal for Classic players.

New players do not need to study every progression system right away. Start by playing games and raising your Classic Level. Then unlock and set up Runes based on the champions you play most often.

What Is The Council?

The Council is League Classic's community voting system. Active players can earn Voting Power and take part in polls opened by Riot. These polls can cover topics such as which classic Items, map mechanics, or other content should be considered for League Classic. Riot still makes the final decisions.

Conclusion

League of Legends Classic is mainly built around the Season 3 era and brings back classic champion kits, Runes, Masteries, Items, and Summoner's Rift. Riot is also continuing to add champions and adjust gameplay through new patches. Whether you played early League or are experiencing it for the first time, Classic offers a version of League that feels very different from the modern game.

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League of Legends Classic FAQ

Is League Classic the Same as Season 3?

Not exactly. Season 3 is the main reference point Riot used to build League Classic, but the mode also combines champion kits, Items, Runes, Masteries, and other mechanics from different years of early League.

Will League Classic Add More Champions?

Yes. Riot has confirmed that more champions will be added to Classic over time. As of September 4, 2026, 63 champions are available on live servers. Current Patch 26.18 PBE information suggests that Fiora, Galio, Poppy, Shyvana, and Xin Zhao are expected to be the next additions.

What Is the Latest League Classic Patch?

As of September 4, 2026, the latest live version is Patch 26.17. Patch 26.18 is scheduled for September 10, and current PBE information suggests that it will continue expanding the Classic champion roster.

Can I Use Champions I Already Own in League Classic?

Yes. If a champion is available in League Classic and your League Account already owns that champion, you can use them in Classic without unlocking them again.

Is League Classic Available on Mobile?

No. League Classic is part of the PC and macOS League of Legends client. It is separate from the mobile game League of Legends: Wild Rift.

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