How Many Champions Are in League of Legends

Discover how many champions are in League of Legends as of 2024, the evolution of the roster, and what this means for gameplay. Dive into roles, release trends, and more!

Entertainment Feb 5, 2025 40 Add to Reading List

Introduction: The Ever-Growing World of League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL), Riot Games’ flagship multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, has captivated millions since its 2009 debut. A cornerstone of its appeal is its diverse roster of champions—unique characters with distinct abilities, lore, and playstyles. But how many champions are in League of Legends as of 2024, and how does this impact the game? This article breaks down the current count, the history of champion releases, and their role in shaping LoL’s dynamic meta.

How Many Champions Are in League of Legends? The 2024 Count

As of July 2024, League of Legends boasts 167 champions, with Riot Games consistently expanding the roster through bi-monthly updates. The latest additions include Aurora, a frost-themed enchanter, and Skarner, reworked from his original 2011 design. This number reflects Riot’s commitment to keeping gameplay fresh, though newcomers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety.

Why the Champion Count Matters

Strategic Depth: More champions mean endless team composition possibilities.
Player Preference: Roles like assassins, tanks, or mages cater to diverse playstyles.
Meta Shifts: New or reworked champions frequently redefine the competitive landscape.

A Brief History of League of Legends Champions

When LoL launched in 2009, it featured 40 champions. Over 15 years, Riot has prioritized quality and diversity, with releases slowing slightly to focus on balancing and reworks.

Key Milestones

2010-2013: Rapid expansion (6-8 champions yearly), introducing icons like Ahri, Thresh, and Yasuo.
2014-2018: Shift toward reworks (e.g., Gangplank, Warwick) alongside new releases.
2019-Present: ~3-4 new champions annually, paired with major visual/gameplay updates (VGUs).

Roles and Classes: Understanding LoL’s Champion Diversity

Champions are categorized by roles (in-game positions) and classes (combat style). Here’s how the 167 champions break down:

Primary Roles

Top Lane: Tanks and bruisers like Darius and Ornn.
Jungle: High-mobility picks such as Lee Sin and Bel’Veth.
Mid Lane: Mages (Syndra) and assassins (Zed).
Bot Lane (ADC): Ranged carries like Jinx and Kai’Sa.
Support: Enchanters (Lulu) and engagers (Leona).

Champion Classes

Tanks, Mages, Fighters, Assassins, Marksmen, Supports
Hybrids like Sett (fighter/tank) or Seraphine (mage/support) blur these lines, adding complexity.

How Riot Games Adds New Champions

Riot’s champion design process balances creativity, lore integration, and gameplay balance. New releases follow a 4-step cycle:

Concept: Thematic inspiration (e.g., Naafiri, the first “pack” assassin).
Ability Design: Ensuring skills feel unique but not overpowered.
Testing: Weeks of tweaking in PBE (Public Beta Environment).
Release: Hype-building through teasers and cinematic trailers.

Recent champions emphasize mechanical innovation (e.g., K’Sante’s tank-damage hybrid kit) and global representation (Milio’s Latin American-inspired design).

The Impact of a Large Champion Pool

A roster of 167 champions offers benefits and challenges:

Pros

Endless Variety: No two matches play the same.
Creative Strategies: Off-meta picks can surprise opponents.
Inclusive Design: Champions cater to casual and competitive players alike.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: New players must learn hundreds of abilities.
Balance Issues: Frequent patches are needed to maintain fairness.
Power Creep: Newer champions often have overloaded kits.

What’s Next for League of Legends Champions?

Riot plans to release 2-3 new champions annually, alongside reworks for older ones (e.g., Shyvana, Tryndamere). Upcoming themes include:

A non-binary, artistic mid-lane mage from the Ixtal region.
A void-themed jungler with terrain-altering how many champions in league of legends abilities.

The focus remains on quality over quantity, ensuring each champion enriches LoL’s universe and meta.

Conclusion: The Heart of LoL’s Longevity

So, how many champions are in League of Legends? With 167 and counting, the game thrives on strategic diversity and constant evolution. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, mastering even a fraction of the roster offers endless opportunities for creativity and competition. As Riot Games continues to innovate, one thing is certain: the world of Runeterra will only grow richer.