League of Legends Classic vs. Current League of Legends: All the Differences Explained

League of Legends Classic is now available as a new game mode that brings back some of the most memorable mechanics from the early years of Riot Games' MOBA. Rather than recreating an exact version of the past, this mode combines elements from different early stages of the game to recreate the experience that many players remember.

Although it shares the same client and retains several modern technical improvements, LoL Classic introduces major changes to champions, items, runes, masteries, progression, and the overall pace of matches. Below is a comparison of the biggest differences between League of Legends Classic and the current version of the game.

Comparison Table: LoL Classic vs Current League of Legends

Feature	LoL Classic	Current League of Legends
Map	Classic Summoner's Rift	Modern Summoner's Rift
Available Champions	60 original champions	More than 170 champions
Champion Versions	Original kits before many reworks	Updated and balanced versions
Items	Classic items from the early seasons	Modern item system
Runes	Classic rune system	Runes Reforged
Masteries	Classic masteries return	Removed years ago
Progression	Unlock runes and masteries by playing	Everything available from the start
Balance	Inspired by the early seasons	Constant balance updates every patch
Match Pace	More strategic and slower	Faster-paced with more frequent team fights
Client	Current client	Current client
Matchmaking	Modern matchmaking system	Modern matchmaking system
Infrastructure	Current servers	Current servers
Controls	Includes modern improvements such as ability buffering and optional WASD controls	Full modern gameplay improvements
Updates	More champions will be added gradually	Continuous updates

What is LoL Classic?

LoL Classic is an official game mode developed by Riot Games that aims to bring back the experience of League of Legends' early seasons. According to the developer, the goal is not to recreate a specific patch exactly, but rather to offer a selection of the features that best represent the game's classic era.

The mode uses the original Summoner's Rift and brings back systems that were removed years ago, including the old rune system, masteries, and numerous items that no longer exist in the main game.

Champions Return to Their Original Versions

One of the biggest changes affects the champions.

Many characters regain abilities from before their most famous reworks. This means players can once again use classic versions of champions such as Sion, Graves, Skarner, and Gangplank, among many others.

Strategies that disappeared over the years also make a comeback, including AP, AD, and hybrid builds that became obsolete after multiple game updates. Riot confirmed that additional champions will be added gradually, although the full roster will not be available at launch.

The Classic Rune and Mastery Systems Return

Another major difference is the return of the classic customization system.

Instead of using Runes Reforged, LoL Classic brings back the original rune pages and mastery trees. However, Riot has introduced several changes to avoid the slow progression system that existed more than a decade ago.

Runes and masteries are unlocked by playing, but progression is much faster than it was in the original League of Legends. In addition, every player starts with preset pages, allowing them to jump into matches immediately.

Modern Quality-of-Life Improvements Remain

Although the goal is to deliver a nostalgic experience, Riot decided to keep several modern features that improve gameplay.

These include:

• Updated matchmaking.
• Modern server infrastructure.
• Better performance.
• Ability input buffering.
• Modern ping system.
• Optional WASD controls.

These improvements are designed to eliminate many of the technical limitations of the early seasons without changing the core identity of the Classic mode.

The Pace of Matches Also Changes

Modern League of Legends has evolved into a faster game with greater mobility, more neutral objectives, and more frequent team fights.

By contrast, LoL Classic returns to a slower pace where lane control, resource management, and decision-making play a much larger role. Riot has explained that the goal is to recreate a more strategic experience while still preserving the quality-of-life improvements introduced over the years.

Is LoL Classic Worth Playing?

LoL Classic is primarily designed for veteran players who want to experience the systems, champions, and mechanics that disappeared over time.

At the same time, it also gives newer players the opportunity to discover what League of Legends was like before the major reworks and gameplay modernization. However, Riot has stated that this mode is not intended to replace the main game, but rather to coexist with it as an alternative experience focused on nostalgia and the history of the MOBA.