LoL Champion Release Dates: How Many Champions are in League of Legends?
League of Legends, a popular online multiplayer game, has seen the release of numerous champions since its inception in 2009. Until today there are 167 League of Legends champions available. With an ever-growing roster, the game offers a diverse range of characters and playstyles, making it accessible to players with varying preferences. We will explore the release dates of these champions, delving into their impact on the game and the evolution of League of Legends over the years.
The Early Years: 2009-2010
2009 League of Legends Champions
In the early months of 2009, League of Legends began its journey with the alpha stage, a preliminary phase before entering the beta stage. During this initial period, 17 champions made their debut. As the game progressed into the beta stage, which encompassed both closed and open betas, an additional 23 champions joined the Rift.
By the time Riot Games officially launched League of Legends on October 27th, 2009, the game boasted a diverse roster of 40 distinct characters for players to choose from.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Warwick | the Uncaged Wrath of Zaun | February 21, 2009 |
| Twisted Fate | the Card Master | February 21, 2009 |
| Tristana | the Yordle Gunner | February 21, 2009 |
| Teemo | the Swift Scout | February 21, 2009 |
| Soraka | the Starchild | February 21, 2009 |
| Sivir | the Battle Mistress | February 21, 2009 |
| Sion | The Undead Juggernaut | February 21, 2009 |
| Ryze | the Rune Mage | February 21, 2009 |
| Nunu & Willump | the Boy and His Yeti | February 21, 2009 |
| Morgana | the Fallen | February 21, 2009 |
| Master Yi | the Wuju Bladesman | February 21, 2009 |
| Kayle | the Righteous | February 21, 2009 |
| Jax | Grandmaster at Arms | February 21, 2009 |
| Fiddlesticks | the Ancient Fear | February 21, 2009 |
| Ashe | the Frost Archer | February 21, 2009 |
| Annie | the Dark Child | February 21, 2009 |
| Alistar | the Minotaur | February 21, 2009 |
| Zilean | the Chronokeeper | April 17, 2009 |
| Singed | the Mad Chemist | April 17, 2009 |
| Twitch | the Plague Rat | April 30, 2009 |
| Tryndamere | the Barbarian King | April 30, 2009 |
| Evelynn | Agony's Embrace | April 30, 2009 |
| Karthus | the Deathsinger | June 11, 2009 |
| Cho'Gath | the Terror of the Void | June 25, 2009 |
| Amumu | the Sad Mummy | June 25, 2009 |
| Rammus | the Armordillo | July 9, 2009 |
| Anivia | the Cryophoenix | July 9, 2009 |
| Veigar | the Tiny Master of Evil | July 23, 2009 |
| Kassadin | the Void Walker | August 6, 2009 |
| Taric | the Shield of Valoran | August 18, 2009 |
| Gangplank | the Saltwater Scourge | August 18, 2009 |
| Malphite | Shard of the Monolith | September 1, 2009 |
| Janna | the Storm's Fury | September 1, 2009 |
| Dr. Mundo | the Madman of Zaun | September 1, 2009 |
| Blitzcrank | the Great Steam Golem | September 1, 2009 |
| Katarina | the Sinister Blade | September 18, 2009 |
| Corki | the Daring Bombardier | September 18, 2009 |
| Nasus | the Curator of the Sands | September 30, 2009 |
| Shaco | the Demon Jester | October 9, 2009 |
| Heimerdinger | the Revered Inventor | October 9, 2009 |
| Udyr | the Spirit Walker | December 2, 2009 |
| Nidalee | the Bestial Huntress | December 17, 2009 |
2010 League of Legends Champions
Moving into 2010, the game continued to expand its roster with the addition of 24 new champions. During this time, the development team at Riot Games began experimenting with more diverse character concepts and abilities. Champions made their debut, offering players new and exciting ways to experience the game. As League of Legends continued to grow, the champions released in 2010 played a vital role in shaping the game’s evolving landscape.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Poppy | Keeper of the Hammer | January 13, 2010 |
| Pantheon | the Unbreakable Spear | February 2, 2010 |
| Gragas | the Rabble Rouser | February 2, 2010 |
| Mordekaiser | the Iron Revenant | February 24, 2010 |
| Ezreal | the Prodigal Explorer | March 16, 2010 |
| Shen | the Eye of Twilight | March 24, 2010 |
| Kennen | the Heart of the Tempest | April 8, 2010 |
| Garen | The Might of Demacia | April 27, 2010 |
| Akali | the Rogue Assassin | May 11, 2010 |
| Malzahar | the Prophet of the Void | June 1, 2010 |
| Olaf | the Berserker | June 8, 2010 |
| Kog'Maw | the Mouth of the Abyss | June 24, 2010 |
| Xin Zhao | the Seneschal of Demacia | July 13, 2010 |
| Vladimir | the Crimson Reaper | July 27, 2010 |
| Galio | the Colossus | August 10, 2010 |
| Urgot | the Dreadnought | August 24, 2010 |
| Miss Fortune | the Bounty Hunter | September 8, 2010 |
| Sona | Maven of the Strings | September 21, 2010 |
| Swain | the Noxian Grand General | October 5, 2010 |
| Lux | the Lady of Luminosity | October 19, 2010 |
| LeBlanc | the Deceiver | November 2, 2010 |
| Irelia | the Blade Dancer | November 16, 2010 |
| Trundle | the Troll King | December 1, 2010 |
| Cassiopeia | the Serpent's Embrace | December 14, 2010 |
Expanding the Roster: 2011-2013
From 2011 to 2013, Riot Games continued to expand the League of Legends champion roster, introducing unique and creative characters that catered to a growing player base. During this period new champions showcased a blend of engaging gameplay mechanics and captivating storytelling.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Caitlyn | the Sheriff of Piltover | January 4, 2011 |
| Renekton | the Butcher of the Sands | January 18, 2011 |
| Karma | the Enlightened One | February 1, 2011 |
| Maokai | the Twisted Treant | February 16, 2011 |
| Jarvan IV | the Exemplar of Demacia | March 1, 2011 |
| Nocturne | the Eternal Nightmare | March 15, 2011 |
| Lee Sin | the Blind Monk | April 1, 2011 |
| Brand | the Burning Vengeance | April 12, 2011 |
| Rumble | the Mechanized Menace | April 26, 2011 |
| Vayne | the Night Hunter | May 10, 2011 |
| Orianna | the Lady of Clockwork | June 1, 2011 |
| Yorick | Shepherd of Souls | June 22, 2011 |
| Leona | the Radiant Dawn | July 13, 2011 |
| Wukong | the Monkey King | July 26, 2011 |
| Skarner | the Crystal Vanguard | August 9, 2011 |
| Talon | the Blade's Shadow | August 24, 2011 |
| Riven | the Exile | September 14, 2011 |
| Xerath | the Magus Ascendant | October 5, 2011 |
| Graves | the Outlaw | October 19, 2011 |
| Shyvana | the Half-Dragon | November 1, 2011 |
| Fizz | the Tidal Trickster | November 15, 2011 |
| Volibear | the Relentless Storm | November 29, 2011 |
| Ahri | the Nine-Tailed Fox | December 14, 2011 |
| Viktor | the Machine Herald | December 29, 2011 |
| Sejuani | Fury of the North | January 17, 2012 |
| Ziggs | the Hexplosives Expert | February 1, 2012 |
| Nautilus | the Titan of the Depths | February 14, 2012 |
| Fiora | the Grand Duelist | February 29, 2012 |
| Lulu | the Fae Sorceress | March 20, 2012 |
| Hecarim | the Shadow of War | April 17, 2012 |
| Varus | the Arrow of Retribution | May 8, 2012 |
| Darius | the Hand of Noxus | May 22, 2012 |
| Draven | the Glorious Executioner | June 5, 2012 |
| Jayce | the Defender of Tomorrow | July 6, 2012 |
| Zyra | Rise of the Thorns | July 24, 2012 |
| Diana | Scorn of the Moon | August 7, 2012 |
| Rengar | the Pridestalker | August 21, 2012 |
| Syndra | the Dark Sovereign | September 12, 2012 |
| Kha'Zix | the Voidreaver | September 26, 2012 |
| Elise | the Spider Queen | October 26, 2012 |
| Zed | the Master of Shadows | November 13, 2012 |
| Nami | the Tidecaller | December 7, 2012 |
| Vi | the Piltover Enforcer | December 19, 2012 |
| Thresh | the Chain Warden | January 23, 2013 |
| Quinn | Demacia's Wings | March 1, 2013 |
| Zac | the Secret Weapon | March 29, 2013 |
| Lissandra | the Ice Witch | April 29, 2013 |
| Aatrox | the Darkin Blade | June 12, 2013 |
| Lucian | the Purifier | August 21, 2013 |
| Jinx | the Loose Cannon | October 9, 2013 |
| Yasuo | the Unforgiven | December 13, 2013 |
A Year of Memorable Champions: 2014
The year 2014 was marked by the introduction of several memorable champions. These champions brought fresh gameplay dynamics to the Rift, further diversifying the available playstyles for players to explore. Additionally, the release of these champions demonstrated Riot Games’ commitment to refining and improving the champion design, setting the stage for future releases.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Vel'Koz | the Eye of the Void | February 27, 2014 |
| Braum | the Heart of the Freljord | May 11, 2014 |
| Gnar | the Missing Link | August 13, 2014 |
| Azir | the Emperor of the Sands | September 15, 2014 |
| Kalista | the Spear of Vengeance | November 20, 2014 |
| Rek'Sai | the Void Burrower | December 11, 2014 |
Shifting the Meta: 2015-2017
Throughout 2015 to 2017, League of Legends underwent numerous changes, with champion releases playing a significant role in shaping the game’s evolving meta. During this time, champions were introduced, offering innovative abilities and mechanics that challenged players to adapt and develop new strategies.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bard | the Wandering Caretaker | March 12, 2015 |
| Ekko | the Boy Who Shattered Time | May 27, 2015 |
| Tahm Kench | The River King | July 8, 2015 |
| Kindred | The Eternal Hunters | October 13, 2015 |
| Illaoi | the Kraken Priestess | November 24, 2015 |
| Jhin | the Virtuoso | February 1, 2016 |
| Aurelion Sol | The Star Forger | March 24, 2016 |
| Taliyah | the Stoneweaver | May 17, 2016 |
| Kled | the Cantankerous Cavalier | August 9, 2016 |
| Ivern | the Green Father | October 4, 2016 |
| Camille | the Steel Shadow | December 7, 2016 |
| Xayah | the Rebel | April 18, 2017 |
| Rakan | The Charmer | April 18, 2017 |
| Kayn | the Shadow Reaper | July 11, 2017 |
| Ornn | The Fire below the Mountain | August 22, 2017 |
| Zoe | the Aspect of Twilight | November 21, 2017 |
New Mechanics and Playstyles: 2018-2021
Between 2018 and 2021, League of Legends continued to grow, with the release of champions that pushed the boundaries of gameplay and introduced novel mechanics. Champions redefined their respective roles, bringing unique playstyles and abilities to the game. As the game moved forward, these new champions demonstrated Riot Games’ dedication to innovation and constant improvement.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kai'Sa | Daughter of the Void | March 7, 2018 |
| Pyke | the Bloodharbor Ripper | May 31, 2018 |
| Neeko | the Curious Chameleon | December 5, 2018 |
| Sylas | the Unshackled | January 25, 2019 |
| Yuumi | the Magical Cat | May 14, 2019 |
| Qiyana | Empress of the Elements | June 28, 2019 |
| Senna | the Redeemer | November 10, 2019 |
| Aphelios | the Weapon of the Faithful | December 11, 2019 |
| Sett | the Boss | January 14, 2020 |
| Lillia | the Bashful Bloom | July 22, 2020 |
| Yone | the Unforgotten | August 6, 2020 |
| Samira | the Desert Rose | September 21, 2020 |
| Seraphine | the Starry-Eyed Songstress | October 29, 2020 |
| Rell | the Iron Maiden | December 10, 2020 |
| Viego | The Ruined King | January 21, 2021 |
| Gwen | The Hallowed Seamstress | April 15, 2021 |
| Akshan | the Rogue Sentinel | July 22, 2021 |
| Vex | the Gloomist | September 23, 2021 |
Latest Champion Additions: 2022-today
Up until today, in the year 2024, the world of League of Legends has released 167 champions to the Rift. Each of these unique characters brings their own flair, strengths, and strategies to the game. The latest addition to this diverse roster is Smolder, a champion that made a grand entrance and captured players’ attention on January 31, 2024.
| Name | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Zeri | The Spark of Zaun | January 20, 2022 |
| Renata Glasc | the Chem-Baroness | February 17, 2022 |
| Bel'Veth | the Empress of the Void | June 9, 2022 |
| Nilah | the Joy Unbound | July 13, 2022 |
| K'Sante | the Pride of Nazumah | November 3, 2022 |
| Milio | The Gentle Flame | March 23, 2023 |
| Naafiri | the Hound of a Hundred Bites | July 20, 2023 |
| Briar | the Restrained Hunger | September 14, 2023 |
| Hwei | the Visionary | December 6, 2023 |
| Smolder | the Fiery Fledgling | January 31, 2024 |
Champion Reworks and Updates
Riot Games has also invested time and effort in updating and reworking older champions to bring them in line with current gameplay standards and design philosophies. These reworks ensure that classic champions remain relevant and enjoyable to play while maintaining their core identity. Some examples of successful champion reworks include Warwick, Galio, and Swain.
Visual and Gameplay Updates
Beyond full-scale champion reworks, Riot Games also focuses on visual and gameplay updates for existing champions. These updates can include improvements to the champion’s in-game models, textures, animations, and abilities. This ongoing commitment to updating older champions ensures that League of Legends remains visually appealing and mechanically engaging for players.
The Importance of Champion Balance
Champion balance is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and enjoyable gaming experience in League of Legends. Riot Games continually monitors champion performance and player feedback, making adjustments as needed to ensure that the game remains fair and competitive. By keeping an eye on champion balance, Riot Games preserves the integrity of the game and fosters a thriving player community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, League of Legends has come a long way since its initial release, boasting a constantly growing roster of champions that cater to diverse playstyles and preferences. As the game continues to evolve, players can look forward to new and exciting champions that push the boundaries of gameplay and further enrich the League of Legends experience.
From its humble beginnings in 2009 with a small collection of characters, the game has transformed into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide. Until today 167 champions were released in League of Legends.
By exploring the release dates of these champions and their impact on the game, we can gain a deeper understanding of the passion and creativity that drives the development team at Riot Games. As you continue to enjoy League of Legends, remember to appreciate the champions that have shaped the game’s rich history and look forward to the innovative characters that will define its future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many champions were released with the launch of League of Legends?
At the launch of League of Legends in 2009, there were 40 champions released, laying the foundation for the game’s diverse and ever-expanding roster.
What is the significance of understanding the timeline of champion releases?
Understanding the timeline of champion releases helps players gain valuable insights into the game’s evolution, allowing them to improve their strategies and adapt to changes in the meta. It also provides a historical context for the development and growth of the game.
How does Riot Games ensure champion balance?
Riot Games actively monitors champion performance and player feedback to maintain champion balance. The game developer frequently releases patches and updates that include balance changes to ensure fairness and a healthy gaming experience for players.
Where can players find accurate and up-to-date information on champion releases?
Players can find the most accurate and up-to-date information on champion releases by visiting the official League of Legends website, where Riot Games regularly posts announcements, patch notes, and champion spotlights. Other resources include our probuilds section.
What is the difference between a champion rework and a visual/gameplay update?
A champion rework involves a significant overhaul of a champion’s abilities, gameplay mechanics, and sometimes their visual appearance. A visual and gameplay update, on the other hand, focuses on improvements to a champion’s in-game models, textures, animations, and minor tweaks to their abilities, without making substantial changes to the champion’s overall playstyle.
Why is it important for Riot Games to update older champions?
Updating older champions is important for Riot Games to ensure that the game remains visually appealing, mechanically engaging, and consistent with current gameplay standards and design philosophies. Updates and reworks help keep classic champions relevant and enjoyable to play while preserving their core identity.
How often does Riot Games release new champions?
Riot Games has varied the frequency of new champion releases over the years. In the early days of League of Legends, new champions were released more frequently, sometimes every few weeks. In recent years, the pace has slowed down, with new champions typically being released every few months, allowing Riot Games to focus on reworks, updates, and game balance.
How do I unlock new champions in League of Legends?
Players can unlock new champions in League of Legends by spending Blue Essence, a currency earned by playing the game, leveling up, and completing missions. Alternatively, players can purchase Riot Points, a premium currency, to unlock champions faster. Occasionally, champions may also be unlocked through special events or promotions.
How can I stay informed about upcoming champion releases?
To stay informed about upcoming champion releases, follow the official League of Legends website, where Riot Games regularly posts announcements and teasers for new champions. Additionally, you can follow League of Legends on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for updates, and engage with the community on forums like Reddit, where players often share news, leaks, and speculation.
How can I learn to play a newly released champion?
To learn how to play a newly released champion, start by reading the champion’s abilities and recommended item builds. Watch the champion spotlight video released by Riot Games for a brief overview of the champion’s playstyle and mechanics. Then, practice in games against bots or in normal matches before jumping into ranked play.
What is the Public Beta Environment (PBE) and how can I access it?
The Public Beta Environment (PBE) is a separate League of Legends server used for testing new content, including upcoming champions, balance changes, and features before they are released on live servers.