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    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 UpdatedJuly 28, 2025 at 07:36PM
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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, Blue Essence is 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 Blue Essence. 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, Blue Essence, 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.

    How much is $10 to RP League of Legends?

    In League of Legends, $10 gives you 1,380 RP. This amount is enough for most basic skins or smaller items like icons and emotes. RP stands for Riot Points, which you use to buy cosmetic content in the game. Riot sells RP in fixed bundles, and prices may change by region. Below is the current RP chart for the North American server:

    Price (USD)

    RP Amount

    $5

    650 RP

    $10

    1,380 RP

    $20

    2,800 RP

    $35

    5,000 RP

    $50

    7,200 RP

    $100

    14,500 RP

    This table shows the latest official pricing from Riot Games. Players can use RP to buy skins, event passes, loot boxes, and more.

    How does LoL earn money?

    League of Legends makes money from in-game purchases. Players buy RP and spend it on cosmetic items. These include skins, chromas, emotes, icons, and ward skins. Riot also offers event passes and loot boxes like Hextech chests. All of these items change how the game looks but not how it plays. Riot also earns money from esports, sponsors, and official merchandise. Most of their profit comes from players who want to customize their game.

    Can you play LoL without spending money?

    Yes, you can play the full game without paying. All champions unlock over time with Blue Essence. You do not need to buy skins or passes to enjoy the game. Cosmetic items are optional and do not give power or advantage.

    Guide Categories

    • Champions
    • Skins
    • Account Guide
    • Beginner Guides
    • Install
    • Ranks
    • 2024 Items rework
    • Vanguard Errors

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    Eray Eliaçık

    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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