Riot Games has brought back the early days of 'League of Legends.' However, it is not a direct restoration of any single point in time.

Riot Games has unveiled details for its new game mode, 'League of Legends Classic (LoL Classic).' Designed to recreate nostalgic moments while offering new experiences that were previously impossible, LoL Classic will launch in the next patch. It features 60 champions, the original Summoner's Rift, and the return of classic items, runes, and masteries.

The Setting is Season 3, but We Kept the Best Parts

The first question Riot had to answer was, "What point in time should serve as the benchmark for "Classic"."

In a developer diary, Riot acknowledged that the definition of 'classic' varies from person to person. Some consider the beta era the true classic, while others point to Season 1 or Season 3, or even specific patches. Opinions were divided even within Riot.

Ultimately, Riot's answer was 'all of it.' While LoL Classic is built on the foundation of Season 3, Riot explains that it is more of a 'greatest hits collection' that combines elements from various seasons rather than a strict recreation of one specific period.

As a result, all historical Summoner Spells, including Revive, are included, and most early-era items have returned. Players can also experience champion skills as they existed before their reworks.

Slower Combat, Sharper Strengths and Weaknesses

Riot noted that the difference in combat pacing is always mentioned when people reminisce about the early days. Over time, 'League of Legends' has become more complex, the required skill floor has risen, and champion types have diversified. Mobility has also increased significantly.

In Classic, each champion's strengths and weaknesses are more pronounced. Projectiles and dash skills are slower, and stuns occur more frequently. However, this does not mean the game is simpler. Riot explained that because resource costs and damage values for each skill are much higher compared to the current version of 'LoL,' players must make more strategic decisions about when and how to engage in combat.

The map also recreates the original Summoner's Rift. Wraiths appear, and the Blue Sentinel and Red Brambleback arrive with minions and deal more damage than they do currently. Jungle monster respawn rates are also much faster. However, improvements for visibility have been applied; lighting, shadows, and textures have been updated to ensure players don't lose track of the game flow during intense skirmishes.

60 Champions at Launch

There will be 60 champions at launch. This includes the original 40 from the game's debut, plus 20 additional champions released between 2009 and 2013.

The roster includes Garen, Gangplank, Gragas, Nasus, Nunu & Willump, Nidalee, Rammus, Ryze, Lux, Leona, Lulu, Lee Sin, Master Yi, Malzahar, Malphite, Morgana, Dr. Mundo, Miss Fortune, Veigar, Vayne, Brand, Blitzcrank, Sion, Shaco, Sona, Soraka, Skarner, Sivir, Singed, Ahri, Amumu, Alistar, Annie, Anivia, Ashe, Wukong, Olaf, Warwick, Evelynn, Ezreal, Janna, Jarvan IV, Jax, Zilean, Cho'Gath, Kassadin, Karthus, Katarina, Kayle, Kog'Maw, Corki, Taric, Tristana, Tryndamere, Twisted Fate, Twitch, Teemo, Pantheon, Fiddlesticks, and Heimerdinger.

Riot stated that players shouldn't worry if their main champion is missing. They recognize that 60 champions cannot fully capture the early days of 'LoL' and plan to continue adding champions released during that era. However, not every champion released to date will appear in Classic.

There is a reason for the condensed list: to help returning players adapt quickly without having to read tooltips for over 100 champions. Champions already owned can be used immediately in Classic, while others can be unlocked by leveling up in Classic or purchasing them in the shop. A free champion rotation will also be available.

Tier 3 Runes and Masteries Return, Along with IP

Runes and masteries are also making a comeback. Before starting a Classic game, players must set their runes and masteries to suit their champion. These systems influence everything from item builds to damage output.

However, the unlocking process has been significantly simplified compared to the past. Players can unlock all runes and masteries just by playing the game, and there is no need to upgrade runes individually, as they are based on the old Tier 3 system. Three rune pages are provided by default, and players can receive two more by leveling up in Classic or purchase them using IP earned through gameplay. All mastery pages and points become available once a player reaches level 4 in Classic.

Most runes used in actual play are available. Riot mentioned that they have made minor adjustments to previously unpopular runes to make them more attractive options. If a player enters a game without setting their runes and masteries, a default rune page is provided.

Popular builds from that era are also returning. Riot specifically mentioned builds like 'Warmog's/Atma's,' the 'full meta-golem' build, and filling half the inventory with gold-generating items. Almost every item that appeared in the first few years, including Zz'Rot Portal, will return.

No Ranked, But 'Summoner's Journey' Instead

Classic is not a venue for ranked competition. Riot stated that the mode is designed for casual fun with friends rather than intense ranked play. At launch, PVP Blind Pick, Co-op vs. AI, and Custom Games will be available.

Instead, a goal-oriented system called 'Summoner's Journey' has been prepared. It begins at level 10 in Classic and follows a structure that starts at Salt, progresses through Wood, and eventually reaches Legend. While primarily intended for showing off achievements to friends, it is possible to reach the Legend grade if a player has enough skill and time. Riot emphasized that Legend is a rank reserved for a single-digit percentage of players.

The champion selection process has also been improved. In the past, players needed fast typing skills to secure their desired position, which sometimes led to unpleasant experiences due to players forcing specific roles. Classic introduces a position preference system, allowing players to select their preferred roles in order. While designed to assign players their top choice and avoid their least favorite, they may be assigned their second or third preference to maintain matchmaking times.

Classic Level, Season Pass, and Classic Skins

The progression system revolves around the 'Classic Level.' This is a free progression track available to all players. Simply playing Classic games increases the level, unlocking masteries, runes, Summoner's Journey progress, IP, and Blue Essence. Cosmetic items like the Rusty Blitzcrank skin can also be earned. Unlike account levels, this structure does not reset.

Separately, a 'Classic Season Pass' similar to the current Battle Pass will be released. It consists of free and premium tracks, offering rewards such as IP, Blue Essence, rune pages, emotes, titles, Classic skins, and portraits.

Classic skins revert champions to their appearance from 2009 to 2013. They can be unlocked using Classic Skin Tokens obtained through the Season Pass or the shop, and all Classic skins can be purchased using tokens alone. Most existing skins will be usable in Classic shortly after launch, though some are not yet supported and the list will be expanded gradually. Each champion's base skin is provided with the thick outlines characteristic of the old 'LoL.'

Additionally, Classic Chromas that capture the 2009 atmosphere and portraits—alternative illustrations displayed on the loading screen—will be added. While portraits and Classic skins/chromas are exclusive to Classic, separate Classic-themed skins usable in other modes will also be released.

The 'Council' Where Players Shape the Future

The most unusual system in Classic is the 'Council.' The Council is a community voting feature that determines the direction of Classic updates. It can influence not only the next champions and skins to be added but also gameplay-related elements. Participation is granted by leveling up in Classic, and voting power increases the more a player plays. The structure ensures that players who invest more time in Classic have greater influence in the Council.

However, Riot drew a line, stating that they will continue to be responsible for the game's health and balance adjustments. While the direction is decided with players, the authority to make adjustments remains with the company.

Modern Improvements and 'Chaos' Mode Also Launching

Classic includes modern improvements such as matchmaking updates, server infrastructure, performance enhancements, latency improvements, and skill input buffering. WASD movement is also available as an option. Riot stated that while they will conduct regular balance updates, they will follow a separate balance philosophy focused on preserving the unique characteristics of Classic.

Classic is also coming to 'ARAM Chaos.' 'ARAM Chaos: Classic Style' will launch alongside LoL Classic, featuring classic-themed maps, items, and augments. Only the 60 champions available in LoL Classic can be played, but their skill kits will follow the current version. It will operate in a separate queue for a limited time.