Riot Games launches League of Legends Classic retro mode

Riot Games announced the upcoming League of Legends Classic mode, a retro version that will replicate the original 2009 experience. The mode will feature the original Summoner's Rift map, a limited champion pool of around the first 60 champions, and the old visual models, items, runes and mastery systems. Riot said the full details, including the release date, will be revealed on July 11, 2026 at 11 p.m. PDT during the Mid‑Season Invitational finals in Daejeon, South Korea.

The announcement also teased additional features such as a separate account‑leveling system, an IP‑based store for champions and cosmetics, potential ranked and Co‑op vs AI queues, and an old‑style battle‑pass shop. Dataminers have identified four "Founders" skins – Goth Annie, Black Alistar, Silver Kayle and King Rammus – tied to the Classic mode, though pricing and exact unlock methods remain undisclosed. The company urged fans to tune in to the MSI broadcast for more information.

"You will be able to play with the old champions, runes, and items on the original League of Legends map," Riot posted on its official channels.