Key information
Riot Games has announced that the League of Legends Classic mode will conclude its current run in January 2027. According to the developer, the mode will be taken offline following the end of the 2026 third season, with a specific cessation date noted as January 6, 2027, on the official support page.
The decision follows observations that player interest shifted back to other game modes over time. To address issues such as long matchmaking wait times and significant MMR disparities in regions like Taiwan and South Korea, the developer has implemented restricted availability. Classic mode is now limited to specific hours on weekdays and weekends, though custom matches remain accessible at all times.
Despite the upcoming closure, the team continues to expand the hero roster. Updates 26.20 and 26.21 have introduced several champions, with further additions planned through version 26.23. Additionally, the second phase of the Classic Pass, arriving in version 26.21, will transition to a free, single-path reward structure, and refunds will be provided for exclusive items that will no longer be usable.
Riot Games clarified that this is not a permanent removal. The studio intends to bring the mode back in the future as a limited-time event, incorporating adjustments based on lessons learned regarding which legacy mechanics successfully captured original gameplay experiences versus those that hindered modern play.
