League Classic’s nostalgia trip is winding down. Riot Games has confirmed that its current run will end after Season 3 of 2026, in January 2027, with the developer hoping to bring it back as an event mode later.
In brief:
- League Classic’s current run ends in January 2027.
- Riot hopes to bring it back with changes and additions.
- Some regions face reduced queue availability.
- More champions and a free Act II pass are coming before the run ends.
Why Is League Classic Ending?
Riot says most players have returned to other League modes. In some regions, that shift has caused lengthy queues and wider matchmaking skill gaps.
Classic was built around revisiting League’s early years, featuring the original Summoner’s Rift, old items, runes, masteries, and a starting roster of 60 champions. It also retained modern conveniences such as updated pings and spell buffering, giving returning players a mix of familiar mechanics and newer improvements.
Will League Classic Return as a Rotating Game Mode?
Riot’s goal is a future event-mode return with adjustments and additions. However, it hasn’t announced a return date or confirmed a recurring rotation schedule.
League Classic Updates Before January 2027
Champion additions will continue through Patch 26.23, including Council poll favorites Volibear, Urgot, and Udyr.
Patch 26.21 also brings a free-only Act II Classic Battle Pass. Japan and MENA will move to custom matches only, while selected other regions receive scheduled queue windows. Riot is also issuing refunds for Classic-specific content that will become unusable.
