In the fast-paced world of League of Legends (LoL), every second counts. Whether you’re pushing a lane, warding the jungle, or securing objectives, timing is everything. But one of the most fundamental—and often underestimated—mechanics in the game is the simple act of recalling.
Also known as “backing,” recalling allows champions to return to base instantly after a short channel time. Though it may seem like a basic skill, knowing when, where, and how to recall can spell the difference between a power spike and a lost turret, a kill and a death, or even victory and defeat. Here’s everything you need to know about recalling in League of Legends.
The Basics: How to Recall
To recall, simply press the B key (by default) on your keyboard. After a 8-second channel—during which your champion must remain stationary and not take damage—you will teleport back to your team’s Fountain. This is where you regenerate health and mana quickly, and, crucially, where you can shop for items.
Every champion has access to the recall ability from level one. It has no cooldown, no cost, and no need for summoner spell slots, making it an essential and freely available tool in every match.
Why Recalling Is So Important
- Health and Mana Regeneration
If you’re low on resources and can’t stay in lane or contest objectives, a well-timed recall helps you recover and return stronger. - Shopping for Items
Gold is useless if not spent. Backing lets you convert your earnings into game-changing items, increasing your combat power immediately. - Power Spikes and Timing
Knowing your champion’s item power spikes (e.g., when Zed gets Eclipse, or when Caitlyn completes Galeforce) means you should recall as soon as you have the gold needed for them. - Lane Control and Tempo
Strategic recalling can help you avoid ganks, reset the wave in your favor, or sync with your jungler or laner for a dive or dragon fight.
When to Recall: Timing Is Everything
A bad recall can ruin your lane. A good one can win the game.
- Wave Management: Ideally, push the wave under your enemy’s turret before recalling. This forces them to farm under tower and gives you time to return without losing minions.
- Gold Thresholds: Don’t recall randomly—try to back when you have enough gold to buy meaningful items (boots, components, or full items).
- Map Awareness: Don’t recall in obvious places or when enemies are missing. They could punish your recall with a dive or take objectives.
- Sync with Objectives: Before a dragon or Baron spawns, a recall to heal and buy wards can give your team a big advantage.
Where to Recall: Safety First
You can’t recall if you take damage, so positioning is key. Smart recall spots include:
- Brushes (Bushes): These offer cover from enemy vision.
- Far Back in Lane: Especially in early game, stepping back toward your tower reduces the risk of interruption.
- Jungle Pockets: Deeper jungle areas can be good spots to recall mid to late game—if your team has vision control.
Advanced players often use the “fake recall” tactic—pretending to recall to bait enemies into pushing or making a mistake.
Advanced Techniques
- Teleport Recall Timing (Top Lane): Many top laners use Teleport to recall, buy items, and return to lane instantly to minimize XP and CS loss.
- Recall Cancels: Enemy champions with poke or gap closers can interrupt your recall. Try recalling behind walls or in fog of war to avoid being seen.
- Fast Recalls with Mobility: Champions with dashes (e.g., Ezreal) or speed boosts can retreat to safer recall positions quicker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Recalling with No Gold: Unless you’re dying or prepping for an objective, try to stay in lane until you’ve earned enough for at least a component item.
- Recalling in Vision: Never back where enemies can see you. A single ward can ruin your plan and get you killed.
- Ignoring Objective Timers: Recalls without watching the clock can leave your team undermanned at dragon, Baron, or during a siege.
Final Thoughts
Recalling might seem like a minor mechanic in a game filled with flashy plays and complex strategy, but mastering it is a subtle art. It’s not just about going back to base—it’s about when you go, where you go from, and what you do when you return. Perfecting your recall habits can elevate your gameplay and give your team the edge they need.
So next time you’re hovering at 30% HP with 1,300 gold, remember: the B key isn’t just a getaway. It’s a tactical move. Use it wisely.
Written by:
Christian