League of Legends is globally known for its intense team-based gameplay, dynamic champions, and competitive ranked system—but one of its most overlooked elements is its maps. While most players are familiar with Summoner’s Rift, the game’s iconic battlefield, League actually offers a handful of different maps, each serving unique purposes within the broader ecosystem of the game. So, how many maps are there in League of Legends today?
The Core: Summoner’s Rift
At the heart of League of Legends lies Summoner’s Rift, the game’s primary and most famous map. Designed for 5v5 matches, it’s the only map used in professional esports and ranked solo/duo and flex queues. It features three lanes, a jungle full of monsters and buffs, and epic objectives like Baron Nashor and dragons.
Summoner’s Rift has undergone several visual and gameplay updates since League‘s launch in 2009, including terrain redesigns, graphical overhauls, and seasonal themes (like the Noxus-themed Rift introduced in 2025). But despite these changes, the fundamental structure remains the same—and it continues to be the definitive League experience.
For Faster Brawls: Howling Abyss
The second permanent map in League of Legends is Howling Abyss, used exclusively for the ARAM (All Random All Mid) game mode. This single-lane map is known for chaotic, non-stop team fights, with no jungle, no side lanes, and very little downtime. It’s a favorite for players who want a more casual, fast-paced match—where team composition is randomized and strategy takes a backseat to action.
Howling Abyss was originally introduced as a temporary event map but became permanent due to its popularity. It’s visually themed around the icy Freljord region and even contains bits of League lore through background design and character dialogue.
Rotational Maps and Limited-Time Modes
In the past, League offered rotational maps tied to specific game modes. Some notable examples include:
- Twisted Treeline: A 3v3 map with two lanes, jungle camps, and unique mechanics like the Vilemaw boss monster. It was officially retired in 2019 due to low player interest.
- Crystal Scar: Used for the Dominion mode, this circular map featured capture-point gameplay. It was removed in 2016.
- Butcher’s Bridge: A temporary, Bilgewater-themed version of Howling Abyss.
- Project: Overcharge, Star Guardian Invasion, and others: These were event-specific PvE or PvP modes on entirely custom maps.
These alternate maps provided variety and often aligned with thematic events, though none were ever integrated into the ranked ecosystem.
Map Count Today
As of 2025, League of Legends includes:
- 2 permanent maps: Summoner’s Rift (5v5) and Howling Abyss (ARAM).
- A rotating cast of limited-time maps, which appear briefly during special events and are then vaulted.
Twisted Treeline and Crystal Scar are now part of League’s history, with no signs of return. Riot Games seems to be focused on evolving the main maps rather than introducing new permanent ones.
A Focused Experience
Compared to other games with expansive map pools, League of Legends has taken a different approach. By limiting the number of maps, Riot ensures consistent gameplay balance, clear expectations, and a competitive environment where strategy can be deeply refined.
Still, players can look forward to seasonal map updates—such as changes in Summoner’s Rift based on in-game lore or global events—as Riot continues to find new ways to keep familiar terrain feeling fresh.
In short: League of Legends currently has two main maps, with a rich legacy of past arenas and a steady stream of event-based variations. The world may be vast, but the battlegrounds remain focused.
Written by:
Christian