While there’s no single-player “story mode” in League of Legends, the game has a massive and continuously developing narrative universe called Runeterra. This lore has become a central part of the game’s identity, with an expansive history that includes ancient wars, magical realms, and over 170 champions, each with their own unique background and motivations.
How Riot Games Tells the Story
The lore of League of Legends has evolved significantly over time. Initially, champions were described as fighting as proxies to prevent larger wars, but since 2014, Riot Games has shifted to building a complex world with its own history, politics, and cultures. The story is now told through a variety of media:
- Champion Biographies and Stories: Every champion has a detailed biography and related fiction that explores their origins, allegiances, and rivalries.
- Cinematics and Animations: High-quality animated shorts are regularly released to tease major events or develop character arcs.
- Comics, Novels, and Standalone Games: The universe is expanded through projects like the comic series, published novels, and single-player games such as Ruined King: A League of Legends Story.
- External Media: The Netflix animated series Arcane is a prime example of how the lore has been brought to a wider, mainstream audience.
Lore vs. Gameplay
It’s important to understand that the in-game matches themselves are not considered part of the official canon. They are viewed as “what-if” scenarios, which explains why two of the same champion can be on opposing teams or why certain rivalries are set aside for the duration of a match. The true narrative progresses through updates to the lore, new champion releases, and the various multimedia projects that build upon the world of Runeterra.
Summary
League of Legends has one of the most ambitious and detailed universes in gaming. Its lore is a rich tapestry of stories, continually expanded through a wide range of media, from champion bios to critically acclaimed animated series. While the core game remains a competitive multiplayer experience, the surrounding narrative provides a deep and engaging world for players to explore.
Written by:
Christian