Is League of Legends Free to Play? Everything to Know

League of Legends is a MOBA game that has attracted millions of players worldwide since its launch in 2009. Many players wonder what's actually free and what costs money. Knowing what's free and what costs money is important for all players who want to make smart choices about spending in the game. In this article, we'll explore the true cost of playing League of Legends and break down what you get for free versus what requires real money.

Is League of Legends Really Free?

Yes, League of Legends is completely free to play. League of Legends was actually on Steam years ago until it was removed in early 2010, and it was free back then, too. This free-to-play model extends across all of Riot Games' titles, including Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and Legends of Runeterra. However, while the games themselves are free, they all include optional paid content, such as skins, battle passes, and other cosmetic items, allowing players to customize their experience.

What's Free in League of Legends?

The most important aspect of League of Legends being free-to-play is that it never restricts your competitive potential. Every champion in the game can be unlocked using Blue Essence, an in-game currency earned through the battle pass or disenchanting champion shards.

This means you have access to the same champions, runes, and gameplay mechanics as someone who spends money on the game. There are no pay-to-win elements, additionally, the ranked system, game modes, and all major features are completely accessible without spending a cent.

What Costs Money?

While gameplay is free, League of Legends generates revenue through cosmetic purchases. Skins are the primary paid content, offering visual changes to your champions without affecting their abilities or performance. These range from budget-friendly options like Regular skins to premium Transcendent skins with unique animations and effects.

Beyond skins, players can purchase battle passes during special events, which offer exclusive rewards. Other paid content includes ward skins, emotes, icons, and chromas (color variations of existing skins). Riot Points is the premium currency used to buy these items, and while you can earn some cosmetic content through gameplay, most premium items require real money.

Conclusion

League of Legends is free to play, offering full access to competitive gameplay without requiring any financial investment. While cosmetic purchases like skins and battle passes are available, they remain entirely optional and never affect your performance or progression. Whether you choose to spend money or not, League of Legends provides equal opportunities for all players to compete, improve, and enjoy one of the world's most popular esports titles.

Want to explore more? LoLDB has everything League of Legends—browse champions, skins, mythic shop rotation, current sales, and much more.