As League of Legends continues to evolve, Riot Games constantly updates its visuals and engine to keep pace with modern hardware. Yet not every player has access to high-end PCs or gaming laptops.
For those on older systems, Riot offers a lifeline: DX9 Legacy Mode, a graphics option designed to keep the game accessible even on dated machines.
Purpose and Function
At its core, DX9 Legacy Mode allows the game to run using DirectX 9, an older graphics API. While newer versions like DirectX 10 and 11 provide sharper visuals and advanced optimizations, they also demand more from a computer’s hardware.
By enabling DX9 Legacy Mode, the client reduces graphical complexity and resource consumption. For players plagued by frame rate drops, crashes, or stuttering, the setting can restore stability and deliver a smoother gameplay experience. It’s Riot’s way of ensuring that even those with aging systems can still compete on Summoner’s Rift.
Who Should Use DX9 Legacy Mode?
This option is specifically intended for players with older or low-spec PCs. If your computer struggles with performance—constant freezing, lag spikes, or visual glitches—DX9 Legacy Mode can serve as an immediate fix.
However, for those with modern setups, the trade-offs aren’t worth it. Running the game on DirectX 11 (or higher) ensures richer visuals, better rendering, and long-term optimization. Riot itself recommends that only players experiencing consistent performance issues switch to the legacy setting.
How to Enable It
Turning on DX9 Legacy Mode is straightforward:
- Open the League of Legends client and click the settings cog in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to the Game tab.
- Tick the checkbox labeled “Prefer DX9 Legacy Mode.”
- Save changes, and restart the client if needed.
Once enabled, the game will run through DirectX 9 until the player chooses to switch back.
A Bridge Between Old and New
For Riot Games, DX9 Legacy Mode is more than a checkbox—it’s part of the studio’s commitment to accessibility. League of Legends has always thrived on being playable across a wide range of systems, from cutting-edge rigs to budget laptops. Legacy Mode ensures that even as the game’s visuals improve, the barrier to entry remains low.
As the esports scene grows and patches reshape the meta, Riot’s decision to keep supporting older hardware reflects a simple truth: League is a game for everyone. And sometimes, that means offering a way to compete without the need for the latest technology.
Written by:
Christian