League of Legends Classic Council Voting Introduces New Champions Skins and Gameplay Changes
League of Legends Classic will be officially launched on July 29, 2026 with Patch 26.15. Players will be able to enter a separate permanent game mode that takes them back to the early years of the game. Instead of recreating one exact historical patch, Riot Games has built League Classic around the best features from the 2009–2013 era, drawing primary inspiration from Season 3. The mode features 60 classic champions, the original Rune and Mastery systems, iconic legacy items and a rebuilt version of the original Summoner’s Rift.
Classic Gameplay Returns to Offer Early League Experience
League Classic is supposed to be slower and more strategic than the modern League of Legends. Champions have more defined strengths and weaknesses, slower movement, more deliberate combat, and more emphasis on positioning, resource management and timing, says Riot. The remade Summoner’s Rift also brings back the original jungle camps, and has enhanced lighting, textures and shadows for clearer visibility in the game.
At launch, players can choose from PvP Draft Queue, Co-op vs. AI, and Custom Games, while Ranked mode is not available. Players who already own eligible champions in the main game can use them immediately in Classic, while others can unlock champions through Classic Levels, the in-game shop, or the free champion rotation.
Cosmetics, Progression and Future Updates
League Classic has its own progression system distinct from regular League of Legends. For each match, you’ll earn Classic Levels, Influence Points (IP), and rewards like Runes, Masteries, Blue Essence, additional Rune Pages, and cosmetics. At Classic Level 10, players unlock Summoner’s Journey. In Summoner’s Journey, players win games to earn Seasonal Points and move up ranks from Salt to Legend.
In addition to a Seasonal Classic Pass that features both free and paid reward tracks, Riot has also added exclusive cosmetic content including Classic Skins, Classic Chromas and Portraits. Classic Skins are the champion looks from the 2009-2013 era that can be unlocked with Classic Skin Tokens earned from the pass or can be bought separately. Riot plans to expand League Classic after launch with additional champions, supported skins, balance updates, and community-driven features through The Council, a voting system that allows active players to help shape future content.
Sources
League of legends – League of Legends Classic is confirmed to be a permanent game mode, not a limited-time event. Riot says it is designed to introduce newer players to the slower, more strategic style of early League while giving veteran players a nostalgic experience. Executive Producer Paul Bellezza said the goal is not to recreate one exact historical version but to capture the feeling of classic League with modern quality-of-life improvements.
Riot Games – Riot revealed that Classic Skins can be unlocked using Classic Skin Tokens earned through the Seasonal Classic Pass or purchased separately. These skins recreate champion appearances from the 2009–2013 era, while Portraits replace the standard loading screen artwork with alternate artistic styles. Riot also confirmed more existing skins will become compatible with League Classic after launch.
G2A – League Classic will continue expanding after launch through a long-term content roadmap. Riot confirmed future updates will include additional champions, more supported skins, ongoing balance patches, and community-driven features. Players who spend more time in League Classic will earn additional Voting Power, allowing them to have greater influence over future content through The Council.
esports.gg – Riot has confirmed balance updates will arrive with every League Classic patch as the studio monitors returning champions, items, and systems. Game Director Brian “Riot FeralPony” Feeney said Riot expects unexpected overpowered combinations after launch because League Classic combines 60 champions with numerous returning gameplay systems that have never been released together before.
Walas Tech – The first post-launch roadmap already outlines new content for League Classic. Patch 26.16 on August 12, 2026, will add three more champions, while Patch 26.17 on August 26 introduces the first Council vote and additional Rune options. Riot also plans another champion update in Patch 26.18, a second Council vote in Patch 26.19, and Classic Pass Act II in Patch 26.20 on October 7, 2026.
