One of League of Legends’ most player-friendly features is the champion rotation system. Every week, Riot Games unlocks a selection of champions for free, giving players the chance to test out new playstyles without committing Blue Essence or RP.
For newcomers, it’s a chance to experiment and find favorites. For veterans, it’s a way to keep the game fresh and broaden their champion pool.
How Champion Rotation Works
The free rotation updates every Tuesday, refreshing the lineup of champions available at no cost.
Typically, 16 champions are unlocked, though special events may expand that number.
There are a few important details to know:
- Your account must be at least level 11 to access the rotation.
- Free champions are marked with a special icon in champion select.
- They are playable in most queue types, though ranked modes usually require permanent ownership.
Riot curates the rotation to ensure a balanced mix of roles—top, jungle, mid, bot, and support—so that players can practice any lane. This design not only helps players learn counters and matchups but also encourages role flexibility.
Notably, newly released champions do not appear in the free rotation immediately. Riot holds them back for about three weeks after launch before adding them to the pool, ensuring that early buyers have some exclusivity.
How Are Champions Selected for Rotation?
The champion pool is not random. Riot considers several factors when curating the weekly roster:
- Role diversity: Ensuring every position has options.
- Archetype variety: Including tanks, assassins, mages, marksmen, and enchanters.
- Reworked or underplayed champions: Occasionally spotlighted to encourage players to try them.
- Balance and promotions: Sometimes tied to events or upcoming skin releases.
While community members often try to predict the next pool, the final selection is entirely up to Riot’s internal planning.
Where to Check the Current Rotation
Players can easily find the active rotation:
- Inside the League of Legends client, under the Free Champion Rotation tab.
- On Riot’s official news posts, which announce updates weekly.
- Via third-party sites and community trackers, which post the list as soon as it goes live.
Why the Rotation Matters
The system plays an important role in making League of Legends accessible. New players don’t need to buy dozens of champions right away, while experienced ones can test out options for expanding their pool. It also helps the community adapt, as players regularly encounter and learn against champions they might otherwise ignore.
Closing Thoughts
The champion rotation is more than just a free trial—it’s a tool for learning, variety, and accessibility. By rotating 16 champions weekly, Riot gives every player the opportunity to explore the game’s massive roster. Whether you’re looking to expand your comfort picks or test a rework before investing, the rotation ensures there’s always something new to try.
Written by:
Christian