Navigating the vast roster of League of Legends can feel overwhelming, but acquiring new champions is a straightforward process once you understand the systems in place. This guide breaks down every method available, from the most basic free options to the more advanced approaches for dedicated players.
Understanding Champion Currency
The foundation of acquiring champions revolves around two primary currencies: Blue Essence and Riot Points. Blue Essence is the free currency earned by leveling up your account and completing specific missions, while Riot Points are the premium currency purchased with real money. Knowing the distinction between these two is crucial for managing your resources effectively and maximizing your champion collection without unnecessary spending.
Unlocking Champions with Blue Essence
For the frugal summoner, Blue Essence is the primary tool for expansion. You earn this currency simply by playing the game, with substantial bonuses awarded when you level up your account. The most reliable method is to dive into the practice tool or unranked games, as each match grants experience that contributes to your overall summoner level. Additionally, completing the weekly missions provides a steady stream of Blue Essence, allowing you to unlock new champions every few days without touching your wallet.
Weekly Free Champion Rotation
Access the "Free Champions" section in the client to view the current weekly rotation.
These champions are available for free for one week, providing a risk-free opportunity to test new playstyles.
Mark your calendar to claim the free champion before the rotation changes at midnight local time.
Use this feature to fill your roster with diverse picks, ensuring you always have a counter to enemy strategies.
The Instant Gratification of Riot Points
When you find a champion that perfectly fits your strategy and you want to play them immediately, purchasing them with Riot Points is the solution. The store interface is intuitive, allowing you to filter champions by cost, role, or specific sets. While this requires a financial investment, it eliminates the grind of waiting for Blue Essence to accumulate. Keep an eye out for sales and bundles, as these often provide significant value and allow you to acquire multiple champions or skins for a discounted price.
Strategic Savings and Bundles
Riot Games frequently offers champion bundles that provide a substantial discount compared to buying each champion individually. These collections are often themed around specific lore, regions, or gameplay styles. By planning your purchases, you can save a considerable amount of Riot Points. Instead of impulse buying, set a goal for the next bundle you want to complete and calculate how much real money you would save by waiting for the promotion rather than buying champions as they are released.
Alternative Acquisition Methods
Beyond the standard store, there are niche methods to expand your roster. Legacy Gamepins, which were purchased in the past, can still be redeemed for a selection of champions available through that program. Furthermore, special events and anniversary celebrations sometimes grant exclusive champions directly to your collection. While these are less common, they represent valuable opportunities to add unique titles to your library without spending additional money or Blue Essence.
Building Your Roster Efficiently
Acquiring champions is only half the battle; building a cohesive roster is the real challenge. Focus on filling gaps in your preferred roles rather than collecting every champion available. Identify which roles you enjoy most and prioritize unlocking champions that synergize with your team composition. A well-rounded collection of 10 versatile champions is far more valuable than a scattered pool of 50 champions with no clear synergy or mastery.
