Riot Reportedly Working on 'League of Legends Classic' Server
Riot Games is reportedly developing a League of Legends Classic server, according to claims made by former professional players Kim 'Doinb' Tae-sang and Jian 'Uzi' Zihao. The rumor, which suggests a release could occur as early as July 2026, has sparked speculation about which era of the popular MOBA might be returning.
During a recent stream, Doinb stated that a classic server is set to launch “next month,” noting that he plans to invite old veterans and former teammates to stream the experience. While Doinb admitted that an exact release date has not been confirmed, he emphasized that his sources point to an early July window. Uzi also addressed the rumors on stream, confirming that he is aware of the project but stating he “can't talk about this” beyond suggesting it is “coming soon.”
While Riot has not publicly responded to the claims—with the developer currently focused on its upcoming champion, Locke—industry watchers have noted potential signs of activity. Iconic World of Warcraft Classic streamer Tim 'Esfand' Esfandiari attended a mystery event at Riot HQ on June 6, fueling speculation that the studio may be preparing for a classic-focused announcement.
Source Reliability
Credibility Rating: 4/5 Stars
The rumor carries weight due to the status of the sources. Doinb is known for being a reliable, albeit compulsive, leaker regarding LPL business and has previously faced fines for discussing internal industry matters. While Riot has yet to provide an official comment, the corroboration between two high-profile former pros and the recent mysterious visit from a known 'Classic' genre streamer adds significant credence to the reports.
What Could a 'Classic' League Look Like?
It remains unclear what form a potential League of Legends Classic would take. The project could manifest as a limited-time game mode, a standalone server, or an entirely new gameplay experience. Fans are already debating potential iterations, ranging from the original 2009 launch build with 40 champions to even earlier versions featuring the initial roster of 17 characters.
Regardless of the specific era Riot might choose to replicate, the move would align with a broader industry trend of revisiting earlier versions of popular live-service titles, such as World of Warcraft Classic, Fortnite OG, and the 2025 arrival of Overwatch Classic. For now, players are waiting to see if Riot will pivot from its current development cycle to officially announce a trip back to the game's roots.