Is League of Legends free to play?

Don't have much to spend but want to play League of Legends? Find out if it's truly free.
Is League of Legends free to play?
Written By Eray Eliaçık

Reviewed by : Naim Rosinski

(Content Manager & Editor)

Last UpdatedMarch 8, 2024 at 03:10PM
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Wondering if League of Legends is free to play? We're here to break it down for you. No, it's not available on PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, or Mac. However, a big adventure awaits PC players.

Is League of Legends free to play?

The answer is a clear yes, and let's dive into why. League of Legends, created by Riot Games, follows a free-to-play model. Right from the start, you can join the gaming action without spending a dime. The game's core champions the characters you play, are available without any cost, allowing you to pick your favorites from the beginning.

In League of Legends, Influence Points (IP) are the in-game currency earned by playing matches. Accumulate these points to unlock more champions to expand your gaming options. The beauty here is that everyone has an equal chance to succeed, no matter their financial status. It's all about your skills and dedication, not your wallet.

While the game's essential features are free, Riot Games offers extra personalization through Riot Points (RP). These premium points let you buy cosmetic items like skins and emotes, allowing you to express your style without affecting the game's fairness.

Image credit: Riot Games
Image credit: Riot Games

How to install LoL and play for free

Installing League of Legends and starting to play it for free is straightforward. Start downloading and installing the game on your Windows or Mac from the official website. During installation, create your account and choose a cool Summoner Name.

Once installed, dive into the tutorial to understand the basics. Familiarize yourself with the interface, the map, and the in-game store for purchases using in-game currency.

Begin your journey with Co-op vs. AI matches to practice and earn Influence Points (IP). Use IP to unlock more champions, expanding your options. Progress to Player vs. Player (PvP) matches when you're ready for real human competition, continually earning IP.

While the game is free, optional Riot Points (RP) let you personalize with cosmetic upgrades. Add flair to your gameplay without spending money.

Is League of Legends pay-to-win?

No, League of Legends is not pay-to-win. Success in the game is based on skill, strategy, and teamwork, not on spending money. Optional microtransactions, using Riot Points (RP), are purely for cosmetic items and do not provide any gameplay advantages.

Image credit: Riot Games
Image credit: Riot Games

The in-game currency, Influence Points (IP), allows players to unlock content through regular gameplay, ensuring a fair and balanced experience for all players.

So, what are Riot Points for?

In League of Legends, you can use real money to purchase Riot Points (RP), which can then be spent on various cosmetic items and optional enhancements. Here are some of the things you can buy with real money in LoL:

  • Skins: Skins are cosmetic outfits for champions, altering their appearance but not affecting their gameplay. They range from simple color changes to elaborate thematic redesigns.
  • Emotes: Emotes are expressive icons that your champion can use to communicate with other players during the game. They add a touch of personality to your in-game interactions.
  • Ward Skins: Customize the appearance of your vision wards, adding a personal touch to the game's strategic elements.
  • Chromas: Chromas are color variations for champion skins, allowing you to tailor the look of your favorite skins to your preference.
  • Summoner Icons: Personalize your profile with various summoner icons, displaying different symbols or images to represent your style.

It's important to note that while these purchases can enhance your visual experience in the game, they do not provide any gameplay advantages. League of Legends maintains a fair playing field, ensuring match success is determined by skill and strategy rather than the amount of money spent.

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Meet Eray, a tech enthusiast passionate about AI, crypto, gaming, and more. Eray is always looking into new developments, exploring unique topics, and keeping up with the latest trends in the tech industry, and gaming is the sweetest spot.

Eray has been rocking it as a news manager and content creator at spots like, TechBriefly, Gamelevate, Softonic, and various tech realms. Crafting over 2k tech articles, Eray captivated millions of readers for over three years.

Now, over at THESPIKE, Eray is a content writer, blending the love for spinning stories and helpful guides for all-things gaming.

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