In a move that brought two gaming giants closer, Riot Games and Microsoft announced a groundbreaking partnership in late 2022: PC Game Pass subscribers would gain exclusive benefits in several Riot titles — including League of Legends, Valorant, Legends of Runeterra, and more.
For League of Legends players, this means instant access to all champions, XP boosts, and additional in-game rewards. But to enjoy these perks, users must first link their Riot Games and Xbox Game Pass accounts — a process that’s simple but sometimes overlooked.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to connect Game Pass to League of Legends, and what benefits await on the other side.
What You Get by Connecting Game Pass to League of Legends
Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why you should connect:
- All 160+ champions unlocked
- Day-one access to new champions
- 20% XP boost on Summoner Level progression
- Exclusive monthly in-game rewards (skins, capsules, etc.)
These features are available only while your Game Pass subscription is active and your Riot account remains connected.
Step-by-Step: How to Connect Game Pass to League of Legends
1. Get a PC Game Pass Subscription
If you haven’t already, subscribe to PC Game Pass (or Game Pass Ultimate, which includes PC access). You can do this via the Xbox Game Pass website.
2. Install the Xbox App on PC
Download and install the Xbox App for Windows. This app manages your Game Pass subscription and connects you to available games.
3. Open the Xbox App and Find Riot Games Titles
Search for League of Legends or “Riot Games” within the app. You’ll be prompted to install Riot Client if you don’t already have it.
4. Click “Link Riot Account”
When prompted, click “Link Account” to connect your Xbox account with your Riot Games account. You’ll be redirected to a Riot Games login page where you must sign in with your existing Riot credentials.
5. Authorize the Connection
Grant permission for the accounts to sync. This step links your Game Pass benefits with your League profile.
6. Log In via Riot Client and Launch League
Once linked, open the Riot Client, log in, and launch League of Legends. Your Game Pass benefits — including champion access — should be available immediately.
How to Verify It Worked
You can confirm the link in two ways:
- In League of Legends: Go to the “Collections” tab → “Champions” — all champions should be selectable (no orange lock icons).
- In your Riot Account settings: Under “Connected Accounts,” you should see “Xbox” listed.
If the benefits don’t show up right away, restarting the Riot Client or logging out and back in can help.
What Happens If You Cancel Game Pass?
If your Game Pass subscription ends:
- You lose access to unlocked champions (unless you already owned them).
- You keep earned rewards, like skins or tokens.
- You can relink any time by reactivating your Game Pass.
Final Thoughts
For League of Legends fans, linking Game Pass is one of the best value moves you can make — especially for new players looking to skip the long grind of unlocking champions. With just a few clicks, you get full access to Riot’s roster, faster leveling, and unique monthly goodies.
In an increasingly cross-platform world, the Riot–Xbox collaboration is a bold example of how ecosystems can work together, giving players more freedom and better value. All that’s left is to link your accounts and hit the Rift.
Written by:
Christian