Whether you’re brand new to League of Legends or just brushing up on the basics, one common question arises early: How do I make the camera follow my champion? In a game where positioning and awareness are everything, managing the camera is a fundamental skill — and knowing how to control it properly can greatly improve your performance.
Locked vs. Unlocked Camera: What’s the Difference?
League of Legends offers two main camera modes:
- Locked Camera: The view automatically follows your champion wherever they go.
- Unlocked Camera: You can manually pan around the map, allowing you to look at objectives, allies, or enemies, regardless of your champion’s location.
Each mode has its pros and cons, but many beginners start with the camera locked — it feels more intuitive and keeps the action centered.
How to Lock or Unlock the Camera
There are a few simple ways to make the camera follow your champion:
1. Toggle With the Default Hotkey
- Press the ‘Y’ key to toggle between locked and unlocked camera mode.
- When locked, the camera will follow your champion automatically.
- Press ‘Y’ again to regain manual control of the camera.
2. Click the Camera Icon
- In the in-game interface (bottom right of the screen), there’s a small camera icon.
- Click it to switch between camera modes.
- A blue camera icon means it’s locked; grey means it’s unlocked.
3. Use Semi-Locked Mode (Advanced Option)
- Enable semi-locked camera in settings if you want a hybrid approach.
- This allows you to move the camera slightly while it remains mostly centered on your champion — great for smoother tracking during intense moments.
Can I Customize the Camera Settings?
Absolutely. Riot Games allows players to fine-tune their camera experience:
- Go to Settings → Hotkeys → Camera Control to change the toggle key or assign other camera commands.
- Adjust screen edge panning, zoom sensitivity, and camera speed under the Gameplay or Interface tabs.
- Some players prefer to use the spacebar (default: center camera on champion) in combination with unlocked mode for precise control.
Why Does Camera Control Matter?
Improper camera usage can limit your awareness. Playing with a locked camera might feel safer early on, but it restricts your field of view — especially in team fights or when tracking enemies. Most high-level players eventually transition to unlocked or semi-locked mode to gain full control.
But if you’re learning, don’t worry — it’s perfectly fine to start with locked mode and gradually ease into more advanced techniques.
Final Thoughts: Follow, Then Free
Mastering the camera in League of Legends is a small adjustment that can make a big difference. Whether you stick to locked view or evolve into a free-roaming strategist, knowing how to make the camera follow your champion is the first step in controlling the battlefield — and your destiny on the Rift.
Written by:
Christian