League of Legends developer Riot Games is officially teasing a "classic" game mode based on older versions of the long-running MOBA. The legacy version of League of Legends will likely be similar to classic servers offered by games such as World of Warcraft.
Throughout the more than 15 years since League of Legends launched, it has seen numerous changes. The classic Summoner's Rift map has gone through multiple overhauls during the game's different seasons, adding new jungle camps, changing up neutral objectives like the Dragon and Baron Nashor, and much more. The roster has also expanded significantly since launch, with more than 170 League of Legends Champions to choose from in modern version of the title. However, a new game mode being teased by Riot Games may be taking players back to some of the earliest days of the popular MOBA.
League of Legends May Be Adding a "Classic" Game Mode
Riot Games hinted at the upcoming reveal of League of Legends classic mode through an official teaser trailer. The comedic skit features League of Legends Executive Producer Paul "Pabro" Bellezza and League Studio head Andrei "Meddler" van Roon discussing what they consider the "good old days" of the MOBA. The video references numerous iconic elements of the game's rich history, ranging from old League of Legends items like Heart of Gold to the roster of 40 champions available during its beta. The video does not share many details about how League of Legends Classic will function in-game, with Riot planning to share more information during the finals of the MSI tournament on July 11.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
While Riot has not revealed many details about League of Legends Classic, the game mode has already sparked plenty of speculation. Many fans have theorized that the developer may bring the original version of League of Legends' Runes system to League Classic, outfitting Champions with Runes that boost specific stats and a Mastery skill tree with more niche buffs. The time period represented in League of Legends Classic has been a point of contention, with the teaser suggesting that Riot Games may feature multiple different eras of League within the game mode. The video also suggested that players will once again be able to play the pre-reworked versions of classic Champions like Graves.
Image via Riot Games
The classic mode will likely be an exciting new addition for longtime fans. Riot Games has frequently reworked older members of League of Legends' playable cast, with many like Sion and Poppy drastically changing from their previous iterations. The trailer also hinted at the return of previously removed items to League of Legends Classic, potentially allowing players to use fan-favorite items like Deathfire Grasp and Frozen Mallet. The company did not confirm an official release date the potential classic mode in the teaser trailer.
The classic version of the beloved MOBA comes as League of Legends has expanded more than ever in recent years. Riot Games has helped to develop numerous spin-offs, including 2XKO, Teamfight Tactics, and the in-development League of Legends MMORPG. The dev even launched a trading card game based on the MOBA in October 2025, with Riftbound debuting its Unleashed expansion in May and already confirming the Vendetta and Radiance sets to launch later this year. League of Legends fans have more ways to experience the game's universe than ever before and may soon have a chance to revisit its origins.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84/100 Critics Rec: 90%
- Released
- October 27, 2009
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Riot Games
- Publisher(s)
- Riot Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- MOBA
