Riot Games will release its highly anticipated League of Legends Classic mode this July 29, a new gameplay experience that recreates the feel of early League, while modernizing select systems for today’s players.
While mainly based on 2013’s Season 3, League Classic is described as a “collection of greatest hits from across early League” rather than an exact recreation, with nostalgic Runes, Masteries, Items, Summoner Spells, a recreation of the old Summoner’s Rift map, and a starting roster of 60 champions, many with their pre-rework kits.
Queues & Progression
At launch, League Classic will support a single PvP draft queue, Co-op vs AI, and custom games. The mode will also feature Classic Levels, a free progression track that all players will be able to access.
Players can gain levels by playing games of League Classic, and can earn Runes, Masteries, IP, BE, and a variety of cosmetics, by increasing their Classic Level. Upon reaching Classic Level 10, players will start their Summoner’s Journey, with progression from Salt to Legend.
Champions
League Classic will launch with a roster of 60 champions, featuring the original 40 and 20 additional champions released between 2009-2013. Each champion’s base model has been updated to match their Classic kits, with the possibility of more champions being added down the line.
Players who already own the selected champions will have immediate access to them in League Classic. Otherwise, players will be able to unlock Classic champions through their Classic Level or from the Shop.
Items, Runes & Masteries
Many iconic classic items and item combinations will return in League Classic, with a focus on memorable builds of the past.
Old Runes and Masteries are also making a comeback, though with a simpler and faster unlock system. Players will unlock Runes, Masteries, and additional Rune Pages, through gameplay and increasing their Classic Level. Default Runes and Masteries will be provided to players to allow for a more even playing field while unlocking more options.
Passes, Skins, and Portraits
League Classic will feature Seasonal Classic Passes, similar to Battle Passes in that they have a free and paid track, granting various rewards including IP, BE, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, and Classic Skins and Portraits.
Players will also have the option to purchase Classic Skins, which recreate iconic champion skins from the 2009-2013 era. These skins can be unlocked using Classic Skin Tokens, which can be earned through the Seasonal Pass or purchased in the Shop.
Finally, the new cosmetic item Portraits replaces the loading screen splash with alternate art, ranging from playful doodles to reinterpretations of champions. These Portraits will rotate in the loading screen, allowing players to collect them and show off their favorites.
The Council
With the release of League Classic comes a new system called The Council, a community voting system that allows players to help guide some future development decisions.
Players will gain access to The Council through Classic Level, and will be able to unlock additional voting power through gameplay. While decisions surrounding game health and balance remain with the developers, players will be able to help determine new champions, skins, and select gameplay changes.
More information on League of Legends Classic is available on the official website.
