{"id":40112,"date":"2026-07-17T02:14:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T02:14:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/?p=40112"},"modified":"2026-07-17T02:14:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T02:14:19","slug":"league-of-legends-classic-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/league-of-legends-classic-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"League of Legends Classic Guide 2026: Release Date, Champions, Progression, and Rewards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/lol\/\">League of Legends<\/a> Classic launches on July 29, 2026, alongside Patch 26.15. Built directly into the main League client, the mode brings back early-era champions, progression systems, cosmetics, and pre-game customization without requiring a separate download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this guide, we cover:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>League Classic&#8217;s release date and access requirements;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 60-champion launch roster;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Classic Levels and the Seasonal Classic Pass;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Runes, Masteries, and returning Summoner Spells;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Classic Skins, Chromas, Portraits, and other rewards;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Role preference matchmaking and Summoner&#8217;s Journey;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Council community voting system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern features retained from the current League client.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1071\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-4.webp\" alt=\"League of Legends Classic Guide 2026: Riot Games\u2019 Greatest Hits Mode Explained\" class=\"wp-image-40113\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-4.webp 1071w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-4-780x437.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-4-768x430.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1071px) 100vw, 1071px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"text-block-prize\">\r\n    Dive deeper into the article to find a special <span>promocode<\/span> for a discount to cut on all your boosts.\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is League of Legends Classic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>League of Legends Classic is a new mode built directly into the standard League client. It is not a separate game, download, or account, and it does not replace modern League or its Ranked ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Classic has its own 60-champion launch roster, progression systems, Runes, Masteries, cosmetics, queues, and early-era gameplay mechanics. Progress earned within the mode is tracked through its separate Classic Levels and Seasonal Classic Pass systems rather than your normal account level or Ranked ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than recreating one exact historical patch, Riot is using Season 3 as an anchor while combining memorable champions, items, Summoner Spells, and map mechanics from several of League&#8217;s early years. The result preserves more deliberate combat, sharper champion strengths and weaknesses, and older pre-game systems while retaining selected modern improvements such as matchmaking technology, performance upgrades, interface conveniences, and optional controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">League of Legends Classic Release Date and Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2.webp\" alt=\"LoL Classic Guide: Starting Roster, Old Runes, Classic Items, and Progression\" class=\"wp-image-40114\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2.webp 1075w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>League Classic<\/strong> launches with Patch 26.15 on <strong>July 29, 2026<\/strong>. Riot has confirmed that <strong>Season 3<\/strong> begins at 12:00 p.m. local server time, following the end of Season 2 at 11:59 p.m. on <strong>July 28<\/strong> and the Patch 26.15 rollout several hours later. Riot hasn&#8217;t announced a separate unlock time for League Classic itself, so availability may depend on the regional patch rollout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Access League Classic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Classic runs through the standard League client \u2014 there&#8217;s no separate install. Once Patch 26.15 is live, open the client and select League Classic from the available game modes. At launch, you&#8217;ll find one PvP draft queue, Co-op vs. AI, and Custom games. A traditional <strong>Ranked queue isn&#8217;t part of the plan<\/strong>; Riot has been explicit that Classic is meant to feel like playing with friends rather than another competitive grind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ARAM: Mayhem Classic-ish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>League Classic also launches alongside a limited-time companion mode called <strong>ARAM: Mayhem Classic-ish<\/strong>. This separate queue uses a Classic-inspired bridge map, returning items, and Classic-themed Augments. Only the 60 champions available in League Classic can appear, but they use their modern ability kits rather than their pre-rework Classic versions \u2014 a hybrid nostalgia mode rather than a direct ARAM adaptation of League Classic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">League of Legends Classic Champion Roster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026.webp\" alt=\"League Classic Release Guide: Unlock Classic Champions, Pass Rewards, and The Council\" class=\"wp-image-40115\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026.webp 1075w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Classic launches with <strong>60 champions<\/strong>: the <strong>original 40<\/strong> plus <strong>20 additional<\/strong> picks from the <strong>2009\u20132013 era<\/strong>. Riot says the smaller launch roster is intended to make returning to the game less overwhelming, particularly for players who have been away long enough to miss dozens of champion releases and reworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Champions <\/strong>you <strong>already own<\/strong> on your live account <strong>unlock immediately<\/strong>, and the rest become available through Classic Level progression, the in-client Shop, or the free champion rotation. Riot has not yet published the complete official name-by-name launch roster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Future additions will continue to come from League&#8217;s 2009\u20132013 era, while Yasuo remains explicitly excluded from Riot&#8217;s current Classic vision (&#8220;<strong>no Yasuos allowed<\/strong>&#8220;). Many champions use pre-rework kits that differ substantially from their modern versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old-School Models and Visuals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-3.webp\" alt=\"League of Legends Classic Overview: Combat Pacing, Sharper Strengths, and Early-Era Systems\" class=\"wp-image-40116\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-3.webp 1075w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-3-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-3-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Base champion models receive the dark inking outlines associated with early League, helping them match the Classic map&#8217;s visual style. Separate Classic Skins restore champions&#8217; original 2009\u20132013 appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Champions that have undergone major visual or gameplay updates may also receive animations, visual effects, and sounds designed to match their returning Classic kits. Riot specifically cites Sion as an example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The original Summoner&#8217;s Rift has also received updated lighting, shadows, and textures to improve combat readability without losing its early-League aesthetic. Many existing skins will be available in Classic at launch. Riot plans to expand the list of compatible existing skins after launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classic Skins<\/strong> are <strong>unlocked <\/strong>with <strong>Classic Skin Tokens<\/strong>, which are available through both the free and paid Seasonal Classic Pass tracks and through the Shop. Each Classic Skin Token can unlock any currently available Classic Skin, and tokens can be saved for a future release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Classic Skins, Classic Chromas, and Portraits are exclusive to League Classic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returning Items and Classic Builds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>League Classic brings back almost every major item from League&#8217;s early years, including Atma&#8217;s Impaler, Frozen Mallet, and Zz&#8217;Rot Portal. Familiar build identities such as Atmogs, Metagolem, and inventories filled with gold-per-10 items also return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Classic combines systems from several early periods rather than restoring one exact patch, some item combinations may appear together for the first time. Exact recipes, stats, and optimal builds may also change through Classic-specific balance updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classic Levels and the League Classic Pass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1071\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-8.webp\" alt=\"LoL Classic Progression Guide: Classic Levels, Free and Paid Tracks, and Rewards\" class=\"wp-image-40117\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-8.webp 1071w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-8-780x437.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-8-768x430.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1071px) 100vw, 1071px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>League Classic has two separate progression systems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Classic Levels are a free, one-time progression track, separate from your normal League account level, that increases as you play League Classic. Rewards include Runes, Masteries, Influence Points (IP), Blue Essence, Summoner&#8217;s Journey access, and cosmetics such as Rustier Blitzcrank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seasonal Classic Passes are recurring reward tracks with free and paid options. Across both tracks, players can earn IP, Blue Essence, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, Classic Skin Tokens, Portraits, and other seasonal cosmetics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Influence Points (IP)<\/strong> return as currency earned by playing League Classic. Riot has confirmed that IP can be used to purchase additional Rune Pages, although it has not yet revealed every available IP purchase or final price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>System<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Example Rewards<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Classic Levels<\/strong><\/td><td>Runes, Masteries, Influence Points (IP), Blue Essence, Summoner&#8217;s Journey access, Rustier Blitzcrank, and other cosmetics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Seasonal Classic Pass<\/strong><\/td><td>Free and paid rewards including IP, Blue Essence, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, Classic Skin Tokens, and Portraits<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1071\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-19.webp\" alt=\"League Classic Champions and Systems Guide: Riot\u2019s One-Time Progression Track Explained\" class=\"wp-image-40118\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-19.webp 1071w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-19-780x437.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/patch-25-19-768x430.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1071px) 100vw, 1071px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Council<\/strong> is League Classic&#8217;s <strong>community voting system<\/strong>. Players unlock access through Classic Level progression and gain more voting influence by continuing to play the mode. Council votes will help determine future champion additions, Classic cosmetics, and selected gameplay changes. Riot will retain final control over balance and overall game health, but active Classic players will have a direct voice in shaping the mode&#8217;s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Runes and Masteries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Runes and Masteries are <strong>unlocked through playing Classic<\/strong> rather than being bought piece by piece. Classic uses the old <strong>Tier 3 Runes<\/strong> as its <strong>baseline<\/strong>, removing the original grind through weaker Tier 1 and Tier 2 versions. Nearly every commonly used legacy Rune returns, while historically under-picked options have received adjustments intended to make them more attractive choices. You <strong>start with three Rune Pages<\/strong> and unlock two more through Classic Level progression \u2014 your fourth and fifth pages \u2014 with any additional pages beyond that purchasable using IP. Riot hasn&#8217;t yet announced the final IP price of additional Rune Pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Masteries <\/strong>are planned around the Season 3 three-tree setup (Offense, Defense, Utility) with a <strong>30-point cap<\/strong>, though the exact tree structure is a pre-release detail and may change before launch. All Mastery pages and points become available at Classic Level 4. Before that \u2014 or any time you haven&#8217;t set up your own page \u2014 the game applies a default configuration so you won&#8217;t enter a match without basic pre-game bonuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Returning after several seasons away? Our <a href=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/lol\/boost\/coaching\/\">LoL Coaching Service<\/a> can help you understand Classic Runes and Masteries, choose a manageable champion pool, and adapt your role, itemization, and decision-making to League Classic with personalized guidance from an experienced player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summoner Spells<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1071\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fellowship-51.webp\" alt=\"League of Legends Classic Guide: Single PvP Draft Queue, Matchmaking, and Summoner\u2019s Journey\" class=\"wp-image-40119\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fellowship-51.webp 1071w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fellowship-51-780x437.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fellowship-51-768x430.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1071px) 100vw, 1071px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Riot says every legacy Summoner Spell will return in League Classic, including removed options such as Fortify. Based on their historical and pre-release versions, notable examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Revive \u2014 instantly respawns your champion at the fountain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rally \u2014 places a beacon that temporarily boosts nearby allies&#8217; combat strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surge \u2014 temporarily increases Attack Speed and Ability Power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote \u2014 empowers a standard lane minion, making it significantly more dangerous.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fortify \u2014 grants allied turrets brief invulnerability and bonus attack speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clairvoyance \u2014 reveals a targeted area of the fog of war.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarity \u2014 restores mana to you and nearby allies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Final cooldowns, durations, and numerical effects may differ from their historical versions, since League Classic will receive its own balance updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role Preference Matchmaking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of racing to type &#8220;mid&#8221; first in champion select, players rank all five positions by preference. Matchmaking will prioritize a player&#8217;s first choice and try to avoid their final choice, although second- or third-choice assignments may be necessary to maintain reasonable queue times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does League Classic Have Ranked?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-1.webp\" alt=\"LoL Classic Rewards Guide: Battle Passes, Classic Skins, Portraits, and Voting Power\" class=\"wp-image-40120\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-1.webp 1075w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-1-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-1-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>League Classic does not launch with a traditional Ranked queue. Instead, it features <strong>Summoner&#8217;s Journey<\/strong>, a progression and achievement system separate from the modern LP grind. It <strong>unlocks <\/strong>at <strong>Classic Level 10<\/strong>, starts at Salt, runs through several tiers, including Wood, and <strong>tops out at Legend<\/strong>, which only a small percentage of players are expected to reach. Riot hasn&#8217;t yet revealed every intermediate tier or the exact progression formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modern Features Available in League Classic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>League Classic keeps selected modern improvements that make the older experience easier to play without changing its core identity. Riot has confirmed modern matchmaking technology, improved server infrastructure and performance, modern pings, spell buffering, and optional WASD controls. Pre-release builds have also shown conveniences such as base gates, the modern death recap, and a filterable Shop interface \u2014 details that may still change before launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riot also plans to release regular balance updates for League Classic. These updates will follow a separate philosophy from modern League, with the goal of preserving Classic&#8217;s distinctive champions, items, mechanics, and playstyles rather than redesigning them to match the live game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modern League vs. Classic, at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2-1.webp\" alt=\"League Classic Explained: Old-School Inking, Sound Updates, Runes, and Classic Items\" class=\"wp-image-40121\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2-1.webp 1075w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2-1-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-2-1-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>System<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Modern League<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>League Classic<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pre-game customization<\/strong><\/td><td>Modern Rune trees<\/td><td>Marks, Seals, Glyphs, Quintessences<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Talents<\/strong><\/td><td>Folded into Runes<\/td><td>Separate Mastery trees<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Champion access<\/strong><\/td><td>Full live roster<\/td><td>Focused 60-champion launch pool<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Competitive progression<\/strong><\/td><td>Ranked divisions and LP<\/td><td>No traditional Ranked queue<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Achievement progression<\/strong><\/td><td>Challenges and account systems<\/td><td>Summoner&#8217;s Journey from Salt to Legend<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cosmetics<\/strong><\/td><td>Standard skins and chromas<\/td><td>Seasonal Classic Pass, Classic Skins, Classic Chromas, and Portraits<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"promocode\">\r\n    Promo code: <span>Dina_Blog<\/span>\r\n    <div class=\"text\">Use this discount as my thank you for your attention!<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Ready for League Classic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-4.webp\" alt=\"League of Legends Classic 2026: From Riot\u2019s Early Days to a Modern Greatest Hits Mode\" class=\"wp-image-40122\" title=\"Epiccarry\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-4.webp 1075w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-4-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/league-of-legends-classic-guide-2026-4-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check which of the 60 launch champions you already own, as those champions will be immediately available in Classic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a small initial champion pool rather than trying to learn every returning legacy kit at once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Play through Classic Levels to unlock Runes, Masteries, additional Rune Pages, IP, cosmetics, and other account features.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reach Classic Level 4 to unlock every Mastery page and all available Mastery points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reach Classic Level 10 to begin progressing through Summoner&#8217;s Journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review your Rune and Mastery pages before queueing so you don&#8217;t have to rely on the default setup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That covers the systems you&#8217;ll need before your first match. For legacy champion kits, jungle clearing, item builds, and vision control, continue on to our League of Legends Classic Gameplay Guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>League of Legends Classic launches on July 29, 2026, alongside Patch 26.15. Built directly into the main League client, the mode brings back early-era champions, progression systems, cosmetics, and pre-game customization without requiring a separate download. In this guide, we cover: Dive deeper into the article to find a special promocode for a discount to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33680,"featured_media":40123,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[680,3],"tags":[1218,1219,1216,1217],"post_kind":[97,400],"ppma_author":[127],"class_list":["post-40112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-league-of-legends","category-all","tag-league-of-legends-classic-guide","tag-league-of-legends-classic-mode","tag-lol-season-3-guide","tag-lol-season-3-league-classic","author-dina"],"acf":{"faq_header":"","faq_items":[{"question":"<h3>When does League of Legends Classic release?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">League of Legends Classic launches on <strong>July 29, 2026<\/strong>, alongside Patch 26.15. Riot has not announced a separate universal unlock time for the mode, so availability may depend on the regional patch rollout.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>What is League of Legends Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">League of Legends Classic is a new mode that recreates the feel of League\u2019s early years while retaining selected modern improvements. It uses Season 3 as an anchor but combines champions, items, Runes, Masteries, Summoner Spells, and map mechanics from several early periods rather than copying one exact historical patch.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Is League of Legends Classic a separate game or game mode?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">League of Legends Classic is a game mode inside the standard League of Legends client. It is not a separate game, account, or download.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Classic has its own roster, progression systems, queues, cosmetics, Runes, and Masteries, but it does not replace modern League or its Ranked ladder.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Is League of Legends Classic free to play?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Yes. League Classic is available through the standard free-to-play League of Legends client. However, the mode also includes an optional Seasonal Classic Pass with free and paid reward tracks.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Do I need a separate client or download for League Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">No. League Classic is built directly into the existing League of Legends client. Once Patch 26.15 is available, players can select Classic from the available game modes without installing a separate client.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>How many champions are available in League of Legends Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">League Classic launches with <strong>60 champions<\/strong>. The roster includes League\u2019s original 40 champions and 20 additional champions selected from the 2009\u20132013 era.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Riot plans to add more champions from the same period after launch.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Which champions are in the League of Legends Classic launch roster?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Riot has confirmed the 60-champion roster size but has not yet released a complete official name-by-name list. The mode includes many champions with pre-rework kits and returning playstyles such as AP Master Yi, Sion mid, AD Alistar, and early-era Kassadin.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Any complete roster based only on datamining should be treated as subject to change until Riot publishes the official list.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Will Riot add more champions to League Classic after launch?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Yes. Riot has confirmed that more champions will be added after launch. Future additions will continue to come from League\u2019s 2009\u20132013 era, and The Council community voting system may help influence which champions are introduced next.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Does League of Legends Classic have Ranked?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">League Classic does not launch with a traditional Ranked queue or LP-based ladder. Its main PvP option is a single draft queue.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Instead of traditional Ranked progression, Classic includes Summoner\u2019s Journey, an achievement-focused system that runs from Salt to Legend.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>What is Summoner\u2019s Journey in League Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Summoner\u2019s Journey is League Classic\u2019s progression and achievement system. It unlocks at Classic Level 10, begins at the Salt tier, progresses through tiers including Wood, and ends at Legend.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Riot expects only a single-digit percentage of players to reach Legend. The complete tier list and progression formula have not yet been revealed.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Are old Runes and Masteries returning in League Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Yes. League Classic restores the old Rune and Mastery systems.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Runes use the old Tier 3 versions as their baseline, so players do not need to grind through weaker Tier 1 and Tier 2 Runes. Players begin with three Rune Pages, unlock two more through Classic Levels, and can purchase additional pages with Influence Points.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">All Mastery pages and points become available at Classic Level 4. Pre-release builds use the Season 3 Offense, Defense, and Utility trees.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>How do Classic Levels and the Seasonal Classic Pass work?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Classic Levels and Seasonal Classic Passes are separate progression systems.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><strong>Classic Levels<\/strong> are a free, one-time progression track that increases as players complete League Classic matches. Rewards include Runes, Masteries, Influence Points, Blue Essence, Summoner\u2019s Journey access, and cosmetics such as Rustier Blitzcrank.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The <strong>Seasonal Classic Pass<\/strong> is a recurring reward track with free and paid options. Rewards across the two tracks include Influence Points, Blue Essence, Rune Pages, emotes, titles, Classic Skin Tokens, Portraits, and other seasonal cosmetics.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>Will my existing champions and skins work in League Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Champions already owned on a player\u2019s normal League account are immediately available in Classic if they are part of the 60-champion launch roster. Other Classic champions can be unlocked through Classic Levels, purchased from the Shop, or played through the free champion rotation.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Many existing skins will also work in Classic at launch, with more compatibility planned after release. Base models receive old-school inking outlines, while separate Classic Skins restore champions\u2019 original 2009\u20132013 appearances.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Classic Skins, Classic Chromas, and Portraits are exclusive to League Classic.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>What is The Council in League of Legends Classic?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The Council is League Classic\u2019s community voting system. Players unlock access through Classic Level progression and gain more voting influence by continuing to play the mode.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Council votes may influence future champion additions, Classic cosmetics, and selected gameplay changes. Riot will retain final control over balance and overall game health.<\/p>"},{"question":"<h3>What game modes are available in League of Legends Classic at launch?<\/h3>","answer":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">League Classic launches with:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\r\n \t<li>one PvP draft queue;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Co-op vs. AI;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Custom games.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nA traditional Ranked queue is not planned for launch. League Classic also launches alongside <strong>ARAM: Mayhem Classic-ish<\/strong>, a separate limited-time mode that uses the same 60-champion pool with modern champion kits, Classic-inspired items, and Augments."}],"wpwp_short_description":"League of Legends Classic brings back the early-era systems, champions, items, Runes, Masteries, and progression that defined the game\u2019s first years. This complete guide covers the July 29 release, 60-champion launch roster, Classic Levels, Seasonal Classic Pass, Summoner\u2019s Journey, The Council, returning cosmetics, matchmaking, and everything else you need to know before entering the Classic Rift.","wpwp_plus_for_views":""},"authors":[{"term_id":127,"user_id":33680,"is_guest":0,"slug":"dina","display_name":"Dina","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Dina-avatar.webp","url2x":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Dina-avatar.webp"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33680"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40112\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40112"},{"taxonomy":"post_kind","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_kind?post=40112"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epiccarry.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=40112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}