When League of Legends officially launched its servers on October 27, 2009, it wasn’t just introducing a new game; it was laying the groundwork for a global phenomenon. At its debut, the game presented players with a diverse and now-legendary cast of 40 champions.
These original characters were the pioneers that defined the early landscape of Summoner’s Rift, setting the stage for a universe that would eventually expand to over 170 champions by 2025.
From Alpha to Launch: The Genesis of Giants
The journey of League of Legends’ champions began even before the official release. In February 2009, during the initial Alpha testing phase, a select group of 17 champions first graced the virtual battleground. This foundational lineup included names that would become synonymous with the game’s identity, such as the pyromaniac Annie, the iconic Frost Archer Ashe, and the arcane master Ryze.
As development progressed through the rigorous beta phase, Riot Games continually expanded this core roster. Each addition brought new playstyles, pushed mechanical boundaries, and further refined the game’s emerging archetypes, building anticipation for the full launch.
The Inaugural Roster: 40 Champions Strong
By the time League of Legends officially went live in October 2009, the champion pool had grown to a robust 40 characters. This initial cadre represented a broad spectrum of roles and gameplay styles, encompassing resilient tanks, spell-slinging mages, elusive assassins, and potent marksmen.
Many of these foundational champions, like the unyielding Alistar, the terrifying Fiddlesticks, and the notoriously mischievous Teemo, have not only endured but remain actively played and beloved by the community to this day. Their timeless designs have allowed them to remain relevant through countless updates and meta shifts.
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A Glimpse at the First Champions (Alpha and Launch Era):
The very first champions who stepped onto the Rift, many of whom are still instantly recognizable, include:
- Annie (The Dark Child)
- Ashe (The Frost Archer and Tutorial Guide)
- Ryze (The Rune Mage)
- Alistar (The Minotaur)
- Fiddlesticks (The Ancient Fear)
- Teemo (The Swift Scout)
- Master Yi (The Wuju Bladesman)
- Kayle (The Righteous)
- Jax (Grandmaster at Arms)
- Morgana (The Fallen)
- Soraka (The Starchild)
- Sion (The Undead Juggernaut)
- Nunu & Willump (The Boy and His Yeti)
- Sivir (The Battle Mistress)
- Twisted Fate (The Card Master)
- Warwick (The Uncaged Wrath of Zaun)
- Tristana (The Yordle Gunner)
Additionally, notable champions such as Zilean, Singed, Twitch, Tryndamere, Evelynn, and Karthus were introduced during the expansive beta stage, further enriching the game’s diversity just before its public release.
Legacy and Enduring Impact
These first 40 champions were far more than just a starting lineup; they were instrumental in forging the very identity and early competitive landscape of League of Legends. Their distinct abilities, compelling personalities, and foundational lore established the creative direction for the hundreds of releases that would follow.
While many of these pioneers have received significant visual and gameplay updates (known as Visual and Gameplay Updates, or VGUs) over the years to modernize them, their core essence, signature abilities, and thematic identity have largely remained intact. This endurance is a powerful testament to their initial design brilliance and their lasting resonance within the game’s massive player base.
Conclusion
The original champions of League of Legends are not merely a nostalgic echo; they are the bedrock upon which a vast and continuously evolving gaming universe has been built. From Annie’s fiery summon Tibbers to Teemo’s infamous, elusive mushrooms, these foundational characters continue to captivate, inspire, and challenge players across generations.
Their enduring popularity and robust design prove that certain elements of game design truly stand the test of time, cementing their place as true legends of the Rift.
Written by:
Christian