Riot Games launches League of Legends Classic mode on July 29, 2026

Riot Games announced a new permanent game mode called League of Legends Classic, slated to launch worldwide with patch 26.15 on July 29 2026. The mode revisits the early era of the MOBA, using Season 3 (2013) as a foundation and recreating the original Summoner’s Rift map with visual upgrades to lighting, textures and shadows. At launch it will feature 60 champions – the 40 originals from 2009 plus 20 additional champions released between 2009 and 2013 – along with classic items, runes and masteries, and a slower, more strategic combat pace. Modern quality‑of‑life improvements such as updated matchmaking, server infrastructure, spell buffering and optional WASD controls are included. Players will progress through a free “Classic Level” system that unlocks runes, cosmetics and other rewards, and a community‑driven voting system called “The Council” will let players influence future champion additions, skins and balance changes. The mode will initially support a PvP draft queue, Co‑op vs AI and custom games.