‘There’s Real Nostalgia There’ — Riot Has Unveiled League of Legends Classic, but Don’t Expect a One-to-One Recreation of the Old Times

Riot Games unveiled League of Legends Classic, a new version of the MOBA launching July 29 that recreates the game as it existed during its early years, specifically drawing from the Season 3 (2013) era. The initiative aims to capture nostalgia for longtime players while introducing pre-rework mechanics to new audiences.

Classic features 60 champions—40 original releases and 20 handpicked early-era additions—all with their pre-rework kits. The version includes restored game systems such as old-school Runes and Masteries, classic items, original Summoner Spells, and a recreation of the Summoner’s Rift map from that period. The gameplay philosophy emphasizes slower combat pacing and more strategic decision-making, with champions featuring sharper strengths and weaknesses compared to modern League’s focus on mobility and action-heavy gameplay.

Riot describes Classic as a “greatest hits” compilation from across League’s early years rather than a strict one-to-one recreation, incorporating select modern quality-of-life improvements while preserving the foundational feel of early League. Alongside the main launch, Riot is introducing ARAM: Mayhem Classic-ish, a retro-themed variant of the popular ARAM Mayhem mode that retains modern champion kits rather than pre-rework abilities.

‘There’s Real Nostalgia There’ — Riot Has Unveiled League of Legends Classic, but Don’t Expect a One-to-One Recreation of the Old Times

Sources