League of Legends has come a long way since its launch in 2009. What began with a roster of just a few dozen champions has grown into one of the largest playable character lineups in gaming, with 173 champions now available on Summoner’s Rift.
Over nearly two decades, Riot Games has continuously expanded the roster with new fighters, mages, marksmen, assassins, tanks, and supports, helping keep the game fresh for millions of players worldwide. Each champion introduces unique mechanics, lore, and playstyles that shape the ever-evolving League of Legends meta.
Locke Becomes League’s Newest Champion
The latest addition to the roster is Locke, the Ashen Exorcist, who joined the game on June 9, 2026. Unlike previous years that saw multiple champion releases, Locke currently stands as Riot Games’ only new champion release of 2026.
Known as a relentless hunter of supernatural threats, Locke combines mystical abilities with aggressive combat tactics, bringing a fresh playstyle to the Rift.
Before Locke, Riot introduced Zaahen in late 2025, followed by Yunara and Mel earlier that year. In 2024, players welcomed Ambessa Medarda, a powerful Noxian warlord who quickly became one of the game’s most recognizable recent additions.
How Many Champions Are in League of Legends?
As of June 2026, League of Legends features 173 playable champions. Riot Games originally launched the game with a relatively small roster, but the number has steadily increased through regular champion releases, reworks, and gameplay updates.
While Riot traditionally releases three to four champions annually, the company has recently shifted its focus toward champion updates, visual overhauls, and broader gameplay improvements. As a result, champion release schedules have become less frequent than in previous years.
League of Legends Champions by Release Date
Original Champions (2009)
The first champions available during League of Legends’ early development and launch period included iconic names such as:
- Alistar
- Annie
- Ashe
- Fiddlesticks
- Jax
- Kayle
- Master Yi
- Morgana
- Nunu & Willump
- Ryze
- Sion
- Sivir
- Soraka
- Teemo
- Tristana
- Twisted Fate
- Warwick
These champions laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential competitive games in esports history.
Key Champion Milestones Through the Years
2010–2013: Rapid Expansion
During League’s early years, Riot added popular champions including:
- Garen
- Lux
- Caitlyn
- Lee Sin
- Riven
- Ahri
- Thresh
- Yasuo
- Jinx
Many of these characters remain among the most-played champions in the game today.
2014–2018: New Mechanics and Innovation
This era introduced several champions that significantly changed gameplay design:
- Azir
- Bard
- Kindred
- Camille
- Kayn
- Zoe
- Kai’Sa
- Pyke
These releases showcased Riot’s willingness to experiment with increasingly unique abilities and champion mechanics.
2019–2023: Modern League of Legends
Recent years brought another wave of highly impactful champions:
- Senna
- Aphelios
- Sett
- Viego
- Gwen
- Akshan
- Zeri
- Bel’Veth
- K’Sante
- Naafiri
- Briar
- Hwei
Each release added new strategic options and further diversified team compositions across all skill levels.
2024–2026: The Latest Generation
The newest champions to enter League of Legends are:
| Champion | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Aurora | July 17, 2024 |
| Ambessa | Nov. 6, 2024 |
| Mel | Jan. 23, 2025 |
| Yunara | July 16, 2025 |
| Zaahen | Nov. 19, 2025 |
| Locke | June 9, 2026 |
More Champions Still to Come
Although League of Legends now boasts 173 champions, Riot Games has confirmed that champion development remains an important part of the game’s future. While releases may arrive at a slower pace than before, new additions continue to expand the game’s universe and provide fresh experiences for players.
As League of Legends approaches its third decade, the champion roster remains one of the game’s biggest strengths, offering an unmatched variety of playstyles and strategies for casual and competitive players alike.
Stay tuned to Gamelevate for more League of Legends news, champion updates, esports coverage, and guides.
