Before the advent of Mythic Essence, the most coveted currency in the world of League of Legends was the gemstone. These rare, glimmering artifacts were the backbone of the Hextech Crafting system, serving as the exclusive key to unlocking some of the game’s most prestigious cosmetics. While no longer in circulation, their legacy defines how players acquire and value rare loot today.
The Era of Gemstones
Introduced in patch V6.3, gemstones were a unique and thrilling addition to the game’s loot economy. Unlike Riot Points or Blue Essence, gemstones could not be purchased directly from the store.
Their rarity made them a prize in themselves, found only through the random luck of opening Hextech Chests, participating in special events, or reaching milestones in certain game modes. The low drop rate from chests—often less than 4%—meant that acquiring even a single gemstone felt like a significant accomplishment, rewarding patience and persistent play.
The true value of a gemstone was realized in the Hextech Crafting menu. Here, players would save up to ten gemstones to forge an exclusive Hextech-themed skin, a visual emblem of their dedication. Skins like Hextech Annie, Hextech Alistar, and Hextech Nocturne were the ultimate prize for collectors, each one a testament to the time and effort invested.
Beyond champion skins, gemstones could also be redeemed for rare ward skins and special icons, cementing their role as the premier currency for premium, non-purchasable content. This system created a vibrant collector’s community, where the appearance of a Hextech skin in-game was a clear signal of a player’s engagement and luck.
The Shift to Mythic Essence
However, as League of Legends’ crafting system evolved, Riot Games recognized a need for a more streamlined approach. With multiple rare currencies and event tokens, the system had become complex and confusing for many players.
In a major overhaul in 2022, Riot announced the phasing out of gemstones, replacing them with a unified currency: Mythic Essence. This change, which arrived with patch V12.6, simplified the process for everyone. All existing gemstones in players’ inventories were automatically converted to Mythic Essence at a rate of 1 gemstone to 10 Mythic Essence.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Mythic Essence has fully taken over the role of its predecessor. It serves as the single currency for the Mythic Shop, a rotating collection of exclusive and returning prestige skins, including the very same Hextech cosmetics that were once the domain of gemstones.
While the gemstone itself has vanished, its purpose remains. It paved the way for a more accessible and organized system, ensuring that the rarest cosmetics continue to be a symbol of prestige for players dedicated to the hunt for unique loot.
Written by:
Christian