How Many Champions Are in League of Legends

How Many Champions Are in League of Legends? (2024 Update)

League of Legends (LoL), developed by Riot Games, has captivated millions of players worldwide since its 2009 debut. Central to its appeal is its ever-expanding roster of unique champions, each offering distinct abilities, lore, and playstyles. As of 2024, there are 165 champions in League of Legends, a number that continues to grow with seasonal updates. This article explores the evolution of LoL’s champion roster, their impact on gameplay, and why this diversity keeps the game fresh.

The Growth of League of Legends’ Champion Roster

When League of Legends launched in 2009, it introduced 40 champions, including iconic figures like Ashe, Ryze, and Annie. Over the years, Riot Games has prioritized expanding the game’s universe, averaging 4-6 new champions annually. Here’s a timeline of key milestones:

• 2013: The roster hit 100 champions with Jinx, the explosive marksman.

• 2021: The 150th champion, Viego, the Ruined King, joined the fray.

• 2024: The count stands at 165 champions, with new additions like Hwei, the visionary mage.

Riot has shifted from rapid releases to a balanced approach, focusing on reworks (updating older champions) and ensuring each new character fills a unique niche. This strategy maintains gameplay balance while keeping the meta dynamic.

Categories of Champions: A Diverse Playground

Champions are classified by roles (Top, Jungle, Mid, ADC, Support) and subclasses, catering to varied playstyles:

1. Tanks (e.g., Ornn, Leona): High durability, crowd control.

2. Mages (e.g., Syndra, Lux): Burst damage from range.

3. Assassins (e.g., Zed, Katarina): High mobility, single-target focus.

4. Marksmen (e.g., Caitlyn, Ezreal): Ranged physical damage.

5. Fighters (e.g., Darius, Fiora): Melee bruisers with sustain.

6. Supports (e.g., Thresh, Lulu): Team utility and healing.

This diversity ensures every player finds a champion that aligns with their strategy, whether they prefer aggressive engages or tactical support.

Why a Large Champion Pool Matters

A vast roster enriches LoL’s gameplay but presents challenges:

For New Players:

• Overwhelm: Learning 165 champions’ abilities can be daunting.

• Choice Paralysis: Finding a “main” requires experimentation.

• Resources: Guides and tier lists help newcomers navigate options.

For Veterans:

• Meta Shifts: New champions disrupt established strategies.

• Skill Ceiling: Mastering matchups against all champions tests adaptability.

• Freshness: Regular updates prevent stagnation.

Riot mitigates imbalance through frequent patches and reworks, ensuring no champion remains overpowered.

Trivia: Champion Milestones and Oddities

• First Champion: Ryze, the Rune Mage (2009).

• 100th Champion: Jinx, the Loose Cannon (2013).

• 150th Champion: Viego, the Ruined King (2021).

• Unique Mechanics: Aurelion Sol’s star-based gameplay; Aphelios’s rotating weapon system.

These milestones highlight Riot’s creativity and commitment to innovation.

FAQs About LoL Champions

1. How often does Riot release new champions?

   • Approximately 4-6 times yearly, often tied to seasonal events.

2. What’s the exact champion count in 2024?

   • 165 as of January 2024. Check Riot’s official site for updates.

3. Who was the latest champion added?

   • Hwei, a painter-mage with spell combinations,league of legends debuted in late 2023.

4. Can there be too many champions?

   • Riot balances quantity with quality, ensuring each addition feels distinct.

Conclusion

League of Legends’ 165 champions offer unparalleled strategic depth, ensuring no two matches play alike. From explosive marksmen to cunning assassins, this ever-growing roster cements LoL’s status as a titan of the MOBA genre. As Riot Games continues to innovate, players can expect more champions, reworks, and meta-shifting updates.

Stay tuned to Riot’s patch notes and official channels for the latest additions. Whether you’re a seasoned summoner or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the League!