Diving into the Rift: Your 2025 Guide to Starting a League of Legends Game

For millions worldwide, League of Legends represents an engaging blend of strategy, skill, and thrilling team combat. Whether you’re a complete newcomer eager to experience your first match or a seasoned veteran looking to set up a specific custom lobby, getting into a game on Summoner’s Rift is a surprisingly straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your League of Legends journey in 2025.

1. The First Step: Download and Account Setup

Your adventure begins with the game client itself. Head to Riot Games’ official website to download League of Legends. Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to create a Riot Games account if you don’t already have one, then simply log in. The onboarding process is designed to be user-friendly, and thankfully, League of Legends is optimized to run smoothly on most modern PCs.

2. Learn the Ropes: Complete the Tutorial

Before you jump into the heart of the action, completing the in-game tutorial is a non-negotiable step, especially for new players. This interactive mode provides essential foundational knowledge: you’ll learn basic controls, how to use champion abilities, the crucial art of “last-hitting” minions for gold, wielding summoner spells, purchasing items, and understanding key objectives like towers and the Nexus. This guided introduction is paramount to building a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics.

3. Choose Your Arena: Select Your Game Mode

Once the tutorial is complete, the client will present you with several game mode options, catering to different preferences and skill levels:

• Co-op vs. AI: This is an excellent starting point. You’ll team up with other human players to face off against computer-controlled bots. It’s a low-pressure environment perfect for practicing mechanics, understanding champion kits, and getting a feel for the flow of a game.
• Normal (Blind or Draft Pick): These are the standard player-versus-player (PvP) matches. Blind Pick is less structured, allowing both teams to pick champions simultaneously. Draft pick involves a ban phase and sequential champion picks, offering a more strategic experience.
• Ranked: Once you’ve reached a certain account level, Ranked games unlock. These are competitive matches with a tiered ranking system, where your performance directly impacts your position on the ladder.
• ARAM (All Random All Mid): A fast-paced, single-lane brawl where champions are randomly assigned. It’s great for quick, chaotic fun and learning new champions in a less formal setting.

For your very first live matches, Co-op vs. AI or Normal games are highly recommended to build confidence and familiarity.

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4. Embarking on a Standard Game

To queue up for a standard League of Legends match:

1. Click the “Play” button, located at the top left of the client.
2. Select your desired map or mode (e.g., Summoner’s Rift for standard games, ARAM for a quick brawls).
3. Choose your preferred queue type (e.g., Solo/Duo for ranked with a friend, Flex for a full team ranked experience, Blind for casual fun, or Draft for a more strategic normal game).
4. Click “Confirm” to enter the matchmaking queue.
5. Once a match is found, you’ll transition into Champion Select. Here, you’ll pick the champion you wish to play for that game. If you’re new and haven’t unlocked many champions, utilize the free weekly rotation to try out different options. After selecting your champion, lock in your choice.
6. Following a brief loading screen, you’ll be transported directly into the game.

5. Crafting Your Own Realm: Custom Games

For private matches with friends, dedicated practice sessions, or organized team scrims, custom games are your go-to:

1. Click the “Play” button.
2. Select “Custom” or “Create Custom.”
3. Choose the map you wish to play on (Summoner’s Rift is the most common).
4. Adjust specific settings like the game type and, if you desire a private lobby, add a password.
5. Invite your friends directly or add AI bots to fill out the teams.
6. Once all participants are ready and in their designated spots, click “Start Game” to proceed to Champion Select.

6. Joining Organized Play: Tournament Codes

If you’re participating in an official tournament or an organized match, you’ll typically receive a specific code:

1. Click the “Play” button.
2. Look for a trophy icon or an option labeled “Custom.”
3. Enter the provided tournament code to seamlessly join the pre-configured lobby.

Tips for New Summoners:

• Champion Choices: Start with beginner-friendly champions like Garen, Ashe, Annie, Amumu, or Leona. They have straightforward kits that allow you to focus on fundamental gameplay.
• Patience is Key: Stick to Normal or Co-op vs. AI games until you feel genuinely comfortable with the game’s core mechanics and flow.
• Embrace Learning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different champions and roles. Every match, whether a win or a loss, is an opportunity to learn and improve.

In essence, starting a League of Legends game in 2025 is a well-designed process that guides players from initial download and tutorial to varied game modes. Whether you prefer to queue solo, join friends for a private match, or enter an organized tournament, the system is built to be accessible, inviting newcomers and veterans alike into the thrilling world of Summoner’s Rift.