League of Legends Beginner's Guide

New to League of Legends in 2026? How a game works, which role and champions to start with, which modes to play and when you're ready for ranked.

Updated 31 October 2026Checked for patch patch 26.215 sources
Image: League of Legends / YouTube

League of Legends is a free-to-play team game: two teams of five, each player controlling one champion, fight on a map called Summoner's Rift. A typical game lasts about half an hour. There are 173 champions to choose from as of patch 26.21, which sounds like a lot – but you only need a handful to get started.

Step 1: Understand the goal

Destroy the NexusEach team has a Nexus in its base. Break the enemy's and you win.
Three lanesTop, Mid and Bot lanes lead to the bases, guarded by turrets and inhibitors.
Farm goldLast-hit minions and take kills for gold, then buy items in your base.
Take objectivesDragons, Baron Nashor and other neutral monsters give the whole team powerful buffs.

Step 2: Your path from first game to ranked

1. Play the tutorialIt teaches movement, abilities, last-hitting and shopping in a few short games.
2. Pick a roleChoose one main position and learn it first.
3. Learn 2–3 championsSimple kits like Garen, Annie, Ashe, Warwick or Leona let you focus on the game itself.
4. Practise against botsCo-op vs AI is a safe place to try a new champion before you face people.
5. Play normal gamesSwiftplay and Normal Draft put you against real players without risking a rank.
6. Try rankedAt level 30 with at least 20 champions you can start your placements.

Step 3: Pick the right game mode

Not every game has to be on Summoner's Rift. These modes are a good place to learn champions and have fun. Some, like Arena and League Classic, rotate in and out, so check your client.

Summoner's RiftThe classic 5v5 map – Normal Draft, Swiftplay (a faster version) and Ranked.
ARAMOne lane, random champions, non-stop fights. Great for learning many champions.
ARAM: MayhemARAM with Arena-style augments that give wild power-ups.
ArenaTeams of two fight round after round, picking augments and items between rounds.
League ClassicLaunched in July 2026: old versions of champions and items from League's early years.
Co-op vs AIYour team against bots at several difficulty levels.

Tips that help every new player

Last-hit minionsYou only get a minion's gold if you land the killing blow – the most important early skill.
Check the minimapIf an enemy laner disappears, ping your teammates and play safe.
Place wardsWards show you enemies in the fog. Vision prevents most surprise deaths.
Use recommended itemsThe shop suggests builds for your champion – fine until you know the game.
Spend Blue EssenceYou earn Blue Essence by playing and can unlock every champion with it.
Read patch notesBalance changes every two weeks. Our patch articles sum up what matters.

Keep up with the game

League changes every patch. Patch 26.21 went live on October 21, 2026 – see our patch 26.21 notes – and the Worlds 2026 World Championship is running right now. Our Worlds 2026 guide has the schedule and every team. For the story, watch the cinematics in order.

Our League of Legends articles on this

Reference page written by AI (Claude) and checked against the sources above. Games change with every patch – the patch this page was last checked for is shown at the top.