League of Legends, a fast-paced MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) with a massive global following, can seem intimidating to newcomers. However, with a little guidance, you can quickly get up to speed on the fundamentals and start your journey on Summoner’s Rift.
Here is a comprehensive guide to help you begin playing League of Legends.
Step 1: Download and Account Setup
First, you’ll need to download the game and create an account.
- Get the Game: Go to the official Riot Games website to download the League of Legends client. The game is free to play and runs on most modern PCs.
- Create a Riot Account: You’ll need to register a Riot Games account, which will grant you access to all of their titles and social features.
- Install and Log In: Run the installer, follow the on-screen instructions, and log in with your new account.
Step 2: Complete the Tutorial
The in-game tutorial is your first and most crucial step. It will teach you the fundamental mechanics of the game, including:
- Champion Controls: How to move, use abilities, and attack.
- Last-Hitting Minions: The art of getting the final hit on a minion to earn gold, which is essential for buying items.
- Using Abilities: How to cast your champion’s unique skills.
- Shopping for Items: How to use the in-game shop to buy items that make your champion stronger.
- Basic Objectives: What you need to do to win the game.
After the tutorial, you can play Co-op vs. AI games to practice what you’ve learned in a low-pressure environment against bots.
Step 3: Learn the Gameplay Basics
The ultimate goal in a standard game of League of Legends is to destroy the enemy team’s Nexus, located in their base.
- Map Structure: The main map, Summoner’s Rift, is divided into three lanes (top, mid, and bot) and a jungle between the lanes.
- Roles: Each part of the map has a typical role. You’ll find roles such as Top Laner, Mid Laner, Jungler, ADC (Attack Damage Carry), and Support. It’s recommended to try each role in beginner games to see which one you enjoy the most.
- Champions: There are over 160 champions in the game, each with unique abilities. Start with beginner-friendly champions like Garen, Ashe, and Annie. Riot Games also rotates a pool of free-to-play champions each week, so you can experiment without needing to purchase them.
Step 4: Choose Your Game Mode
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore other game modes:
- Co-op vs. AI: Practice against computer-controlled opponents.
- Normal Games: Casual player-vs-player matches. This is the next logical step after you feel confident with the basics.
- ARAM: A fun, single-lane brawl mode that’s great for learning new champions in a chaotic setting.
- Ranked: The competitive ladder, which is unlocked at level 30 after you own at least 20 champions. It’s best to save this for when you have a solid understanding of the game.
Step 5: Master Core Concepts
To truly excel, focus on these key concepts:
- Last-Hitting: This is the most consistent way to earn gold. Practice last-hitting minions to buy powerful items.
- Warding: Place vision wards to spot enemy champions and avoid ganks (surprise attacks).
- Map Awareness: Keep a constant eye on your minimap to track enemy champions and objectives.
- Objectives: Remember that destroying towers and securing epic monsters like the Dragon and Baron are what win games, not just getting kills.
- Shop Smart: Don’t hoard your gold; spend it regularly to keep up with your opponents.
Tips for New Players
- Be Patient: League’s learning curve is steep. Don’t be discouraged by losses; every game is a learning opportunity.
- Watch Guides and Streams: YouTube tutorials and livestreams from experienced players are invaluable resources for learning.
- Play with Friends: Playing with friends can make the learning experience much more enjoyable.
- Mute Toxicity: If other players are being negative, use the mute function to maintain a positive focus.
League of Legends is a rewarding game with a lot to offer. With patience and a willingness to learn, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled player.
Written by:
Christian