League of Legends Classic: All the Returning Runes, Masteries, and Items

After years of requests from the community, League of Legends Classic is finally available as a new game mode within Riot Games' official client. Inspired primarily by Season 3 (2013), this mode brings back many of the mechanics, systems, and items that defined one of the most memorable eras of the MOBA.

One of the biggest differences compared to the current version of League of Legends is the return of systems that were removed years ago, including classic runes, the mastery tree, and a wide range of iconic items. For players who never experienced that version of the game, it offers a completely different gameplay experience. For veterans, it is a journey back to a time when every decision made before entering a match had a significant impact.

Classic Runes Return to League of Legends

Before the Runes Reforged update in 2018, players had to manually customize their rune pages using different categories of stat-based runes.

In LoL Classic, this system returns almost unchanged. Players will once again be able to use:

• Marks
• Seals
• Glyphs
• Quintessences

Each category grants specific stats, including:

• Attack Damage
• Ability Power
• Attack Speed
• Armor
• Magic Resist
• Mana Regeneration
• Movement Speed
• Critical Strike Chance
• Health

One of the most memorable features making a comeback is the famous 1% Critical Strike Chance rune, which many players used simply for the possibility of landing an unexpected critical hit during the early stages of a match. Riot has even highlighted it as part of the nostalgic spirit behind this game mode.

Unlike the original version, Riot has simplified the process of obtaining these runes, removing the lengthy progression system that existed more than a decade ago.

Classic Masteries Are Back Too

Another highly anticipated feature is the return of the old mastery tree.

Before modern runes were introduced, players distributed mastery points across three main branches:

• Offense
• Defense
• Utility

As players leveled up, they unlocked additional points to create a personalized setup that modified various aspects of their champion.

Depending on how those points were allocated, players could gain benefits such as:

• Increased damage.
• Greater durability.
• Cooldown reduction.
• Resource regeneration.
• Additional movement speed.
• Jungle-related bonuses.
• Improved mana management.

This system allowed players to create very different builds even when using the same champion, something that disappeared with later redesigns of the game.

Classic Items Return in LoL Classic

Much of the identity of early League of Legends was defined by items that disappeared during the game's many shop updates.

LoL Classic brings many of them back with their original effects or versions that closely resemble what players remember.

Some of the most notable returning items include:

• Guinsoo's Rageblade in its classic version.
• Deathfire Grasp.
• Several items that were removed during the game's major shop overhauls.
• Item combinations that were part of the 2013 meta.

Riot has also restored several classic icons, visual effects, and inventory layouts to recreate the feeling of playing an authentic version of that era.

A Completely Different Meta

The return of these systems significantly changes how the game is played.

Compared to the current version of League of Legends:

• Pre-game preparation becomes much more important.
• Rune and mastery setups have a much greater impact.
• Fewer champions are available.
• Matches have a slower pace.
• Each champion's strengths and weaknesses are more pronounced.

As a result, many matchups once again depend more on champion knowledge and pre-game planning than on the modern mechanics introduced over the years.

Will All Champions Be Available?

No.

LoL Classic launches with an initial roster of 60 champions, consisting of the 40 original League of Legends champions along with 20 additional champions released during the game's early years, all featuring abilities inspired by their classic versions. Riot has confirmed that more champions will be added through future updates.

In addition, the mode features its own progression system and a new community tool called The Council, where players can vote on which classic champions, items, and other features should be added in future updates.

Is LoL Classic Worth Playing?

Rather than being an exact recreation of 2009's League of Legends, Riot describes LoL Classic as a collection of the game's most iconic early features, with Season 3 serving as its primary inspiration. The goal is to recreate the feeling of that era while retaining the technical improvements and quality-of-life features available in the current client.

For veteran players, it is an opportunity to once again use the runes, masteries, and items that defined an entire generation. For newer players, it offers a chance to experience what League of Legends was like before the major changes that shaped the game into what it is today.

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